Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • The diseased beggar in a parable: In the New Testament, Lazarus is the name of a poor, sick beggar in a parable told by Jesus (Luke 16:19-31). He is contrasted with a rich man.
   • A man raised from the dead: In the New Testament, Lazarus of Bethany is the brother of Mary and Martha, whom Jesus raised from the dead after four days in the tomb (John 11:1-44). This event is a significant miracle.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun (Parable):

  • In the parable, Lazarus lay at the rich man's gate, covered with sores.
  • Jesus used the story of Lazarus and the rich man to teach about compassion and the afterlife.

• Proper noun (Miracle):

  • "Lazarus, come out!" Jesus commanded, and the man who had been dead walked out of the tomb.
  • The raising of Lazarus is a pivotal event in the Gospel of John.

Advanced Usage

• "a Lazarus": (Archaic/Literary) Used to refer to a person who is extremely poor, diseased, or a beggar, alluding to the biblical character.
  • The city's forgotten poor lived as so many Lazaruses among its wealth.
• "Lazarus-like": (Adjective) Describing a seemingly miraculous recovery or return from a state of ruin, oblivion, or near-death.
  • The company made a Lazarus-like comeback from the brink of bankruptcy.

Variants and Related Words

• Lazar (noun, archaic): A poor and diseased person, especially a leper; a beggar. This term derives from the name Lazarus.
  • Medieval hospitals for lazzars were often located outside city walls.

Synonyms

• Beggar (for the parabolic figure): mendicant, pauper.
• Resurrected person (for the miracle): None are direct synonyms, but phrases like "one raised from the dead" convey the meaning.

Idioms and Phrases

• "Raise from the dead like Lazarus": To bring something back to life, success, or activity after it seemed completely finished or hopeless.
  • The director managed to raise the failing project from the dead like Lazarus.

Noun

1. the diseased beggar in Jesus' parable of the rich man and the beggar
2. the person who Jesus raised from the dead after four days in the tomb; this miracle caused the enemies of Jesus to begin the plan to put him to death