Bible Person

Lazarus

Meaning: assistance of God · Male · 4 cross references

This Lazarus entry refers to the poor man in Jesus' parable of the rich man and Lazarus, not Lazarus of Bethany. He is a story figure whose name gives unusual sharpness and dignity to a teaching about reversal, mercy, and final judgment. First appears in Luke 16:20.1

AI summary: This Lazarus matters because the cross references present him as the suffering poor man whose condition is reversed after death in one of Jesus' most searching parables. Unlike many parabolic figures, he is named, which gives his plight and vindication particular force. His story exposes the moral blindness of wealth without compassion. Taken together, the material presents this Lazarus as a named parabolic figure through whom Jesus teaches judgment, mercy, and reversal.1

Central Figure

Lazarus

Meaning: assistance of God