Definition: And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 16:24. It's a really intense and dramatic passage about suffering and desperation. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Core Situation: Jesus is incredibly upset and feeling tormented – meaning he’s experiencing extreme pain and distress. He’s trapped in a fiery place (likely a furnace or oven) and feels like he can't breathe because of the heat. He’s begging his Father to send Lazarus, a brother, to dip a finger in water and cool his tongue. What is Lazarus? Lazarus is important here. He’s already deceased (dead). This means Jesus isn’t asking for a new person; he's asking for a past loved one to help him. He needs someone who was once alive to ease his pain. Why does Jesus want this? This is the key part. Jesus is saying he’s tormented – meaning he’s experiencing intense suffering – and that he’s unable to speak or breathe because of it. He's essentially begging for a way out of this agony. He’s feeling so desperate that he’s considering letting his own life go. What does “Dip the tip of his finger in water” mean? This is symbolic. It represents a small, almost insignificant act – like a drop of water – that can cool something incredibly hot. It’s a way for Jesus to express his pain and longing to be eased. The Significance & Interpretation: This verse is often interpreted as a representation of Jesus’ own suffering at the time of his crucifixion. It's a powerful expression of his immense pain and desire for release. Important Note: There are different interpretations of this passage, but it generally points to Jesus’ profound emotional distress and his yearning for forgiveness and comfort. --- To help me explain further or address any specific questions you have, could you tell me: What specifically are you curious about? (e.g., Do you want a more detailed explanation of the symbolism? Are you wondering about the context in Luke 16? )