Lazarus Λάζαρος
Poor man in Jesus' parable of the rich man
Who is Lazarus in the Bible?
Lazarus is the name of a poor beggar in Jesus' parable of the rich man and Lazarus, recorded in Luke 16:19-31. In the parable, Lazarus is depicted as a suffering beggar covered with sores who longed to eat scraps from a wealthy man's table, yet received nothing (Luke 16:20-21). After both men died, their fates reversed dramatically, with Lazarus carried by angels to Abraham's side in heaven while the rich man found himself tormented in Hades (Luke 16:22-23). When the rich man begged Abraham to send Lazarus to ease his suffering, Abraham explained that an impassable chasm separated the two realms (Luke 16:25-26). Through this parable, Jesus teaches about the reversal of fortunes in the afterlife and emphasizes the spiritual importance of showing compassion to the poor and vulnerable during earthly life.
Biography
Lazarus is the name given to the poor man in Jesus' parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Luk.16.19-31). In the parable, Lazarus is described as a beggar covered with sores who longed to eat the crumbs falling from the rich man's table (Luk.16.20-21). When both men died, Lazarus was carried by angels to Abraham's side in heaven, while the rich man found himself in Hades, in torment (Luk.16.22-23). The rich man called out to Abraham, asking him to send Lazarus to dip his finger in water and cool his tongue (Luk.16.24). However, Abraham replied that a great chasm separated them and that it was impossible for anyone to cross from one side to the other (Luk.16.25-26). The parable emphasizes the reversal of fortunes in the afterlife and the importance of caring for the poor and needy in this life.
In Scripture
1 biblical book ; 1 with study contentLuke 4 verses
- Luke 16:20
"And a beggar named Lazarus lay at his gate, covered with sores"
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"In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham from afar, with Lazarus by his side."
Study Luke → - Luke 16:24
"So he cried out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue. For I am in agony in this fire.’"
Study Luke → - Luke 16:25
"But Abraham answered, ‘Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things. But now he is comforted here, while you are in agony."
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Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Greek | Λάζαρος | Lázaros | Lazarus (i.e. Elazar), the name of two Israelites (one imaginary) |