And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The rich man isn't named, but Lazarus is, hinting that God knows and remembers even those the world overlooks. The Greek word for "laid" suggests Lazarus wasn't just sitting there, but was carelessly discarded at the gate, emphasizing his utter helplessness.
And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage introduces Lazarus, a man in extreme poverty and physical suffering, placed at the gate of a wealthy individual. The narrative immediately contrasts Lazarus's desperate condition, marked by sores and reliance on scraps, with the rich man's opulent lifestyle, setting the stage for a profound lesson about earthly possessions, compassion, and eternal destinies. The detail of Lazarus being "laid" rather than just "sitting" emphasizes his helplessness and the stark difference between his life and the rich man's.
Ever felt like you were named for something you couldn't possibly live up to? Lazarus's name carried a profound meaning that starkly contrasted with his physical circumstances.
The name Lazarus is a contracted form of Eleazar, meaning "God is the help" or "God will help." This is a powerful statement of faith, especially considering Lazarus's condition.
A Name of Faith
Imagine being left at someone's doorstep, day after day, with nothing but the hope for scraps. This was Lazarus's reality.
Lazarus wasn't just poor; he was strategically placed for a reason. He was "laid at his gate," signifying a deliberate positioning.
More Than Just Proximity
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Beyond poverty, Lazarus's body was a testament to intense physical suffering, making his plight even more pitiable and the rich man's inaction more stark.
The description "covered with sores" is vivid and points to a deep, pervasive affliction.
The Weight of Affliction
Understand the original words
Lazaros · Greek Noun
A name meaning 'God is my help.' It signifies dependence on divine mercy rather than earthly security or status.
This verse is referenced by commentators as the same Greek word for 'poor' used for Lazarus, highlighting his destitution and need for God's help.
Isaiah 61:1This prophetic passage speaks of good news being preached to the poor and healing for the brokenhearted, a spiritual reality that Lazarus desperately needed.
Psalm 34:18This verse speaks of the Lord being near to the brokenhearted and saving those who are crushed in spirit, a comfort that Lazarus, in his suffering, would have found in God.
Acts 3:2Commentators note that the practice of laying beggars at gates for charity, as described in Luke, is also seen in the New Testament with the lame man at the Temple gate.
Revelation 16:2This passage describes sores in the context of divine judgment, providing a grim medical parallel to Lazarus's physical affliction.
vincentLuke 16:20: "And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,"
BeggarSee on poor, Matthew 5:3.LazarusAbbreviated from Ἐλεάζαρος, Eleazar, and meaning God a help. "It is a striking evidence of the deep impression which this parable has made on the mind of Christendom, that the term azar should have passed into so many languages as it has, losing altogether its signification as a proper name" (Trench).Was laid (ἐβέβλητο)Lit., was thrown: east carelessly…
clarkeLuke 16:20: "And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,"
There was a certain beggar named Lazarus - His name is mentioned, because his character was good, and his end glorious; and because it is the purpose of God that the righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance. Lazarus, לעזר is a contraction of the word אלעזר Eliezar, which signifies the help or assistance of God - a name properly given to a man who was both poor and afflicted, and had…
The rich man isn't named, but Lazarus is, hinting that God knows and remembers even those the world overlooks. The Greek word for "laid" suggests Lazarus wasn't just sitting there, but was carelessly discarded at the gate, emphasizing his utter helplessness.
This passage introduces Lazarus, a man in extreme poverty and physical suffering, placed at the gate of a wealthy individual. The narrative immediately contrasts Lazarus's desperate condition, marked by sores and reliance on scraps, with the rich man's opulent lifestyle, setting the stage for a profound lesson about earthly possessions, compassion, and eternal destinies. The detail of Lazarus being "laid" rather than just "sitting" emphasizes his helplessness and the stark difference between his life and the rich man's.
This passage introduces Lazarus, a man in extreme poverty and physical suffering, placed at the gate of a wealthy individual. The narrative immediately contrasts Lazarus's desperate condition, marked by sores and reliance on scraps, with the rich man's opulent lifestyle, setting the stage for a profound lesson about earthly possessions, compassion, and eternal destinies. The detail of Lazarus being "laid" rather than just "sitting" emphasizes his helplessness and the stark difference between his life and the rich man's.
"And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores," — The rich man isn't named, but Lazarus is, hinting that God knows and remembers even those the world overlooks. The Greek word for "laid" suggests Lazarus wasn't just sitting there, but was carelessly…
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Last reviewed October 2026