### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Lázaros**, represented by `{{G2976}}`, is the name of two Israelites, one of whom is imaginary. It is probably of Hebrew origin and appears **15 times** in **15 unique verses**. The name is famously associated with two distinct narratives: a parable about a beggar and the historical account of a man raised from the dead.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the Gospel of Luke, **Lázaros** is the name of a **beggar** `{{G4434}}` who was laid at a rich man's gate, **full of sores** `{{G1669}}` [[Luke 16:20]]. After death, this **Lazarus** is carried to **Abraham's** `{{G11}}` **bosom** `{{G2859}}`, where he is **comforted** `{{G3870}}` ([[Luke 16:23]], [[Luke 16:25]]). In the Gospel of John, **Lazarus** is a real person from **Bethany** `{{G963}}`, the **brother** `{{G80}}` of **Mary** `{{G3137}}` and **Martha** `{{G3136}}` [[John 11:1]]. After falling **sick** `{{G770}}` and dying, Jesus **raised** `{{G1453}}` him from the **dead** `{{G3498}}` [[John 12:1]]. This miracle caused the **chief priests** `{{G749}}` to **consult** `{{G1011}}` to put **Lazarus** to **death** `{{G615}}` as well [[John 12:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are crucial to understanding the context of **Lazarus**:
* `{{G599}}` **apothnḗskō** (to die off): This term confirms the finality of Lazarus's state before divine intervention. Jesus tells his disciples plainly, "**Lazarus** **is dead**" [[John 11:14]].
* `{{G1453}}` **egeírō** (to waken, raise): This word signifies the central miracle associated with Lazarus of Bethany. A crowd of people bore witness that Jesus **raised** `{{G1453}}` him from the **dead** `{{G3498}}` [[John 12:17]].
* `{{G4434}}` **ptōchós** (a beggar): This describes the state of the other Lazarus in Jesus's parable, identifying him as a pauper in stark contrast to the rich man [[Luke 16:20]].
* `{{G86}}` **háidēs** (grave, hell): This is the place of torment where the rich man **lifted up** `{{G1869}}` his eyes and saw Lazarus in comfort, a direct contrast of their eternal destinations [[Luke 16:23]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G2976}}` is demonstrated through these two figures:
* **Christ's Power Over Death:** The story of Lazarus of Bethany is a powerful demonstration of Jesus' authority. He calls into the **grave** `{{G3419}}`, "**Lazarus**, **come** `{{G1204}}` forth," and the man who **had been dead** `{{G2348}}` emerges ([[John 11:43]], [[John 12:1]]). This event serves as a clear sign of Jesus's life-giving power.
* **The Great Reversal:** The parable of the beggar Lazarus illustrates a profound reversal of earthly circumstances. The one who received **evil things** `{{G2556}}` in life is **comforted** `{{G3870}}`, while the rich man who received **good things** `{{G18}}` is **tormented** `{{G3600}}` [[Luke 16:25]].
* **A Catalyst for Faith and Opposition:** The raising of Lazarus became a major catalyst in Jesus's ministry. It caused **much people** `{{G3793}}` of the Jews to **know** `{{G1097}}` and **see** `{{G1492}}` the miracle, yet it also drove the **chief priests** `{{G749}}` to conspire to **put him to death** `{{G615}}` [[John 12:9-10]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2976}}` **Lázaros** is a name tied to profound biblical themes. Through the parable in Luke, it represents the humble who are exalted in the afterlife. Through the historical account in John, it becomes the ultimate evidence of Jesus's identity as the resurrection and the life, a friend whom He loved and raised from the dead, foreshadowing His own victory over the grave.
TRV