Λάζαρος

Lazarus, Eliezer

Definition

Λάζαρος (Lazarus) is the name of two distinct individuals in the New Testament. First, it refers to a poor, sick beggar in Jesus' parable (Luke 16:20-25), who dies and is carried by angels to Abraham's side, contrasting sharply with the fate of a rich man. Second, it refers to a beloved friend of Jesus, the brother of Mary and Martha from Bethany (John 11:1-2), whom Jesus famously raises from the dead (John 11:43-44). The name itself is a Greek form of the Hebrew name Eleazar (אֶלְעָזָר), meaning 'God has helped.'

Biblical Usage

The name appears exclusively in the Gospels of Luke and John. In Luke 16:19-31, it is used within a parable about the afterlife and reversal of fortunes. In John's Gospel (John 11:1-12:17), it is used historically, detailing the sickness, death, and resurrection of Jesus' friend, which serves as a pivotal sign leading to Jesus' own death and resurrection. The usage thus moves from a parabolic figure to a central, real person in a major miracle.

Etymology

Λάζαρος is the Hellenized (Greek) form of the Hebrew name Eleazar (אֶלְעָזָר). Eleazar is a compound name from 'El' (God) and 'azar' (to help), meaning 'God has helped' or 'whom God helps.' This etymological meaning is profoundly fitting for both biblical characters: the beggar is ultimately helped by God in the afterlife, and the brother of Mary and Martha is helped by God through Jesus' miraculous intervention.

Semantic Range

The two figures named Lazarus are theologically significant. The parable's Lazarus (Luke 16) illustrates teachings on wealth, poverty, the afterlife, and the finality of eternal destinies. The raising of Lazarus of Bethany (John 11) is a crucial 'sign' pointing to Jesus' identity as 'the resurrection and the life' (John 11:25) and directly precipitates the plot to kill Jesus. Together, they highlight God's help for the destitute and His power over death, central themes of the Gospel.

In first-century Jewish culture, the name Eleazar/Lazarus was a common, respected name. The parable's use of a poor, diseased beggar named Lazarus would have been striking, as such figures were often seen as cursed or outside God's favor. The subsequent story of a beloved friend with the same name being raised from the dead powerfully inverts this cultural assumption, showing God's grace and power extended to all, regardless of social status.

Ἐλεάζαρος (Eleazaros, G1648) — The direct Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name 'Eleazar,' used in the New Testament for other individuals (e.g., Matthew 1:15).

Word Details

Scripture References