Reference: Lazarus
American
1. A friend and disciple of Christ, brother of Martha and Mary, with whom he resided at Bethany near Jerusalem. Our Savior had a high regard for the family, and often visited them; and when Lazarus was dangerously ill, word was sent to Christ, "Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick." The Savior reached Bethany after he had lain four days in his grave, and restored him to life by a word, "Lazarus, come forth." This public and stupendous miracle drew so many to Christ, that his enemies sought to put both him and Lazarus to death, Joh 11; 12:1-11. The narrative displays Christ as a tender and compassionate friend, weeping for and with those he loved, and at the same time as the Prince of life, beginning his triumph over death and the grave. Happy are they who, in view of their own death, or that of friends, can know that they are safe in Him who says, "I am the resurrection and the life;" and, "because I live, ye shall live also."
2. The helpless beggar who lay at the rich man's gate in one of Christ's most solemn and instructive parables. The one, though poor and sorely afflicted, was a child of God. The other described as self-indulgent rather than vicious or criminal was living without God in the enjoyment of every earthly luxury. Their state in this life was greatly in contrast with their real character before God, which was revealed in the amazing changes of their condition at death, Lu 16:19-31. See ABRAHAM'S BOSOM. Our Savior plainly teaches us, in this parable, that both the friends and the foes of God know and begin to experience their doom immediately after death, and that it is in both cases unchangeable and eternal.
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There was a certain rich man, and he was habitually clothed in purple and fine linen, faring sumptuously every day. But a certain beggar, Lazarus by name, was laid at his gate, full of sores, read more. and desiring to be fed by the crumbs falling from the table of the rich man; but the dogs also coming continued to lick his sores. And it came to pass that the beggar died, and himself was carried by the angels into the bosom of Abraham: and the rich man also died, and was buried. And in Hades lifted up his eyes, being in torment, sees Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he calling said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue, because I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Child, remember that you received your good things in your life, and Lazarus likewise evil things: but now he is comforted, and you are tormented. And in addition to all these things, there is a great gulf fixed between us and you, in order that those wishing to go hence to you may not be able, neither can they come thence to us. And he said, Moreover I intreat you, father, that you may send him to the house of my father: for I have five brothers; in order that he may testify to them, that they may not also come to this place of the torment. But Abraham says, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. But he said, No, father Abraham: but if one may go to them from the dead, they will repent. But he said to him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, they will not be persuaded if one may rise from the dead.
Easton
an abbreviation of Eleazar, whom God helps. (1.) The brother of Mary and Martha of Bethany. He was raised from the dead after he had lain four days in the tomb (Joh 11:1-44). This miracle so excited the wrath of the Jews that they sought to put both Jesus and Lazarus to death.
(2.) A beggar named in the parable recorded Lu 16:19-31.
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There was a certain rich man, and he was habitually clothed in purple and fine linen, faring sumptuously every day. But a certain beggar, Lazarus by name, was laid at his gate, full of sores, read more. and desiring to be fed by the crumbs falling from the table of the rich man; but the dogs also coming continued to lick his sores. And it came to pass that the beggar died, and himself was carried by the angels into the bosom of Abraham: and the rich man also died, and was buried. And in Hades lifted up his eyes, being in torment, sees Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he calling said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue, because I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Child, remember that you received your good things in your life, and Lazarus likewise evil things: but now he is comforted, and you are tormented. And in addition to all these things, there is a great gulf fixed between us and you, in order that those wishing to go hence to you may not be able, neither can they come thence to us. And he said, Moreover I intreat you, father, that you may send him to the house of my father: for I have five brothers; in order that he may testify to them, that they may not also come to this place of the torment. But Abraham says, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. But he said, No, father Abraham: but if one may go to them from the dead, they will repent. But he said to him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, they will not be persuaded if one may rise from the dead.
And a certain one was sick, Lazarus from Bethany, of the village of Mary and Martha her sister. And Mary was the one anointing the Lord with myrrh, and wiping His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. read more. Then the sisters sent to Him, saying, Lord, behold the one whom thou lovest is sick. And Jesus hearing said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it. Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus, with Divine love. Therefore when He heard that he was sick, He then remained two days in the place in which He was. Then after this He says to the disciples, Let us go again unto Judea. The disciples said to Him, Master, the Jews were but now seeking to stone thee; dost thou go hither again? Jesus responded, Are there not twelve hours of the day? If any one may walk in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world: if any one may walk in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him. He spoke these things: and after this He says to them, Our friend Lazarus is asleep; and I go that I may awaken him. Then the disciples said to Him, Lord, if he is asleep, he will be saved. But Jesus spoke concerning his death: and they thought that He spoke concerning the rest of sleep. Then however Jesus spoke to them openly, Lazarus is dead, and I rejoice on account of you that I was not there, in order that you may believe; but let us go to him. Then Thomas, called Didymus, said to his fellow-disciples; Let us go too, that we may die with Him. Then Jesus having come, found him having four days in the sepulcher. But Bethany was near Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs. And many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary, that they might comfort them concerning their brother. Then Martha, when she heard that Jesus comes, went to meet Him: and Mary sat in the house. Then Martha said to Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. And now I know that, whatsoever things you may ask of God, God will give to you. Jesus says to her, Thy brother will rise again. Martha says to Him, I know he will rise again in the resurrection in the last day. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection and the life; the one believing on me, though he may die, shall live: and every one living and believing on me can never die: do you believe this? She says to Him, Yes, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, come into the world. And having said this, she departed, and called her sister Mary, speaking secretly, The Teacher is present, and calls you. She, when she heard, arises quickly, and comes to Him: Jesus had not yet come into the village, but was yet in the place where Martha met Him. Then the Jews being with her in the house, and comforting her, seeing Mary, that she arose up quickly and went out, followed her, thinking that she goes to the tomb in order that she may weep there. Then Mary, when she came where Jesus was, seeing Him, fell at His feet, saying to Him, Lord, if Thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. Then when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews, having come with her, weeping, He groaned in spirit, and troubled Himself, and said, Where have you laid him? They say to Him, Lord, come and see. Jesus wept. Then the Jews were saying, Behold, how He loved him as a friend! And some of them said, Was not this One, having opened the eyes of the blind, able to bring it to pass, that he indeed should not die? Then Jesus again groaning in Himself comes to the tomb; and it was a cave, and a stone was laid upon it. Jesus says; Take away the stone. Martha, the sister of the dead, says to Him; Lord, already he smelleth: for he is dead four days. Jesus says to her; Did I not tell thee, that, if thou canst believe, thou shalt see the glory of God? Then they took away the stone; and Jesus lifted up His eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee, because Thou hast heard Me. I know that Thou dost always hear Me; but on account of the multitude standing around I spoke, in order that they might believe that Thou didst send Me. And speaking these things, He cried out with a great voice, Lazarus, come forth. And the dead came out, bound as to his feet and hands with graveclothes; and his face bound round with a napkin. Jesus says to them, Loose him, and let him go.
Fausets
LAZARUS or ELEAZAR ("God helps".)
1. Of Bethany; brother of Mary and Martha (Joh 11:1). (See BETHANY.) The sisters were the better known, from whence they are put prominently forward here, and in Lu 10:38, etc., are alone named. Lazarus was "of (apo, 'belonging to at that time') Bethany, from (ek, implying his original settlement) the village of Mary and Martha" (still it is likely the same village is meant in both Luke 10 and John 11, namely, Bethany). Curiously, Ganneau found close to Bethany a tomb, probably of the first century, containing the names all together of Simon, Martha, and Lazarus. Lazarus' subordinate position at their feast in Christ's honour (Joh 12:2) makes it likely he was the youngest. Moreover, the house is called that of Simon the leper (Mt 26:6; Mr 14:3); who was probably therefore their father, but either by death or leprosy no longer with them, though possibly he too, as a leper healed by Jesus, was then one of that happy family.
Their friends from Jerusalem (Joh 11:19), according to John's use of "the Jews," were of the ruling elders and Pharisees. The feast; the costly ointment, the family funeral cave (compare Isa 22:16; 2Ki 23:6; Jer 26:23), all bespeak good social position. The sisters' warm attachment to Lazarus was strengthened by their common love to Jesus who loved all three (Joh 11:5). Lazarus had won the disciples' love too, for Jesus calls him "our friend" (Joh 11:11). At the time of Lazarus' sickness and the sisters' call, Jesus was in Peraea beyond Jordan, on His way to Jerusalem, two days' journey from Bethany. He delayed two days to give time for that death which He foresaw, and from which He was about to raise Lazarus. On proposing to go to Judea, His disciples remonstrated on the ground that He would be going into the very danger from which He had just escaped (Joh 10:39-40; 11:8-10).
He replied that while His appointed day yet lasted He was safe, and that He was going to awaken Lazarus out of sleep. He was "glad" that He had not been on the spot before, that Lazarus' death and rising might awaken the disciples out of the deadness of unbelief. The sisters grieved at His seeming neglect. God sees cause for joy where even His people see only cause for grief. Four days had elapsed after the call when He arrived. Martha went and met Him, while Mary sat in the house, in beautiful harmony with the character of each respectively, described in Lu 10:40-42. Martha's faith had now become stronger; so she says, "Lord, I know that even now whatsoever Thou wilt ask of God, God will give it Thee (more buoyant in spirit than Mary, and cherishing even now a vague hope of her brother's restoration) ... Yea, Lord, I believe that Thou art the Christ the Son of God ... the Resurrection and the Life." Upon Martha telling Mary of Jesus' arrival and "call" for her, either expressed or implied ("secretly," through fear of Jewish informers, see Joh 11:28,46), the latter also came "quickly" to Him.
The Jews her friends, not having heard Martha's communication, supposed Mary was gone to the tomb to weep, but found her as of old "at Jesus' feet." Her words were fewer, but her action more impassioned, than those of her sister. So the whole company, Jesus, His disciples, the sisters, and their sympathizers, were met at the grave. At the sight of their weeping, Jesus "groaned in spirit," and troubled Himself, but checked His emotion which would otherwise have choked utterance. "Where have ye laid him?" Sympathy with their sorrow, which He was instantly to relieve, at last found vent in tears: "Jesus wept" (compare Lu 19:41; Heb 4:15). "Behold. how He loved him," the Jews, His adversaries, were constrained to exclaim. Their unbelief, "could not this man which opened the eyes of the blind (John 9, they allude not to the raising of Jairus' daughter and the widow of Nain's son, which took place in Galilee, but to the miracle which made such a stir in Jerusalem; they never thought of His raising the dead) have caused that even this man should not have died?" made Him "groan again."
Take away the stone. Martha, retaining still remainders of unbelief (she believed in Lazarus' future resurrection, but she hardly dared to believe what she herself had hinted at in Joh 11:22, that Christ will raise him now), objected on the ground of the body's presumed decomposition by this time. He tells her to "believe, so she shall see the glory of God." With a preparatory thanksgiving to the Father for the already felt answer to His prayer, He said, "Lazarus, come forth," and he came forth bound hand and foot, the graveclothes and napkin about his face. "Loose him, and let him go"; contrast Jesus' resurrection, the graveclothes and the napkin folded separately, because, unlike Lazarus, He was to die no more (Joh 20:6-7). The same miracle which converted some Jews to belief furnished others only with materials for informing the Pharisees against Him. It brought the plots of the rulers and Caiaphas to a crisis (Joh 11:45-53).
The very sign which the Pharisees desired in the parable of Lazarus (Lu 16:27-30) is now granted in the person of one of the same name, but only stimulates them to their crowning sin, to kill Jesus, nay even to kill Lazarus too (Joh 12:10). The same sun that develops the fragrant violet strengthens the poison of the deadly nightshade. This is the crucial miracle of the truth of the Gospels. Spinosa said if this were true he would tear his system in pieces and embrace Christianity. As the Lord's Judaean ministry was not the subject of the first three evangelists, but the Galilean, they omit the raising of Lazarus. The Jews' consultation to kill Lazarus, and his own probable shrinking from publicity after such a mysterious experience, perhaps further influenced them in their omission of the miracle. By John's time of writing the brother and sisters were dead, and no reason for reserve any longer existed.
Tradition says that Lazarus' first question on coming back was whether he should die again; on learning he must, he never smiled again. Such an impression was made by this miracle that many Jews flocked to Bethany to see both Jesus and Lazarus. The eye witnesses bore record, and the people who heard of it from them met Him on His way to Jerusalem, and formed part of His retinue in His triumphal entry with the palmbearing multitude (Joh 12:12,17-18). E. H. Plumptre (Smith's Dictionary) identifies Simon the leper with Simon the Pharisee (Lu 7:36-40); Martha had the Pharisees' belief in the resurrection (Joh 11:24); Mary's gift of the ointment was after the example of the sinful woman in Simon's house; the leprosy came on subsequently.
Also he identifies Lazarus with the rich young ruler (Matthew 19; Mark 10; Luke 18); Jesus' words to him, "one thing thou lackest," answer to His words to Martha. "one thing is needful"; "Jesus beholding loved him" (Mark) is said also of Lazarus (Joh 11:5); Jesus' love at last wrought out his conversion, possible to God though not to man; a sharp Palestine fever is sent to discipline him; his death and rising through Jesus' power is accompanied by his spiritual resurrection (Joh 5:24-25). Judas and the eleven expected, that the feast in Joh 12:2 was the farewell feast of Lazarus, renouncing his former life and obeying Christ's command, "sell that thou hast, and give to the poor"; hence, Judas' bitter objection, "why was not this ointment sold for 300 pence and given to the poor?"
On the night of Christ's betrayal Lazarus, whose Bethany home was near and was Christ's lodging on the previous night, in the hasty night alarm rushed eagerly with "the linen cloth (the term applied to graveclothes always, the same which he had on when the Lord raised him from the grave (Joh 11:44), sindon) cast about his naked body" (Mr 14:51-52; 15:46), and was seized by the high priest's servants as a second victim (Joh 12:10), whereas they let the other disciples escape.
2. Lazarus in the parable, Lu 16:19-31. The one unknown on earth has a name with God; the rich man, well known as a great man among men, has no name with God (Re 3:1). The historic Lazarus (John 11-12) belonged to the richer classes. Yet it is not a rich Lazarus, but Lazar
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Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust corrupt, and thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not corrupt, and thieves do not break through and steal: read more. for where your treasure is, there will be your heart also.
And I say unto you, that many will come from the east and from the west, and sit up with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of the heavens: but the sons of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: and there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
And she said, Yea, Lord: for the little dogs eat of the crumbs falling from their master's table.
And He being in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, He sitting at the table, a woman came having an alabaster box of myrrh of spikenard estimated very valuable; and breaking the alabastar box, she poured it on His head.
And one certain young man followed Him, invested with a linen cloth on his unclothed body: and they take hold of him. And he leaving the linen cloth, fled from them in a state of nudity.
And having purchased linen, and taking Him down, he wrapped Him in the linen, and placed Him in a sepulcher which had been hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a stone to the door of the sepulcher.
Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and do not begin to say among yourselves; We have Abraham our father.
And a certain one of the Pharisees, asked Him, that He would eat with him, and having come into the house of the Pharisee, He sat down to the table. Behold, a woman who was a sinner, in the city, also having learned that He is dining in the house of the Pharisee, breaking an alabaster box of myrrh, read more. and standing behind by His feet, weeping, began to moisten His feel with tears, and she wiped them with the hairs of her head, and she continued to copiously kiss His feet, and to anoint them with the myrrh. And the Pharisee, having invited Him, seeing, spoke within himself, saying, If He were a prophet, He would know who and what kind the woman is, who touches Him, because she is a sinner. And Jesus responding said to him, Simon, I have something to say to thee. And he says, Speak, Teacher.
And it came to pass while they were going round, He also came into a certain village: and a certain woman by name Martha received Him into her house.
and Martha was very busy about much serving. And standing over Him, she said, Lord, is there no care to thee that my sister has left me to serve alone? then say to her that she must assist me. And the Lord responding said to her, Martha, Martha, you are solicitous and encumbered concerning many things: read more. but there is need of one thing: for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken from her.
And He said to them, Ye are those who justify yourselves before the people; but God knows your hearts: because that which is exalted among the people is abomination in the sight of God.
There was a certain rich man, and he was habitually clothed in purple and fine linen, faring sumptuously every day. But a certain beggar, Lazarus by name, was laid at his gate, full of sores, read more. and desiring to be fed by the crumbs falling from the table of the rich man; but the dogs also coming continued to lick his sores. And it came to pass that the beggar died, and himself was carried by the angels into the bosom of Abraham: and the rich man also died, and was buried. And in Hades lifted up his eyes, being in torment, sees Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he calling said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue, because I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Child, remember that you received your good things in your life, and Lazarus likewise evil things: but now he is comforted, and you are tormented. And in addition to all these things, there is a great gulf fixed between us and you, in order that those wishing to go hence to you may not be able, neither can they come thence to us. And he said, Moreover I intreat you, father, that you may send him to the house of my father:
And he said, Moreover I intreat you, father, that you may send him to the house of my father:
And he said, Moreover I intreat you, father, that you may send him to the house of my father: for I have five brothers; in order that he may testify to them, that they may not also come to this place of the torment.
for I have five brothers; in order that he may testify to them, that they may not also come to this place of the torment.
for I have five brothers; in order that he may testify to them, that they may not also come to this place of the torment. But Abraham says, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.
But Abraham says, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.
But Abraham says, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. But he said, No, father Abraham: but if one may go to them from the dead, they will repent.
But he said, No, father Abraham: but if one may go to them from the dead, they will repent.
But he said, No, father Abraham: but if one may go to them from the dead, they will repent.
But he said, No, father Abraham: but if one may go to them from the dead, they will repent. But he said to him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, they will not be persuaded if one may rise from the dead.
But he said to him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, they will not be persuaded if one may rise from the dead.
And when He drew near, seeing the city He wept over it,
Truly, truly, I say unto you, that every one hearing my word, and believing on Him that sent me hath eternal life, and doth not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life. Truly, truly, I say unto you, that the hour cometh and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and having heard will live.
They sought again to take Him: and He passed out of their hand. And again He departed beyond the Jordan into the place where John was first baptizing; and remained there:
And a certain one was sick, Lazarus from Bethany, of the village of Mary and Martha her sister.
Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus, with Divine love.
Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus, with Divine love.
The disciples said to Him, Master, the Jews were but now seeking to stone thee; dost thou go hither again? Jesus responded, Are there not twelve hours of the day? If any one may walk in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world: read more. if any one may walk in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him. He spoke these things: and after this He says to them, Our friend Lazarus is asleep; and I go that I may awaken him.
And many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary, that they might comfort them concerning their brother.
And now I know that, whatsoever things you may ask of God, God will give to you.
Martha says to Him, I know he will rise again in the resurrection in the last day.
And having said this, she departed, and called her sister Mary, speaking secretly, The Teacher is present, and calls you.
And the dead came out, bound as to his feet and hands with graveclothes; and his face bound round with a napkin. Jesus says to them, Loose him, and let him go. Then many of the Jews, having come to Mary and seeing the things which He did, believed on Him: read more. but certain ones of them went away to the Pharisees, and told them the things which Jesus did.
but certain ones of them went away to the Pharisees, and told them the things which Jesus did. Then the chief priests and Pharisees assembled the Sanhedrin, and continued to say, What are we doing? because this man is doing many miracles. read more. If we thus let Him alone, all will believe on Him: and the Romans will come and take away our place and nation. But one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, You know nothing, you do not consider that it is profitable to you, that one man may die for the people, and the whole nation perish not. And he spoke this not of himself, but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus was about to die for the nation. And not only for the nation, but that He may gather into one the children of God dispersed abroad. Then from that day they passed the verdict, that they would kill Him.
Then they made a supper for Him there: and Martha was serving; and Lazarus was one of those sitting at the table with Him.
Then they made a supper for Him there: and Martha was serving; and Lazarus was one of those sitting at the table with Him.
But the chief priest passed an edict that they would also slay Lazarus;
But the chief priest passed an edict that they would also slay Lazarus;
But the chief priest passed an edict that they would also slay Lazarus; because through him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus. read more. On the following day a great multitude having come to the feast, hearing that Jesus comes into Jerusalem,
Then the multitude being with Him witnessed that He called Lazarus out of the sepulcher, and raised him from the dead. Therefore the multitude also went to meet Him, because they heard that He had wrought this miracle.
And that one, falling toward the bosom of Jesus says to Him, Lord, who is he?
His disciples say; Behold, now you are talking openly, and speaking no parable.
Then Simon Peter, following him, he came into the sepulcher; and sees the grave-clothes lying, and the napkin, which was on His head, not lying with the grave-clothes, but separate in one place, having been rolled up.
and God gave him no inheritance in it, not the step of his foot; and he promised to give it to him, and his seed after him, for an inheritance, there being no child to him.
Why is it judged by you incredible, if God shall raise the dead?
For we have not a high priest who is not able to be touched with our infirmities; but one having been tempted as to all things like unto us, apart from sin.
These all died in the faith, not having received the promises, but seeing them afar off, and embracing them, and confessing that they are strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
And to the angel of the church in Sardis write; The one having the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars, says these things; I know your works, that you have a name that you are living, and are dead.
Hastings
A common Jewish name, a colloquial abbreviation of Eleazar.
1. The brother of Martha and Mary, the friend of Jesus (Joh 11:3,11,36, where 'love' and 'friend' represent the same root in Greek). The family lived at Bethany, a village within two miles of Jerusalem just over the brow of Olivet. Lazarus was the subject of the greatest miracle of the Gospel story (Joh 11:1-44). In the last year of His ministry Jesus sojourned at Jerusalem from the Feast of Tabernacles in October to that of the Dedication in December; and, on being driven out by the violence of the rulers (Joh 10:31,39), He retired to 'Bethany beyond Jordan' (Joh 10:40; cf. Joh 1:28 RV). A crowd followed Him thither, and in the midst of His beneficent activities of teaching and healing tidings reached Him that His friend had fallen sick. He might have responded immediately to the sisters' appeal either by hastening to their home and laying His hand on the sick man, or by sending forth His word of power and healing him across the intervening distance of some twenty miles (cf. Joh 4:46-54; Mt 15:21-28 = Mr 7:24-30). But He did neither; He remained where He was for two days, until Lazarus was dead. He desired not only to manifest His power to His friends, but to make a signal appeal to impenitent Jerusalem, by working a miracle which would attest His Messiahship beyond all question.
At length He set forth. If the messenger started in the morning, he would reach Jesus the same evening. Jesus stayed two days, and setting out early would arrive on the evening of the fourth day. Thus on His arrival Lazarus had been dead four days (Joh 11:39). In that sultry climate burial followed immediately on death, and it sometimes happened that a swoon was mistaken for death, and the buried man came to life again. The Jewish belief was that the soul hovered about the sepulchre for three days, fain to re-animate its clay. On the fourth day decomposition set in, and hope was then abandoned. Jesus arrived on the fourth day, and there was no doubt of the reality of Lazarus' death and of the ensuing miracle. It was not a recovery from a trance, but a veritable resurrection. He went to the rock-hewn sepulchre, and in presence of the sisters and a large company of mourners, including many of the rulers who had come from the adjacent capital to testify their esteem for the good Lazarus and their sympathy with Martha and Mary (Joh 11:19), summoned the dead man forth and restored him, alive and well, to his home. It was a startling miracle. It made a profound impression on the multitude, but it only exasperated the rulers. They convened a meeting of the Sanhedrin and determined to put Jesus to death (Joh 11:47-53).
He retired to Ephraim near the frontier of Samaria, and stayed there until the Passover drew near; then He set out for Jerusalem to keep the Feast and to die. Six days before it began (Joh 12:1), He reached Bethany, and despite the Sanhedrin's decree He received a great ovation. He was honoured with a banquet in the house of one of the leading men of the village, Simon, who had been a leper and had probably been healed by Jesus (Joh 12:2-11 = Mt 26:6-13 = Mr 14:3-9). Lazarus was one of the company. The news of His arrival at Bethany reached Jerusalem, and next day the multitude thronged out and escorted Him in triumph into the city. It was the raising of Lazarus that excited their enthusiasm (Joh 12:3,17-18).
After this Lazarus appears no more in the Gospel story. Surely he of all men should have stood by Jesus at His trial and crucifixion; and the explanation of his absence is probably that he had been forced to flee. Observing the popular enthusiasm, the infuriated rulers had determined to put him also to death (Joh 12:10-11). He would withdraw more for Jesus' sake than for his own. His presence only increased the Master's danger.
2. The beggar in our Lord's parable (Lu 16:19-31).
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And I say unto you, that many will come from the east and from the west, and sit up with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of the heavens:
And Jesus having come out thence, departed into the regions of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanitish woman having come out from those coasts, cried unto Him saying, Have mercy on me, Lord, thou son of David; my daughter is terribly demonized. read more. And He responded to her not a word; and His disciples, having come to Him, asked Him, saying, Send her away; because she cries after us. And He responding said, I am not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And having come she continued to worship Him, saying, Lord, assist me. He responding said, It is not good to take the children's bread and cast it to the little dogs. And she said, Yea, Lord: for the little dogs eat of the crumbs falling from their master's table. Then Jesus responding said to her, O woman, great is thy faith; let it be done unto thee as thou dost wish. And her daughter was healed from that hour.
And Jesus being in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, a woman having an alabaster box of myrrh, very valuable, came to Him and poured it on His head, while sitting at the table. read more. And His disciples, seeing, were indignant, saying, For what was this waste? For this was able to be sold for much, and given to the poor. And Jesus knowing, said to them, Why do you give the woman trouble? because she hath wrought a beautiful work in me. For you have the poor with you always; but you have not me always. For she pouring this myrrh on my body, did it in order to my burial. Truly I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel may be preached in all the world, that which she did shall indeed be spoken of for a memorial of her.
And rising up, He departed thence into the regions of Tyre and Sidon. And having entered into a house, and He wished no one to know it: and He was not able to be hidden. For a woman hearing concerning Him, whose daughter had an unclean spirit, having come worshiped at His feet. read more. For the woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by race; and asked Him that He may cast the demon out of her daughter. And He said to her, Permit the children first to be fed: for It is not good to take the children's bread and cast it to little dogs. And she responded and says to Him, Yea, Lord: for even the little dogs eat the crumbs of the children under the table. And He said to her, On account of this word go; the demon has already gone out from thy daughter. And having come into her house, she found the demon gone out, and the daughter lying on the bed.
And He being in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, He sitting at the table, a woman came having an alabaster box of myrrh of spikenard estimated very valuable; and breaking the alabastar box, she poured it on His head. And there were certain ones indulging in indignation among themselves (and saying), For what was this loss of the myrrh? read more. For this myrrh was able to be sold for more than three hundred denaria, and given to the poor. And they murmured against her. And Jesus said, Let her alone; why do you give her trouble? she hath wrought a beautiful work in me. For you have the poor always with you, and when you wish, you are able to do them good: but you have not me always. She did what she could: she came aforehand to anoint my body for the burial. Truly I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel may be preached in all the world, that which she did shall indeed be spoken of for a memorial of her.
And I say unto you, Make unto yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness, in order that, when it may fail, they may receive you into eternal tabernacles.
There was a certain rich man, and he was habitually clothed in purple and fine linen, faring sumptuously every day. But a certain beggar, Lazarus by name, was laid at his gate, full of sores, read more. and desiring to be fed by the crumbs falling from the table of the rich man; but the dogs also coming continued to lick his sores. And it came to pass that the beggar died, and himself was carried by the angels into the bosom of Abraham: and the rich man also died, and was buried. And in Hades lifted up his eyes, being in torment, sees Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he calling said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue, because I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Child, remember that you received your good things in your life, and Lazarus likewise evil things: but now he is comforted, and you are tormented. And in addition to all these things, there is a great gulf fixed between us and you, in order that those wishing to go hence to you may not be able, neither can they come thence to us. And he said, Moreover I intreat you, father, that you may send him to the house of my father: for I have five brothers; in order that he may testify to them, that they may not also come to this place of the torment. But Abraham says, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. But he said, No, father Abraham: but if one may go to them from the dead, they will repent. But he said to him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, they will not be persuaded if one may rise from the dead.
These things took place in Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
Then He came again into Cana of Galilee, where He turned the water into wine. And there was a certain royalist, whose son was sick in Capernaum; he having heard that Jesus has come out of Judea into Galilee, came away to Him, and continued to ask Him that He may come down and heal his son; for He was about to die. read more. Then Jesus said to him, Unless you may see signs and wonders, you can not believe. The nobleman says to Him, Lord, come down before my little child dies. Jesus says to him, Go; thy son liveth. The man believed the word which Jesus spoke to him, and departed. And he already coming down, the servants met him, and reported, that the child lives. Then he inquired the hour at which he began to improve; and they said to him, The fever left him at the seventh hour yesterday. Then the father knew that it was at that hour at which Jesus said to him, Thy son liveth: and he and all his house believed. Jesus, having again come out of Judea into Galilee, wrought this second miracle.
Again the Jews took up stones, that they might stone Him.
They sought again to take Him: and He passed out of their hand. And again He departed beyond the Jordan into the place where John was first baptizing; and remained there:
And a certain one was sick, Lazarus from Bethany, of the village of Mary and Martha her sister. And Mary was the one anointing the Lord with myrrh, and wiping His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. read more. Then the sisters sent to Him, saying, Lord, behold the one whom thou lovest is sick.
Then the sisters sent to Him, saying, Lord, behold the one whom thou lovest is sick. And Jesus hearing said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it. read more. Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus, with Divine love. Therefore when He heard that he was sick, He then remained two days in the place in which He was. Then after this He says to the disciples, Let us go again unto Judea. The disciples said to Him, Master, the Jews were but now seeking to stone thee; dost thou go hither again? Jesus responded, Are there not twelve hours of the day? If any one may walk in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world: if any one may walk in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him. He spoke these things: and after this He says to them, Our friend Lazarus is asleep; and I go that I may awaken him.
He spoke these things: and after this He says to them, Our friend Lazarus is asleep; and I go that I may awaken him. Then the disciples said to Him, Lord, if he is asleep, he will be saved. read more. But Jesus spoke concerning his death: and they thought that He spoke concerning the rest of sleep. Then however Jesus spoke to them openly, Lazarus is dead, and I rejoice on account of you that I was not there, in order that you may believe; but let us go to him. Then Thomas, called Didymus, said to his fellow-disciples; Let us go too, that we may die with Him. Then Jesus having come, found him having four days in the sepulcher. But Bethany was near Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs. And many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary, that they might comfort them concerning their brother.
And many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary, that they might comfort them concerning their brother. Then Martha, when she heard that Jesus comes, went to meet Him: and Mary sat in the house. read more. Then Martha said to Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. And now I know that, whatsoever things you may ask of God, God will give to you. Jesus says to her, Thy brother will rise again. Martha says to Him, I know he will rise again in the resurrection in the last day. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection and the life; the one believing on me, though he may die, shall live: and every one living and believing on me can never die: do you believe this? She says to Him, Yes, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, come into the world. And having said this, she departed, and called her sister Mary, speaking secretly, The Teacher is present, and calls you. She, when she heard, arises quickly, and comes to Him: Jesus had not yet come into the village, but was yet in the place where Martha met Him. Then the Jews being with her in the house, and comforting her, seeing Mary, that she arose up quickly and went out, followed her, thinking that she goes to the tomb in order that she may weep there. Then Mary, when she came where Jesus was, seeing Him, fell at His feet, saying to Him, Lord, if Thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. Then when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews, having come with her, weeping, He groaned in spirit, and troubled Himself, and said, Where have you laid him? They say to Him, Lord, come and see. Jesus wept. Then the Jews were saying, Behold, how He loved him as a friend!
Then the Jews were saying, Behold, how He loved him as a friend! And some of them said, Was not this One, having opened the eyes of the blind, able to bring it to pass, that he indeed should not die? read more. Then Jesus again groaning in Himself comes to the tomb; and it was a cave, and a stone was laid upon it. Jesus says; Take away the stone. Martha, the sister of the dead, says to Him; Lord, already he smelleth: for he is dead four days.
Jesus says; Take away the stone. Martha, the sister of the dead, says to Him; Lord, already he smelleth: for he is dead four days. Jesus says to her; Did I not tell thee, that, if thou canst believe, thou shalt see the glory of God? read more. Then they took away the stone; and Jesus lifted up His eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee, because Thou hast heard Me. I know that Thou dost always hear Me; but on account of the multitude standing around I spoke, in order that they might believe that Thou didst send Me. And speaking these things, He cried out with a great voice, Lazarus, come forth. And the dead came out, bound as to his feet and hands with graveclothes; and his face bound round with a napkin. Jesus says to them, Loose him, and let him go.
Then the chief priests and Pharisees assembled the Sanhedrin, and continued to say, What are we doing? because this man is doing many miracles. If we thus let Him alone, all will believe on Him: and the Romans will come and take away our place and nation. read more. But one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, You know nothing, you do not consider that it is profitable to you, that one man may die for the people, and the whole nation perish not. And he spoke this not of himself, but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus was about to die for the nation. And not only for the nation, but that He may gather into one the children of God dispersed abroad. Then from that day they passed the verdict, that they would kill Him.
Then Jesus, six days before the passover came into Bethany, where Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead, was, Then they made a supper for Him there: and Martha was serving; and Lazarus was one of those sitting at the table with Him. read more. Then Mary taking a pound of myrrh of spikenard, estimated very valuable, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odor of the myrrh.
Then Mary taking a pound of myrrh of spikenard, estimated very valuable, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odor of the myrrh. Then Judas Iscariot, one of His disciples, the one about to betray Him, says: read more. Why was not this myrrh sold for three hundred denaria, and given to the poor? And He spoke this, not because there was a care to him for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the purse, and was carrying those things cast in. Then Jesus said, Let her alone; she hath reserved this unto the day of my burial; for you have the poor always with you; but you have not me always. then a great multitude of the Jews came not only on account of Jesus, but that they might see Lazarus, whom He raised from the dead; because he was there. But the chief priest passed an edict that they would also slay Lazarus;
But the chief priest passed an edict that they would also slay Lazarus; because through him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.
because through him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.
Then the multitude being with Him witnessed that He called Lazarus out of the sepulcher, and raised him from the dead. Therefore the multitude also went to meet Him, because they heard that He had wrought this miracle.
And one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved, was leaning on the bosom of Jesus.
And one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved, was leaning on the bosom of Jesus.
and he shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, having been poured out without mixture in the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb.
Morish
Laz'arus
1. Brother of Martha and Mary, and a resident at Bethany. Jesus loved them all, and He spoke of Lazarus as 'our friend.' Very little is recorded of him except the striking fact that he was raised from the dead by the Lord Jesus, which manifested the glory of God and glorified the Son of God. When his sisters made the Lord a supper at Bethany, Lazarus was one of those who sat with Him. He was a living witness of the power of the Son of God over death, and as such he was in danger of being killed by the Jews, on account of many believing on the Lord because of him. Joh 11:1-43; 12:1-17.
2. The poor man in the parable of Luke 16. His circumstances are related
See Verses Found in Dictionary
There was a certain rich man, and he was habitually clothed in purple and fine linen, faring sumptuously every day. But a certain beggar, Lazarus by name, was laid at his gate, full of sores, read more. and desiring to be fed by the crumbs falling from the table of the rich man; but the dogs also coming continued to lick his sores. And it came to pass that the beggar died, and himself was carried by the angels into the bosom of Abraham: and the rich man also died, and was buried. And in Hades lifted up his eyes, being in torment, sees Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he calling said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue, because I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Child, remember that you received your good things in your life, and Lazarus likewise evil things: but now he is comforted, and you are tormented. And in addition to all these things, there is a great gulf fixed between us and you, in order that those wishing to go hence to you may not be able, neither can they come thence to us. And he said, Moreover I intreat you, father, that you may send him to the house of my father: for I have five brothers; in order that he may testify to them, that they may not also come to this place of the torment. But Abraham says, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. But he said, No, father Abraham: but if one may go to them from the dead, they will repent. But he said to him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, they will not be persuaded if one may rise from the dead.
And a certain one was sick, Lazarus from Bethany, of the village of Mary and Martha her sister. And Mary was the one anointing the Lord with myrrh, and wiping His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. read more. Then the sisters sent to Him, saying, Lord, behold the one whom thou lovest is sick. And Jesus hearing said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it. Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus, with Divine love. Therefore when He heard that he was sick, He then remained two days in the place in which He was. Then after this He says to the disciples, Let us go again unto Judea. The disciples said to Him, Master, the Jews were but now seeking to stone thee; dost thou go hither again? Jesus responded, Are there not twelve hours of the day? If any one may walk in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world: if any one may walk in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him. He spoke these things: and after this He says to them, Our friend Lazarus is asleep; and I go that I may awaken him. Then the disciples said to Him, Lord, if he is asleep, he will be saved. But Jesus spoke concerning his death: and they thought that He spoke concerning the rest of sleep. Then however Jesus spoke to them openly, Lazarus is dead, and I rejoice on account of you that I was not there, in order that you may believe; but let us go to him. Then Thomas, called Didymus, said to his fellow-disciples; Let us go too, that we may die with Him. Then Jesus having come, found him having four days in the sepulcher. But Bethany was near Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs. And many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary, that they might comfort them concerning their brother. Then Martha, when she heard that Jesus comes, went to meet Him: and Mary sat in the house. Then Martha said to Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. And now I know that, whatsoever things you may ask of God, God will give to you. Jesus says to her, Thy brother will rise again. Martha says to Him, I know he will rise again in the resurrection in the last day. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection and the life; the one believing on me, though he may die, shall live: and every one living and believing on me can never die: do you believe this? She says to Him, Yes, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, come into the world. And having said this, she departed, and called her sister Mary, speaking secretly, The Teacher is present, and calls you. She, when she heard, arises quickly, and comes to Him: Jesus had not yet come into the village, but was yet in the place where Martha met Him. Then the Jews being with her in the house, and comforting her, seeing Mary, that she arose up quickly and went out, followed her, thinking that she goes to the tomb in order that she may weep there. Then Mary, when she came where Jesus was, seeing Him, fell at His feet, saying to Him, Lord, if Thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. Then when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews, having come with her, weeping, He groaned in spirit, and troubled Himself, and said, Where have you laid him? They say to Him, Lord, come and see. Jesus wept. Then the Jews were saying, Behold, how He loved him as a friend! And some of them said, Was not this One, having opened the eyes of the blind, able to bring it to pass, that he indeed should not die? Then Jesus again groaning in Himself comes to the tomb; and it was a cave, and a stone was laid upon it. Jesus says; Take away the stone. Martha, the sister of the dead, says to Him; Lord, already he smelleth: for he is dead four days. Jesus says to her; Did I not tell thee, that, if thou canst believe, thou shalt see the glory of God? Then they took away the stone; and Jesus lifted up His eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee, because Thou hast heard Me. I know that Thou dost always hear Me; but on account of the multitude standing around I spoke, in order that they might believe that Thou didst send Me. And speaking these things, He cried out with a great voice, Lazarus, come forth.
Then Jesus, six days before the passover came into Bethany, where Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead, was, Then they made a supper for Him there: and Martha was serving; and Lazarus was one of those sitting at the table with Him. read more. Then Mary taking a pound of myrrh of spikenard, estimated very valuable, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odor of the myrrh. Then Judas Iscariot, one of His disciples, the one about to betray Him, says: Why was not this myrrh sold for three hundred denaria, and given to the poor? And He spoke this, not because there was a care to him for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the purse, and was carrying those things cast in. Then Jesus said, Let her alone; she hath reserved this unto the day of my burial; for you have the poor always with you; but you have not me always. then a great multitude of the Jews came not only on account of Jesus, but that they might see Lazarus, whom He raised from the dead; because he was there. But the chief priest passed an edict that they would also slay Lazarus; because through him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus. On the following day a great multitude having come to the feast, hearing that Jesus comes into Jerusalem, They took the branches of the palm-trees, and went out to meet Him, and continued to cry out, Hosanna: blessed is He that cometh, in the name of the Lord, the King of Israel. And Jesus, having found a young donkey, sat upon him, as has been written, Fear not, daughter of Zion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting upon the colt of a donkey. But His disciples at first did not understand these things: but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written in reference to Him, and they did them to Him. Then the multitude being with Him witnessed that He called Lazarus out of the sepulcher, and raised him from the dead.
Smith
Laz'arus
(whom God helps), another form of the Hebrew name Eleazar.
1. Lazarus of Bethany, the brother of Martha and Mary.
Joh 11:1
All that we know of him is derived from the Gospel of St. John, and that records little more than the facts of his death and resurrection. The language of
Joh 11:1
implies that the sisters were the better known. Lazarus is "of Bethany, of the village of Mary and her sister Martha." From this and from the order of the three names in
Joh 11:5
we may reasonably infer that Lazarus was the youngest of the family. All the circumstances of John 11 and 12 point to wealth and social position above the average.
2. The name of a poor man in the well-known parable of
Lu 16:19-31
The name of Lazarus has been perpetuated in an institution of the Christian Church. The leper of the Middle Ages appears as a lazzaro. The use of lazaretto and lazarhouse for the leper hospitals then founded in all parts of western Christendom, no less than that of lazaroni for the mendicants of Italian towns, is an indication of the effect of the parable upon the mind of Europe in the Middle Ages, and thence upon its later speech.
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And a certain one was sick, Lazarus from Bethany, of the village of Mary and Martha her sister.
And a certain one was sick, Lazarus from Bethany, of the village of Mary and Martha her sister.
Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus, with Divine love.
Watsons
LAZARUS, brother to Martha and Mary. He dwelt at Bethany with his sisters, near Jerusalem; and the Lord Jesus did him the honour sometimes of lodging at his house when he visited the city. See the account of his resurrection related at large in Joh 11:5, &c.
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Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus, with Divine love.