Lazarus in the Bible refers primarily to two distinct figures:
- Lazarus of Bethany
Lazarus of Bethany is the more prominent biblical figure named Lazarus. He was a first-century Jew living in Bethany, a village near Jerusalem, and was the brother of Mary and Martha. Jesus had a close friendship with Lazarus and his sisters, often visiting their home. According to the Gospel of John (chapter 11), Lazarus became seriously ill, and after a delay, Jesus came to Bethany and raised Lazarus from the dead after he had been in the tomb for four days. This miracle demonstrated Jesus' power over death and is considered one of His most significant signs, inspiring many to believe in Him as the Messiah. The story also highlights Jesus' deep compassion, as He wept at Lazarus' death before performing the resurrection
- Lazarus in the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus
A different Lazarus appears in the Gospel of Luke (16:19–31) as a poor beggar who sat at the gate of a rich man, longing for scraps. Both men die, and Lazarus is carried to "Abraham’s side," a place of comfort, while the rich man goes to Hades, a place of torment. This Lazarus is generally understood as part of a parable Jesus told to teach about the afterlife, justice, and the consequences of one's earthly life. Some scholars suggest this may be a true story because Jesus uses a proper name and offers no explicit moral summary, but it is traditionally viewed as a parable rather than a historical account
Summary
- Lazarus of Bethany : Friend of Jesus, brother of Mary and Martha, raised from the dead by Jesus after four days in the tomb (John 11).
- Lazarus the Beggar : Character in a parable illustrating the afterlife and divine justice (Luke 16).
The name Lazarus means "God has helped," and the story of Lazarus of Bethany is a powerful symbol of resurrection and Jesus' authority over death
