Luke 16:20

And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,

And {G1161} there was {G2258} a certain {G5100} beggar {G4434} named {G3686} Lazarus {G2976}, which {G3739} was laid {G906} at {G4314} his {G846} gate {G4440}, full of sores {G1669},

At his gate had been laid a beggar named El‘azar who was covered with sores.

And a beggar named Lazarus lay at his gate, covered with sores

and a certain beggar named Lazarus was laid at his gate, full of sores,

Context

Luke 16:20 introduces a pivotal character in one of Jesus’ most striking parables, often referred to as the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus. This verse immediately follows the description of the wealthy man (Luke 16:19), setting up a profound contrast between extreme opulence and abject poverty. Jesus tells this parable to a group of Pharisees who were "lovers of money" (Luke 16:14), using it to teach about the proper use of wealth, the dangers of neglecting the poor, and the eternal consequences of earthly choices.

Key Themes

  • Extreme Poverty and Suffering: Lazarus is depicted as utterly destitute, not only a beggar but also "full of sores," indicating severe physical affliction and likely social ostracization.
  • Stark Contrast: His placement "at his gate" (the rich man's gate) highlights the dramatic disparity between their lives – one feasting daily, the other starving at his doorstep.
  • Divine Recognition: Unlike the rich man, who remains unnamed in the parable, the beggar is given a name, "Lazarus." This uniquely emphasizes his individual identity and significance in God's eyes, despite his earthly lowliness.

Linguistic Insights

The name Lazarus is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Eleazar, meaning "God is my help." This is highly significant in the parable, as it subtly foreshadows God's ultimate intervention and care for him, contrasting sharply with the rich man's neglect. The phrase "full of sores" translates the Greek word helkos, which refers to open, festering wounds. This detail underscores Lazarus's profound suffering and vulnerability, making his condition even more pitiable and highlighting the rich man's callous indifference.

Significance of Lazarus's Condition

Lazarus's presence at the rich man's gate is not coincidental; it represents the constant, visible need that the rich man chose to ignore. His sores would have made him appear unclean and repulsive to many, further emphasizing his marginalization. Yet, it is precisely this suffering individual, overlooked by society, whom Jesus names and places at the center of a critical lesson about divine justice and compassion. His name, "God is my help," serves as a poignant reminder that even in his utter destitution, he was not forgotten by God.

Practical Application

This verse challenges believers to confront their own attitudes toward wealth and poverty. It serves as a powerful reminder that true spiritual richness is not measured by material possessions, but by compassion and obedience to God's will. The parable, beginning with Lazarus's suffering, sets the stage for a dramatic reversal of fortunes (Luke 16:22). It encourages us to "see" and respond to the needs of those who are suffering and marginalized around us, recognizing that our actions (or inactions) have eternal implications.

Reflection

Luke 16:20 is more than just an introduction; it is a profound statement about the dignity of the poor and the moral responsibility of the wealthy. By naming Lazarus, Jesus elevates a seemingly insignificant beggar to a central figure, drawing attention to the divine perspective on human suffering and social inequality.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 3:2

    And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;

  • 1 Samuel 2:8

    He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, [and] lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set [them] among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth [are] the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them.

  • James 1:9

    Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:

  • Luke 16:21

    And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.

  • James 2:5

    Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

  • Job 2:7

    ¶ So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown.

  • Psalms 73:14

    For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.

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