Luke 16:20

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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},

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 16:20 introduces the character of Lazarus, a destitute beggar afflicted with severe physical ailments, who is positioned at the gate of an unnamed rich man. This verse immediately establishes a stark contrast between extreme wealth and abject poverty, setting the stage for Jesus' profound parable about the eternal consequences of earthly choices, particularly regarding the stewardship of resources and compassion for the marginalized.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 16:20 is the second verse in Jesus' Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, directly following the description of the rich man's lavish daily life in [Luke 16:19](/luke/16-19 "Luke 16:19 - The Rich Man's Opulence"). The introduction of Lazarus immediately creates a dramatic juxtaposition, highlighting the stark disparity between the two characters. This parable itself is situated within a broader section of Luke's Gospel (chapters 15-16) that addresses themes of stewardship, the dangers of materialism, and the nature of true repentance, often directed at the Pharisees who were "lovers of money" ([Luke 16:14](/luke/16-14 "Luke 16:14 - The Pharisees' Love of Money")). The parable serves as a powerful illustration of the principles Jesus has been teaching, particularly concerning the use of wealth and the eternal implications of one's earthly conduct.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Judea, poverty was widespread, and social safety nets were virtually nonexistent. Beggars were a common sight, often congregating at public places like city gates or the entrances of wealthy homes, hoping for alms. Being "full of sores" would not only signify extreme physical suffering but also social ostracization, as such conditions were often associated with uncleanness or divine disfavor, making the afflicted person an outcast. The rich man's "gate" (Greek: _pylōn_) would have been a prominent feature of a large, impressive estate, serving as a clear boundary between his world of luxury and the world of the poor outside. The cultural expectation, rooted in Mosaic Law, was for the wealthy to care for the poor and vulnerable (e.g., [Deuteronomy 15:7-8](/deuteronomy/15-7-8 "Deuteronomy 15:7-8 - Lending to the Poor")). The rich man's failure to respond to Lazarus, literally at his doorstep, would have been a profound violation of this societal and theological expectation.

* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several pivotal themes that resonate throughout the parable and the broader Lukan narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Extreme Poverty and Suffering**, vividly portraying Lazarus's destitution and physical agony. Secondly, it establishes a **Stark Contrast** between the lives of the rich and the poor, forcing the audience to confront the moral implications of such disparity. Thirdly, and perhaps most significantly, the naming of Lazarus (while the rich man remains unnamed) introduces the theme of **Divine Recognition and Dignity**. Despite his earthly lowliness and social invisibility, Lazarus is given an individual identity and significance in God's eyes, foreshadowing a divine reversal of fortunes that challenges conventional societal values and highlights God's particular concern for the marginalized, a theme central to Jesus' ministry as proclaimed in [Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18-19 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Mission Statement")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **beggar (Greek, _ptōchós'_):** From a root meaning "to crouch" or "to cringe," this term describes absolute destitution, a pauper who is utterly dependent on alms. It signifies a state of complete lack of resources and social standing, distinguishing him from someone merely experiencing "straitened circumstances." This word emphasizes Lazarus's profound vulnerability and reliance on others for survival.
* **Lazarus (Greek, _Lázaros'_):** This is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name Eleazar, which means "God is my help." The fact that Jesus uniquely names this beggar, while leaving the rich man unnamed, is highly significant. It provides a divine commentary on Lazarus's true identity and ultimate vindication, subtly foreshadowing God's intervention and care for him, in stark contrast to the rich man's earthly neglect.
* **full of sores (Greek, _helkóō'_):** Derived from "helkos," meaning an ulcer or open wound, this describes a state of being ulcerous or having festering wounds. This vivid detail underscores Lazarus's severe physical suffering, pain, and vulnerability. In that cultural context, such a condition would also imply uncleanness and likely social ostracization, making him an even more pitiable figure.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus,"**: This clause immediately introduces the central figure of the parable, establishing his identity as a "ptōchós" – an utterly destitute beggar. The deliberate act of naming him "Lazarus" (meaning "God is my help") is a profound theological statement, contrasting with the anonymity of the rich man and elevating the beggar's significance in the divine narrative.
* **"which was laid at his gate,"**: This phrase highlights Lazarus's extreme vulnerability and passive state; he was "laid" (a passive verb suggesting he was placed there, perhaps unable to move himself) at the very entrance of the rich man's opulent home. This physical proximity underscores the rich man's direct and constant exposure to Lazarus's desperate need, making his subsequent inaction all the more culpable.
* **"full of sores,"**: This vivid detail emphasizes Lazarus's profound physical suffering and social marginalization. The "sores" (open, festering wounds) would have caused immense pain and made him appear unclean and repulsive to many, further isolating him and making his desperate condition even more pitiable. It paints a picture of utter brokenness, both physically and socially.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 16:20 employs several powerful literary devices. **Contrast** is immediately established between the nameless rich man's implied opulence (suggested by the presence of a "gate") and Lazarus's abject poverty and suffering. The most striking device is **Irony**, as the seemingly insignificant, suffering beggar is the only character in the parable to be given a name, "Lazarus," while the powerful rich man remains anonymous. This act of naming functions as potent **Symbolism**, for Lazarus's name, meaning "God is my help," powerfully foreshadows divine intervention and the ultimate reversal of fortunes. The vivid description of Lazarus being "full of sores" serves as **Pathos**, evoking pity and underscoring his extreme vulnerability, while also subtly hinting at his social ostracization.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 16:20 serves as a crucial theological pivot, introducing the theme of God's particular regard for the poor and marginalized, a recurring motif throughout Luke's Gospel. The naming of Lazarus, a detail unique to this parable, elevates his dignity and underscores that, despite his earthly suffering and social invisibility, he is known and valued by God. This challenges the prevailing societal and religious assumptions that wealth signified divine favor and poverty, divine disfavor. The verse implicitly critiques the rich man's spiritual blindness and moral failure to recognize and respond to human suffering directly at his doorstep, highlighting that true righteousness is not merely about adherence to law but about active compassion. It sets the stage for a dramatic reversal of fortunes in the afterlife, where earthly status is inverted based on one's response to God's will and the needs of others.

* [Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - Identifying with the Least of These")
* [James 2:5](/james/2-5 "James 2:5 - God Chooses the Poor")
* [Proverbs 14:31](/proverbs/14-31 "Proverbs 14:31 - Oppressing the Poor")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 16:20 is far more than a mere introduction; it is a profound challenge to our perceptions of value, dignity, and responsibility. By vividly portraying Lazarus's abject condition and giving him a name that speaks of divine help, Jesus forces us to confront the reality of suffering and the moral imperative to respond. This verse demands that we "see" the marginalized not as anonymous statistics or inconvenient problems, but as individuals known and valued by God, whose plight calls for our compassion and action. It serves as a stark reminder that our material blessings come with a spiritual responsibility, and that indifference to the suffering of those around us is not a neutral act, but one with eternal implications. The parable, beginning with Lazarus's suffering, sets the stage for a dramatic reversal of fortunes, prompting us to examine our own hearts: Do we truly see the "Lazaruses" at our gates, and how do we respond to their needs?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be spiritually blind to the suffering of those around me, even those "at my gate"?**
* **How does the naming of Lazarus challenge my assumptions about who is truly significant in God's eyes?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a heart of compassion and actively respond to the needs of the marginalized in my community?**

### FAQ

**Why is Lazarus the only character named in this parable?**

Answer: The naming of Lazarus is highly significant and unique among Jesus' parables, where characters are typically unnamed (e.g., the Good Samaritan, the Prodigal Son). By naming the beggar "Lazarus," which is the Greek form of the Hebrew "Eleazar" meaning "God is my help," Jesus imbues him with individual dignity and significance. This contrasts sharply with the rich man, who remains anonymous, suggesting that despite his earthly prominence, he is spiritually insignificant or forgotten in God's eyes. The naming of Lazarus foreshadows God's intimate knowledge and ultimate vindication of the poor and suffering, emphasizing that true worth is not found in wealth or status but in one's relationship with God and one's response to His will. It underscores God's particular concern for the marginalized, a central theme in [Luke's Gospel](/luke "The Gospel According to Luke").

**What does "full of sores" imply about Lazarus's condition?**

Answer: The phrase "full of sores" (Greek: _helkóō_) vividly depicts Lazarus's severe physical suffering. It refers to open, festering wounds, likely chronic and painful. Beyond the physical agony, this condition would have had significant social and religious implications in first-century Jewish society. Such ailments were often associated with uncleanness or even divine judgment, leading to social ostracization. People with visible diseases were often kept at a distance, making Lazarus not only physically afflicted but also socially isolated and repulsive to many. This detail further emphasizes his utter vulnerability, destitution, and the profound indifference of the rich man who allowed such suffering to persist at his very doorstep, despite the clear command to care for the poor in [Deuteronomy 15:7-8](/deuteronomy/15-7-8 "Deuteronomy 15:7-8 - Lending to the Poor").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 16:20, by introducing the suffering beggar Lazarus, powerfully foreshadows and illuminates the very heart of Christ's mission and identity. Jesus, though rich, became poor for our sakes ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Riches")), identifying with the marginalized, the sick, and the outcast, much like Lazarus. He proclaimed good news to the poor and liberation to the oppressed ([Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus' Mission Statement")), embodying the "God is my help" that Lazarus's name signifies. Christ's own journey from humiliation and suffering on the cross to ultimate exaltation and glory ([Philippians 2:5-11](/philippians/2-5-11 "Philippians 2:5-11 - The Humiliation and Exaltation of Christ")) mirrors the dramatic reversal of fortunes experienced by Lazarus. Moreover, Jesus taught that true discipleship involves caring for "the least of these," identifying Himself directly with the hungry, thirsty, naked, sick, and imprisoned ([Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Judgment of the Nations")). Thus, the rich man's failure to see and respond to Lazarus at his gate is, in essence, a failure to see and respond to Christ Himself, making this parable a profound call to Christ-like compassion and a warning against spiritual blindness to the suffering of others.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.