Lexical Summary Lazaros: Lazarus Original Word: Λάζαρος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Lazarus. Probably of Hebrew origin (El'azar); Lazarus (i.e. Elazar), the name of two Israelites (one imaginary) -- Lazarus. see HEBREW El'azar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origincontr. of Heb. Elazar Definition Lazarus, the name of two Isr. NASB Translation Lazarus (15). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2976: ΛάζαροςΛάζαρος, Λαζαρου, ὁ (rabb. לַעְזָר, apparently the same as אֶלְעָזָר, whom God helps (cf. Philo, quis haeres § 12); according to others, equivalent to עֶזֶר לֹא, without help), Lazarus; 1. an inhabitant of Bethany, beloved by Christ and raised from the dead by him: John 11:1ff, 2. an imaginary person, extremely poor and wretched: Luke 16:20, 23-25. Strong’s Greek 2976 appears fifteen times, designating two distinct individuals: Lazarus of Bethany A beloved friend of Jesus and brother to Mary and Martha, Lazarus lived in Bethany, a village less than two miles from Jerusalem (John 11:18). The narrative begins with his serious illness, progresses through his death and burial, and culminates in Christ’s public raising of him from the tomb. Historical and Cultural Setting First-century Bethany stood on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives, making it a convenient lodging place for pilgrims attending the feasts in Jerusalem. Jewish custom required burial on the day of death; consequently Lazarus lay in the tomb four days when Jesus arrived (John 11:17). The presence of “many Jews” consoling the sisters (John 11:19) indicates that the family was respected and likely of some means. The Significance of the Resurrection Miracle The miracle functions as the climactic “sign” in the fourth Gospel, directly preceding the triumphal entry and the final Passover. Jesus declared, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies” (John 11:25-26). By calling, “Lazarus, come out!” (John 11:43), Christ demonstrated power over death itself, foreshadowing His own resurrection and affirming His deity. Lazarus as a Witness to Christ After the miracle, Lazarus became a living testimony that attracted the crowds: “The crowd that was with Him when He called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to bear witness” (John 12:17). His very existence drew people to Jesus (John 12:9), so much so that the chief priests plotted to kill Lazarus as well (John 12:10-11). The episode reveals both the hardness of unbelief and the unstoppable advance of divine purpose. Hostility from the Sanhedrin John places the council’s decision to bring Jesus to trial immediately after Lazarus’s resurrection (John 11:45-53). The miracle thus serves as the pivotal catalyst for the final confrontation in Jerusalem, underscoring the cost of Jesus’ public ministry and the resolve of His opponents. The Lazarus of the Parable Luke 16:19-31 presents a poor beggar named Lazarus laid at the gate of a wealthy man. Upon death, the beggar is carried by angels to “Abraham’s bosom,” while the rich man finds himself in torment. From Hades he pleads, “Father Abraham, have mercy on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water to cool my tongue” (Luke 16:24). Eschatological Themes in Luke 16:19-31 1. Reversal of earthly fortunes: “Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here” (Luke 16:25). The use of a personal name lends realism to the parable and heightens its moral force, emphasizing personal accountability and compassion for the poor. Pastoral and Doctrinal Implications • Assurance of resurrection life: The Bethany miracle provides concrete evidence that Jesus possesses life-giving authority. Interrelation of the Two Lazarus Passages While not the same person, both narratives converge thematically: a man named Lazarus dies, divine power or justice intervenes, and the event exposes human unbelief. Jesus’ explicit statement in Luke 16:31—“If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead”—finds historical validation when many still refuse to believe after Lazarus of Bethany is raised. Later Tradition and Early Church Memory Early Christian writers mention a possible episcopal ministry of Lazarus on Cyprus, though Scripture is silent on his later life. The Bethany home became an enduring place of pilgrimage. The parable’s Lazarus shaped Christian art and funeral liturgy, symbolizing the hope of paradise. Key Lessons for Contemporary Believers 1. Christ’s lordship extends over physical death and spiritual destiny. Englishman's Concordance Luke 16:20 N-NMSGRK: τις ὀνόματι Λάζαρος ἐβέβλητο πρὸς NAS: named Lazarus was laid KJV: beggar named Lazarus, which was laid INT: certain by name Lazarus was laid at Luke 16:23 N-AMS Luke 16:24 N-AMS Luke 16:25 N-NMS John 11:1 N-NMS John 11:2 N-NMS John 11:5 N-AMS John 11:11 N-NMS John 11:14 N-NMS John 11:43 N-VMS John 12:1 N-NMS John 12:2 N-NMS John 12:9 N-AMS John 12:10 N-AMS John 12:17 N-AMS Strong's Greek 2976 |
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