Luke 16:20-21
And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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What's easily missed is that Lazarus's name, meaning "God is help," is given in a parable where he receives no earthly help. The word for "laid" is even stronger, suggesting he was thrown down, emphasizing his complete abandonment and helplessness, a stark contrast to the rich man's abundance.
This passage introduces Lazarus, a poor man desperately ill and covered in sores, who is deliberately laid at the gate of a wealthy man. This stark contrast between extreme poverty and luxury sets the stage for the parable's exploration of earthly status versus eternal destiny. The rich man, clad in purple, fares sumptuously, while Lazarus is reduced to begging for scraps, highlighting the social and economic chasm between them.
Why would Luke, writing a parable, give the poor man a name when the rich man remains nameless? It turns out, the name itself carries profound significance.
The name "Lazarus" is a shortened form of "Eleazar," which in Hebrew means "God is Helper." This is incredibly fitting for a man in his destitute situation.
A Divine Purpose
The way Lazarus was positioned at the rich man's gate tells a story of neglect and utter dependence.
The Greek word used for Lazarus being 'laid' (ebleketo) literally means 'was thrown' or 'was cast.' This isn't a gentle placement; it implies he was discarded.
A Picture of Desperation
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.
The parable of Lazarus, while a story, likely reflects common social realities of first-century Judea where extreme poverty and destitution were visible, especially in cities like Jerusalem. The name Lazarus itself, meaning 'God is help,' underscores the desperation of the poor who relied on divine aid.
c. 1st century AD— this verse
Life and Ministry of Jesus
Jesus teaches through parables, including the story of the rich man and Lazarus, to illustrate spiritual truths about wealth, poverty, and the afterlife.
c. 30-33 AD
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
The central events of Christianity, occurring shortly after Jesus likely told the parable of the rich man and Lazarus.
c. 40s-60s AD
Early Church Growth and Persecution
The Gospel spreads, often to those in poverty, while facing opposition from Jewish and Roman authorities. This context highlights the value placed on caring for the poor.
c. 62 AD
Likely writing of Luke's Gospel
Luke, a physician, records Jesus' teachings and parables, including the story of Lazarus, for his audience, likely Theophilus.
This verse uses the same Greek word for 'poor' as Luke uses for Lazarus, highlighting a state of profound need and dependence that God actively seeks to bless.
Isaiah 1:3This passage contrasts the ignorance of Israel regarding their Creator with the recognition of a master by his donkey, mirroring how even the dogs in Luke's account seem more aware of Lazarus's plight than the rich man.
Acts 3:2This passage describes a man 'lame from his mother's womb' being laid daily at the temple gate, illustrating a common societal reality of the poor and afflicted being placed in public view for charity.
Job 2:11-13When Job's friends first see him afflicted, they are speechless and sit with him in silence for seven days, echoing the somber and passive suffering of Lazarus.
Proverbs 14:31This proverb states that oppressing the poor amounts to insulting their Creator, setting a theological backdrop for the rich man's neglect of Lazarus's suffering.
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…
What's easily missed is that Lazarus's name, meaning "God is help," is given in a parable where he receives no earthly help. The word for "laid" is even stronger, suggesting he was thrown down, emphasizing his complete abandonment and helplessness, a stark contrast to the rich man's abundance.
This passage introduces Lazarus, a poor man desperately ill and covered in sores, who is deliberately laid at the gate of a wealthy man. This stark contrast between extreme poverty and luxury sets the stage for the parable's exploration of earthly status versus eternal destiny. The rich man, clad in purple, fares sumptuously, while Lazarus is reduced to begging for scraps, highlighting the social and economic chasm between them.
This passage introduces Lazarus, a poor man desperately ill and covered in sores, who is deliberately laid at the gate of a wealthy man. This stark contrast between extreme poverty and luxury sets the stage for the parable's exploration of earthly status versus eternal destiny. The rich man, clad in purple, fares sumptuously, while Lazarus is reduced to begging for scraps, highlighting the social and economic chasm between them.
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The description of Lazarus's sores is not just medical detail; it's a stark contrast highlighting his profound suffering and the world's neglect.
Lazarus was 'full of sores' (elkomenos), a term that indicates being covered in ulcers. This wasn't a minor ailment; it was a pervasive, painful condition.
More Than Just Poverty
"And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores." — What's easily missed is that Lazarus's name, meaning "God is help," is given in a parable where he receives no earthly help. The word for "laid" is even stronger, suggesting he was thrown down, emp…
