📖 Biblical Definition
Lazarus of Luke 16 was the named beggar in Christ's parable of the rich man and Lazarus. He lay at the rich man's gate, full of sores, desiring crumbs from the table; the dogs licked his sores. Both died; the rich man went to torment in Hades; Lazarus was carried by angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man, in torment, asked for a finger of cooling water; was refused; asked for a warning to his brothers; was told they have Moses and the prophets... if they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead. Distinct from Lazarus of Bethany (Jn 11).
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
(Parable.) Named beggar in Christ's parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Lk 16:19-31).
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Luke 16:19-31 records the entire parable. Notable: Christ usually does not name characters in parables, but Lazarus is named (which has led some to read it as not strictly a parable but a real account).
The parable is loaded with theological content: post-mortem state, awareness of the dead, the great gulf fixed, the sufficiency of Moses and the prophets, the final warning that resurrection-evidence will not persuade those who refuse Scripture. Distinct from the historical Lazarus of Bethany whom Christ raised in John 11.
📖 Key Scripture
Luke 16:20 — "And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores."
Luke 16:22 — "And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom."
Luke 16:26 — "And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed."
Luke 16:31 — "If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Modern Christianity often debates whether Luke 16:19-31 is parable or actual account; either way, Christ's teaching on post-mortem reality is clear.
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Luke 16:31's closing line is theologically loaded: if they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead. Christ Himself rose from the dead, and many were not persuaded, exactly as predicted. The point: Scripture is the standard; resurrection evidence does not override stubborn refusal.
The great gulf fixed (Lk 16:26) settles the question of post-mortem repentance: there is none. The parable is a sober warning to the household: Lazarus's lifetime of suffering ended in Abraham's bosom; the rich man's lifetime of comfort ended in torment. The reversal is permanent.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Greek Lazaros; Hebrew Eleazar, God has helped.
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Greek Lazaros — from Hebrew Eleazar, God has helped.
Note: distinct from Lazarus of Bethany (Jn 11), brother of Mary and Martha.
Usage
"If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded."
"Scripture is the standard; resurrection evidence does not override refusal."
"The great gulf fixed."