Cultural Translation
“Now there was a certain rich man, and he habitually dressed in purple and fine linen, gaily living in splendor every day.” Luke 16:19
Gaily Living – “Reading the Bible in a translation is like kissing your new bride through a veil.”[1] Kenneth Bailey underlines Bialik’s point in this parable.[2] The translation “living gaily” disguises a man whose life displayed a disdain for the Torah, but we would never know that unless we read the words as they would have been understood in Hebrew. Bailey translates the Greek euphrainomenos lampros as “feasted sumptuously.” The change is important. Why? Because in Hebrew context this man violates the Sabbath! He does not fast. He does not provide rest for his servants (since they must attend to him every day). He does not honor one day differently than any other day. Every day is about his needs and desires. He is a man of lawlessness. And just to make sure we see the picture, Yeshua characterizes him as dressing in purple robes and fine Egyptian cotton (underwear) every day! Purple robes were extremely expensive and a sign of royalty. They were worn on special occasions. But this man displayed himself and his wealth on every occasion. His ego was much bigger than his stomach.
Bailey also points out that this is the only parable where a person has a name – Lazarus. That name means “the one God helps.” But it certainly doesn’t seem to be the case in this story. The rich man lives a life of ego mania while Lazarus wastes away at the rich man’s outer gate. Where is God when it matters? Ah, that’s the point of the story, isn’t it? What matters is the compassion shown while we have the opportunity to show it. This is a lesson that the rich man learns too late. He had the opportunity to be the hands and feet of the compassionate God. He could have acted as YHWH acts. But he chose to serve himself. And in the end, he is no longer capable of being served.
Measure for measure. As you give, so it will be given to you. There are many, many opportunities to show grace toward someone in need. These opportunities are not always convenient, not always encouraged, not always recognized by others. But YHWH sees them because they are the acts of His servants. The question is only this: Do we see them as He does? Are we concerned with the image of our lives, the outward display of our status and importance, or are we looking for the one at the gate, hoping that YHWH will be gracious enough to provide us with a chance to heal, to comfort or to feed someone in need?
Today we may not dress in purple robes. We may not feast sumptuously every day. But we may still be consumed with what we think is good for us. It is difficult to look past the outer gates of our lives and see the need lying before our feet. Our eyes are clouded with self-concerns, some of them quite legitimate. But eternity hangs in the balance here. To serve is to be served. To ignore is to one day be ignored. Measure for measure. How is it adding up for you?
Topical Index: gaily living, euphrainomenos lampros, feasting sumptuously, Sabbath, compassion, Luke 16:19, Lazarus
[1] Haim Nachman Bialik (Jewish Poet, 1873-1934)
[2] Kenneth Bailey, Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes, pp. 378-396
Hi Skip. My understanding is that Lazarus is the Greek transliteration of Eliezer (since all masculine Greek proper names end in ‘s’). El – God, i – my, ‘ezer (we know that one well 😉 ). God (is) my helper, protector, shield (this is the same name as Abraham’s servant who went to find a wife for Isaac).
The parables of Yeshua are deeper than deep, proving once again- “every word of G-d is pure.” “As for G-d, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him.” (Psalm 18:30)
Does this include us, today? May we (you and I) live the story of this ‘rich’ man and Lazurus?
Do we see the deeper meaning within this story? This parable (as in all parables of Yeshua) is an earthly story with a heavenly message.
“Find in your Bibles Luke chapter 16.” (lol!) Is this “story” spoken by Yeshua and recorded in G-d’s book written for our enjoyment and entertainment or is it another part of G-d’s B-asic I-nstructions B-efore L-eaving E-arth written for our enlightenment and employment? Do we “see” ourselves in this story? After that “sumptuous” meal I ate yesterday..-who is the rich man? (-me.)
In this teaching from our Teacher, who had a name? Who was “named” in this story? “Someone” knew the name of this crippled beggar and recorded his name in His book. Yes, excellent question..- are names important in the Hebrew line of thought? Is this “detail” important enough for us to notice or to care? The beggar’s name was Lazarus – G-d knew his name. – Does G-d also know our names? Or are we someone who also wears the color purple, faring sumptuously everyday not caring about those about us who are in need?
Have we noticed from this passage of scripture what “occurs” after death? What about the “rest of the story?” Radical change could we say? What once was up is now down and down is now up. G-d does not see as man sees,- does He? For He looks upon our hearts. Yes, some may call it a “paradigm shift.”
David also in his many psalms to G-d “confessed”- ADONAI,- you are my Helper, my Strength, my Comfort, my Shepherd, my Shield, my Rock, my Redeemer, my Fortress, my hiding place, my King and my Friend -May we say the same as he?
My friends, Hallelujah!- my name is Lazarus/Eliezer and YHWH knows my name. My chains are gone, I’ve been set free, my G-d, my Savior has ransomed me, and like a flood His mercy reigns, amazing love- amazing grace.
Shalom to all! It has struck me deeply for years that Yeshua gives a name for the beggar who has nothing to give or offer. (it may be possible his offer is our opportunity to love) Instead of, the rich man who has much to give, and what does he do? He hoards and lavishly uses it on himself.
Hi Brian, are you new to Today’s Word? It would be nice if we could connect more with each other.
Shalom Robin,
I have been reading for about a year and a half. It has been rather recent that I have started blogging thoughts and comments. I have been a believer a long time and studying my roots for about 2 1/2 decades.
It is thrilling for me to get so close to the Rabbi, Yeshua! I want to taste and continue to taste the dust of his sandals!
Thank you for trying to connect with me. May by his good mercy, grace, and timing we will have more oppurtunities to connect. Blessings to you!
Hi Brian, are you new to Today’s Word? It would be nice if we all could connect more with each other.
I meant all of Today’s Word people connecting more together. Robin
You are the Lord our God, who brought us out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
Father, forgive us for having other gods before you.
Father, forgive us for worshipping the works of our hands and our abilities. For worshipping the creature and creation, instead of the Creator. You are Jealous and desire no competitors.
Father, forgive us in living such a way (word and deed) that takes your name in vain.
Father, forgive us for not remembering the Sabbath day and Keeping it holy. For not ceasing from our labors and entering into yours. For not allowing your good creation and creatures to rest.
Father, forgive us for not honoring our fathers and mothers. For not allowing them to have their place of honor in our lives. Allowing them to speak the truth and wisdom of their years. For displacing them with the idol and fear of growing older and worshipping youthfullness.
Father, forgive us for all the murdering that has happened and continues to this day. Forgive us for destroying all these precious and holy worlds. For murdering people groups/cultures with our desire for more and more. While feeding our ravenous appetites, with no respect for human dignity or their cultural significance and beauty.
Father, forgive us for committing adultery with our mind/hearts, and bodies.
Father, forgive us for stealing so much, for the sake of power, progress, and money.
Father, forgive us for bearing false witness against our neighbor. For tearing down their character and slandering their name.
Father, forgive us for coveting our neighbors house. For tripping up and coveting their wives, children, and possessions.
Father, this was a major theme of the King of heaven; “repent for the kingdom of heaven is here!”
Yes, may we return to you and your Torah with full mind and direction change. That the world may know the awe and wonder of your name, and the completed work of the Messiah, Yeshua! May your kingdom advance through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit who is with, within, and upon us!
Brian, thanks for posting this magnificent prayer. It truly describes our erring ways.
Thanks too for the reminder that the kingdom advances “through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit who is with, within, and upon us!” Without Him within us we’d have no hope of holy living. How blessed we are to have the Spirit who lovingly gathers us up out of our mess and empowers us to change. He restores and rebuilds us from the inside. Praise for his grace and love towards us!
SKIP/et al.
I spent lots of days thinking on this scripture; when we lived in Lahore, West Pakistan, I rode in a carpool to teach in the English speaking school, therefore; I was able to observe the homes we passed. They were varied from mud huts on; one along the route was a compound with a mansion that had a high white solid stucco fence across the frontage. Right next to the iron locked gate was a makeshift hut–with a cloth covering for the top, four poles to hold the covering, next to the outside of the front opening was a small charcoal cooking burner that I never saw burning. One old man lived there, and as we regularly passed there I was always caught up with the verse above, but I never saw anyone, not even a servant, open the gates and give the man a morsel. I so longed to see someone give him something out of the mansion. I was young, and very much in “Culture Shock”, riding with several others, including our own children, in the van. I was far too timid, and never actually asked anyone to stop and let me give my lunch to him. But years later when I became for more bold in ministry for the Lord, I have done such things often in the states. — I have had to even warn of the dangers to one of our own beautiful grown granddaughters, about buying food and when stopping at lights and stop signs giving her food away. Once recently, she had two burritos in the back seat in a sack with her three year old, and saw this man at the side of the road begging; she asked for the daughter to hand her the sack, the daughter began to cry and say mom, please do I have to give him my burrito, too? — And of course she said no, I will just give him mine.—This 26 year old lady, has such a heart of compassion for the poor, and all the outcast: that is one of the rewards on earth, to see your children and grandchildren doing what God’s Word says. L.B/Ed