Lazarus
Name Origin & Meaning
The Greek form of the Hebrew 'Eleazar' — 'El' (God) and 'ezer' (help) — 'God has helped.' The name declares divine assistance as the foundation of life. Lazarus of Bethany was dead for four days before Jesus raised him — the ultimate expression of divine help that goes beyond what anyone thought possible. Jesus' declaration 'I am the resurrection and the life' was spoken at Lazarus's tomb.
First Biblical Appearance
“Jesus wept.”
The shortest verse in the Bible — Jesus weeping at Lazarus's tomb — revealing that the Lord of resurrection is also moved to tears by our grief.
Biblical Significance
Lazarus of Bethany was the brother of Mary and Martha and a beloved friend of Jesus. His death prompted the shortest verse in the Bible — 'Jesus wept' — and the most dramatic resurrection miracle before Christ's own. His resurrection from four days of death (well past the three days in which Jews believed the soul might return) proved Jesus' absolute authority over death and triggered the decision by the chief priests to kill Jesus. A different Lazarus appears in Jesus' parable of the rich man.
Notable Bearers
- Lazarus of Bethany
- Lazarus in the parable (Luke 16)
Personality & Character
Resurrection and abundance — the number of new beginnings after the seventh day of completion
Spiritual symbolism drawn from Scripture and tradition
Modern Variants
A Blessing for This Name
May you know that Jesus weeps with you in your darkest tomb and that His tears precede His command: 'Come forth.' May you be called out of every grave of impossibility, and may the grave clothes be loosed from you so you can walk freely into resurrection life.