Luke 16:28

“For I have five brethren, etc.] Meaning his brethren and countrymen, according to the flesh; who when he was alive, stood in such a relation to him; said to be “five”, in allusion it may be to the children of Israel coming out of Egypt, µyçmj, “by fives”, or five in a rank, (<021318>Exodus 13:18) as a learned man f517 conjectures, to whom I am beholden for several hints, in the explanation of this parable; and certain it is, that these five brethren were Jews, since they had the writings of Moses and the prophets with them, (<421629>Luke 16:29). Wherefore I shall venture to propose another conjecture, though it may be liable to exception, as all conjectures usually are: it is plain that…”

“Five brethren - The number “five” is mentioned merely to preserve the appearance of verisimilitude in the story. It is not to be spiritualized, nor are we to suppose that it has any hidden or inscrutable meaning. May testify unto them - May bear “witness” to them, or may inform them of what is my situation, and the dreadful consequences of the life that I have led. It is remarkable that he did not ask to go himself. He knew that he could not be released, even for so short a time. His condition was fixed. Yet he had no wish that his friends should suffer, and he supposed that if one went from the dead they would hear him. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Lest they also come into this place - He might justly fear lest their reproaches should add to his own torment. Luke 16:31”

“lest: Psa 49:12, Psa 49:13 Luke 16:29”