Boy · Hebrew · New Testament

Lazarus

LAZ-uh-rus · from Eleazar · means “God has helped”

Lazarus is a Greek form of the Hebrew Eleazar, meaning "God has helped." He was the brother of Mary and Martha of Bethany, a close friend of Jesus who died and lay in the tomb four days before Jesus called him back to life, the most dramatic miracle recorded in John's Gospel (John 11).

“Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die."”

The story behind the name

Lazarus lived in Bethany with his sisters Mary and Martha, and John tells us plainly that Jesus loved this family. When Lazarus fell seriously ill, his sisters sent word to Jesus, expecting him to come quickly, yet Jesus delayed two more days before setting out (John 11:1-6).

By the time Jesus arrived, Lazarus had been in the tomb four days. Standing before the grave, Jesus wept, moved deeply by the grief around him, even though he already knew what he was about to do. Then he called out in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" and the dead man walked out still wrapped in his grave clothes (John 11:38-44).

The miracle became one of the clearest signs of who Jesus is, and it also set in motion the plot to kill him. A boy named Lazarus carries a name that means God has helped, tied forever to the moment Jesus proved his power over death itself.

Middle names that sing with Lazarus

Chosen for rhythm and meanings that speak to each other.

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