Lazarus

American  

[laz-er-uhs] / ˈlæz ər əs /

noun

1. the diseased beggar in the parable of the rich man and the beggar. Luke 16:19–31.

2. a brother of Mary and Martha whom Jesus raised from the dead. John 11:1–44; 12:1–18.

3. Emma, 1849–87, U.S. poet.

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Lazarus British  

/ ˈlæzərəs /

noun

1. the brother of Mary and Martha, whom Jesus restored to life (John 11–12)

2. the beggar who lay at the gate of the rich man Dives in Jesus' parable (Luke 16:19–31)

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Lazarus Cultural  

1. A man brought back to life by Jesus after being in the tomb for four days. The incident is recorded in the Gospel of John. The raising of Lazarus is considered the crowning miracle or sign revealing Jesus as the giver of life. It also is the act that caused the enemies of Jesus to begin the plan to put Jesus to death. (See Crucifixion.)

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Discover More

Someone who makes a comeback from obscurity is sometimes called a “Lazarus rising from the dead.”

Etymology

Origin of Lazarus

< Late Latin < Greek Lázaros < Hebrew Elʿāzār Eleazar (one God has helped)

Example Sentences

Scientists have named this revival the Lazarus phase.

From Science Daily • Apr. 10, 2026

“She’s a tremendous leader and an example of resilience and strength,” Lazarus said.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 25, 2026

The Responsible Financial Innovation Act draws the opposite lesson from the Lazarus case.

From Barron's • Feb. 5, 2026

Former President Lazarus Chakwera insists the canines, trained to detect weapons, black-magic fetishes and other potential threats, are key members of his security detail.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 13, 2026

“What if every one of those is a Lazarus Door?”

From "100 Sideways Miles" by Andrew Smith