(χάσμα, chásma, “a chasm,” “vent,” “a gaping opening”—a great interval; from χαίνω, chaínō, “to gape” or “yawn”): Occurs only in Luke 16:26, “Between us and you there is a great gulf fixed” (compare “afar off” in Luke 16:23). This is very different from, though it probably reflects, the rabbinical conception of the separation between the two compartments of Hades (Sheol) by “a hand’s breadth,” “a wall,” or even, later, “a chasm,” as the parable can be given here only a figurative significance, and is of purely ethical import. The fundamental difference between the Rich Man and Lazarus lies not in their conditions but in their characters. See also ABRAHAM'S BOSOM; HADES.
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Author: International Std. Bible Encyclopedia
Keywords: Gulf, Chasm, Abraham's bosom
Bible reference(s): Luke 16:26
Source: James Orr (editor), The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, 5 volume set.
Page indexed by: inWORD Bible Software.