### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek lemma Λάζαρος (Lázaros), transliterated as Lazarus, is firmly rooted in the Hebrew name אֶלְעָזָר (El'azar). This Hebrew cognate carries the profound meaning "God has helped" or "God is my helper." The name itself, therefore, inherently carries a theological weight, signifying divine assistance, intervention, and sustenance. Its semantic range in the New Testament is primarily limited to proper nouns, referring to specific individuals or characters, yet the underlying meaning of divine aid resonates deeply within the narratives where it appears.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Λάζαρος appears in two distinct and highly significant contexts within the New Testament, as noted in the base definition's reference to "two Israelites (one imaginary)":
1. **Lazarus of Bethany:** This is the historical figure, brother of Mary and Martha, residing in Bethany. His story is recounted in detail in the Gospel of John, specifically in [[John 11:1-44]]. Jesus' miraculous raising of Lazarus from the dead, after he had been in the tomb for four days, serves as one of the most powerful signs (σημεῖα) in John's Gospel, demonstrating Jesus' divine authority over life and death. The narrative highlights Jesus' deep compassion ([[John 11:35]]), His declaration as "the resurrection and the life" ([[John 11:25]]), and the resulting increase in both faith among some and hardened opposition from the religious authorities ([[John 11:45-53]]). The event prefigures Jesus' own resurrection and underscores His power to grant eternal life.
2. **Lazarus in the Parable:** This refers to the poor, suffering man in Jesus' parable of the rich man and Lazarus, found in [[Luke 16:19-31]]. Unlike the Lazarus of Bethany, this figure is a character in a didactic story, hence "imaginary" in the sense of not being a historical person. In this parable, Lazarus, though afflicted with poverty and sores during his earthly life, is carried by angels to "Abraham's side" (paradise) after his death, while the rich man who ignored him suffers torment in Hades. The name "Lazarus" here is particularly poignant, as "God has helped" him in the ultimate sense, reversing his earthly misfortune in the afterlife. The parable teaches about the reversal of fortunes, the importance of compassion for the poor, the dangers of wealth misused, and the finality of post-mortem judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the Hebrew original, אֶלְעָזָר (El'azar), which is transliterated into Greek as Λάζαρος. This Hebrew name is found throughout the Old Testament, most notably as the name of Eleazar, the third son of Aaron, who succeeded his father as High Priest ([[Exodus 6:23]], [[Numbers 3:32]]). This connection reinforces the ancient and venerable nature of the name and its intrinsic meaning of divine assistance.
Thematic connections arising from the occurrences of Lazarus include:
* **Resurrection and Life:** Central to the narrative of Lazarus of Bethany, emphasizing Jesus' power over death.
* **Death and Afterlife:** Explored in both narratives, particularly the contrasting fates in the parable.
* **Divine Justice and Judgment:** A core theme in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, where earthly inequities are rectified.
* **Compassion and Care for the Poor:** A significant ethical implication drawn from the parable.
* **Faith and Disbelief:** Illustrated by the varied reactions to the raising of Lazarus of Bethany.
* **Theophoric Names:** Λάζαρος is an example of a theophoric name, where a divine element (El, "God") is incorporated, a common practice in biblical naming (e.g., Samuel, Daniel, Gabriel).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Λάζαρος is profound and multifaceted, drawing from both of its New Testament occurrences:
1. **Christological Revelation:** The raising of Lazarus of Bethany is a climactic demonstration of Jesus' identity and power. It serves as a powerful sign that Jesus is indeed the Lord of life, possessing authority over death itself. His declaration, "I am the resurrection and the life" ([[John 11:25]]), is a foundational Christological statement, revealing His divine nature and His unique ability to grant eternal life. This miracle also prefigures Jesus' own victory over death through His resurrection, offering hope for all who believe in Him.
2. **Soteriological Implications:** The command "Lazarus, come out!" ([[John 11:43]]) can be seen as a spiritual metaphor for the call to new life in Christ. Just as Lazarus was called forth from physical death, believers are called forth from spiritual death in sin to newness of life through faith in Jesus. This act underscores God's power to deliver and transform.
3. **Eschatological Foreshadowing:** The raising of Lazarus provides a vivid picture of the future resurrection of the dead, a central tenet of Christian eschatology. It offers a tangible glimpse into God's ultimate plan to conquer death and restore life.
4. **Ethical and Social Justice Imperatives:** The parable of the rich man and Lazarus highlights God's profound concern for the poor and marginalized. It serves as a stark warning against indifference to human suffering and the dangers of self-centered wealth. The reversal of fortunes in the afterlife underscores divine justice, where the humble are exalted and the proud brought low, calling believers to actively pursue justice and compassion in this life.
5. **Divine Providence and Help:** The very meaning of the name "God has helped" resonates throughout both narratives. In the case of Lazarus of Bethany, God helped him through Jesus' miraculous intervention. In the parable, God helped the poor Lazarus by granting him comfort and honor in the afterlife, a stark contrast to his earthly suffering. The name itself thus becomes a testament to God's ultimate care and sovereignty.
### Summary
The Greek word Λάζαρος (Lázaros, `{{G2976}}`), derived from the Hebrew אֶלְעָזָר (El'azar), signifies "God has helped." This profound meaning permeates its two significant appearances in the New Testament. Firstly, Lazarus of Bethany, whose miraculous resurrection by Jesus ([[John 11:1-44]]) stands as a powerful testament to Christ's divine authority over life and death, His identity as "the resurrection and the life," and a prefigurement of His own triumph over the grave. Secondly, the poor man Lazarus in Jesus' parable ([[Luke 16:19-31]]) serves as a parabolic figure illustrating divine justice, the reversal of fortunes in the afterlife, and the ethical imperative for compassion towards the marginalized. In both instances, the name Λάζαρος powerfully underscores the unwavering truth that God is indeed the ultimate helper and sustainer, whether through miraculous intervention in this life or through ultimate vindication and comfort in the life to come.
TRV