Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words is crucial for Biblical studies because it allows us to uncover deeper meanings and cultural contexts that may not be immediately apparent in translation. The Greek word Λάζαρος (Lázaros), first appearing in Luke 16:20, is particularly significant in the New Testament. This name holds importance in interpreting key theological themes, such as the afterlife, divine justice, and the compassion of God. It also offers insight into the way names were used in ancient Greek and Jewish cultures to convey character and narrative roles.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: Λάζαρος, transliterated as Lázaros [pronounced: LAH-za-ros].

Etymology: Λάζαρος is derived from the Hebrew name אֶלְעָזָר (Eleazar), meaning “God has helped.” This etymology reflects the deep religious significance embedded in personal names, which often express theological truths or divine actions.

Part of Speech: Proper Noun, Masculine. Λάζαρος is a second-declension masculine noun used to identify a specific individual. It functions as a personal name in the New Testament, particularly in narratives where the character serves a theological or illustrative purpose.

The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Defining Meanings

1. Lazarus in the Parable of the Rich Man: In Luke 16:20-31, Λάζαρος is the name of the poor man who lies at the gate of a rich man and eventually finds comfort in the afterlife in Abraham’s bosom. This usage emphasizes themes of divine justice and reversal of fortunes.

2. Lazarus, Brother of Mary and Martha: In John 11:1-44, Λάζαρος is the name of a man from Bethany whom Jesus raises from the dead. This account serves to illustrate Jesus’ power over death and prefigures His own resurrection.

Exploring Similar Words

1. Ἰωάννης (Iōánnēs) [pronounced: yo-AN-nays]: This is another significant New Testament name derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning “Yahweh is gracious.” Unlike Λάζαρος, which specifically conveys God’s help, Ἰωάννης emphasizes God’s grace.

2. Μαριάμ (Mariam) [pronounced: mar-ee-AM]: Derived from the Hebrew name Miriam, this name is associated with different figures in the New Testament, including Mary, the mother of Jesus. It differs from Λάζαρος in that it often represents nurturing or maternal aspects rather than divine intervention.

3. Σίμων (Simōn) [pronounced: SEE-mohn]: A common name in the New Testament, derived from the Hebrew Shimon, meaning “he has heard.” It contrasts with Λάζαρος by focusing on the act of hearing rather than divine assistance.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender: Λάζαρος is a masculine proper noun. It appears in the singular form and follows the second declension pattern typical of masculine nouns in Greek. Here is the declension table for Λάζαρος:

Declension: As a second-declension noun, Λάζαρος has the standard endings associated with this class, making it relatively straightforward in terms of morphological changes across cases.

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

The name Λάζαρος appears twice in the New Testament, and both instances carry profound theological weight. Lexicon insights reveal that the name is emblematic of divine aid and intervention. In Luke 16, Λάζαρος represents the righteous poor who receive comfort after death, emphasizing the reversal of earthly fortunes in the afterlife. In John 11, the raising of Lazarus is a powerful testament to Jesus’ authority over life and death, reinforcing His divine nature and foreshadowing His resurrection. The use of Λάζαρος in both stories underlines God’s justice, compassion, and redemptive power, bridging the Old Testament understanding of God’s help with the New Testament revelation of Jesus as the resurrection and the life.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

Luke 16:20: “And a poor man named Lazarus [Λάζαρος] was laid at his gate, covered with sores.”

Luke 16:23: “In Hades, he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far away and Lazarus [Λάζαρον] in his bosom.”

John 11:1: “Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus [Λάζαρος] of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha.”

John 11:43: “When He had said these things, He cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus [Λάζαρε], come forth.'”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word Λάζαρος (Lázaros) is a proper noun that carries significant theological implications in the New Testament. It represents divine assistance, as suggested by its Hebrew roots, and is used to illustrate profound truths about God’s justice and resurrection power. The two distinct stories involving Lazarus—the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus in Luke and the raising of Lazarus in John—are central to understanding themes of divine reversal and the foreshadowing of Christ’s victory over death. The usage of this name connects Old Testament themes of God’s help to the New Testament revelation of eternal life and divine justice.

Did You Know?

1. The name Lazarus appears in two of Jesus’ most memorable teachings: a parable and a miracle, both of which are unique to the Gospels of Luke and John, respectively.
2. Lazarus of Bethany, whom Jesus raised from the dead, is the only person mentioned by name in the New Testament to have been resurrected by Jesus, making his story particularly compelling.
3. The parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus in Luke 16 is the only parable in which Jesus gives a character a specific name, underscoring the narrative’s importance and the person’s symbolic role in the teaching.