Lazarus
TextsWhat is the meaning of Lazarus in the Bible?
Lazarus is a character in the Fourth Gospel who resides in Bethany with his sisters Martha and Mary; after dying and being buried for four days, he is restored to life by Jesus, an event that intensifies the conflict with religious authorities and solidifies the faith of some observers.
TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Lazarus clarifies the theological structure of the Gospel of John, where his resurrection functions as the pivotal 'sign' that reveals Jesus' identity as the resurrection and the life, thereby explaining the escalating political and religious tensions that lead to the Passion narrative.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Lazarus in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Lazarus clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.