10 Interesting Facts About Lazarus in the Bible

Lazarus is one of the most well-known people in the New Testament. His story is powerful, full of meaning, and deeply connected to the life and ministry of Jesus. Below are 10 interesting facts about Lazarus that highlight his role in the Bible.

1. Lazarus Was from Bethany

Lazarus lived in the village of Bethany, which was located about two miles from Jerusalem. He lived there with his sisters, Mary and Martha.

John 11:1 (ESV)
“Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha.”

Bethany became a frequent place of rest for Jesus during His final weeks.

2. He Was Deeply Loved by Jesus

The Bible clearly shows that Jesus loved Lazarus, as well as his sisters. Their relationship was personal and full of emotion.

John 11:5 (NIV)
“Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.”

This shows Jesus' care for individuals and His connection with families.

3. Lazarus Became Very Sick and Died

Lazarus' death was not sudden—it followed an illness. His sisters sent word to Jesus, but He delayed coming.

John 11:6 (NKJV)
“So, when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was.”

This delay had a purpose: to reveal God's glory through a miracle.

4. He Was Dead for Four Days

By the time Jesus arrived, Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days. This detail is important—it confirmed Lazarus was truly dead.

John 11:17 (ESV)
“Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days.”

Jewish belief held that the soul stayed near the body for three days. After that, hope of revival was gone—making Jesus’ miracle even more amazing.

5. Jesus Wept at His Tomb

The shortest verse in the Bible shows the depth of Jesus' compassion. Even though He knew Lazarus would live again, Jesus still wept.

John 11:35 (KJV)
“Jesus wept.”

This proves Jesus' humanity and His empathy for our pain.

6. Jesus Raised Lazarus from the Dead

The central miracle of Lazarus' story is Jesus calling him back to life with just His voice.

John 11:43-44 (ESV)
“He cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out.’ The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips.”

This miracle confirmed Jesus' power over death and foreshadowed His own resurrection.

7. Lazarus Became a Living Testimony

After his resurrection, many people came to see Lazarus. His life became evidence of Jesus’ divine authority.

John 12:9 (NIV)
“Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead.”

Lazarus helped point people to Jesus without saying a word.

8. The Religious Leaders Plotted to Kill Him

Because Lazarus was attracting people to Jesus, the chief priests planned to kill him too.

John 12:10-11 (NLT)
“Then the leading priests decided to kill Lazarus, too, for it was because of him that many of the people had deserted them and believed in Jesus.”

His life threatened their religious power.

9. Lazarus Was at a Dinner Honoring Jesus

Not long after being raised, Lazarus sat at a dinner hosted in Jesus’ honor.

John 12:2 (ESV)
“So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table.”

It was a moment of celebration and gratitude.

10. His Name Means ‘God Has Helped’

“Lazarus” is a form of the Hebrew name Eleazar, meaning "God has helped." His very name reflects the miracle that took place in his life.

This reminds us that God's help can come when all hope seems lost.

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