Who Was Lazarus in the Bible?
Who Was Lazarus in the Bible? Lazarus of Bethany was a close friend of Jesus whom Christ raised from the dead after four days in the tomb — one of Jesus' greatest miracles.
Key verse: John 11:25-26 (KJV)
Lazarus of Bethany was a close friend of Jesus whom Christ raised from the dead after four days in the tomb — one of Jesus' greatest miracles.
Lazarus of Bethany was a close friend of Jesus whom Christ raised from the dead after four days in the tomb — one of Jesus' greatest miracles.
"Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die." — John 11:25-26 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
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The Biblical Answer
John 11 records the extraordinary story of Lazarus. He lived in Bethany with his sisters Mary and Martha, and they were close friends of Jesus. When Lazarus fell ill, the sisters sent word to Jesus, but He intentionally delayed His arrival until Lazarus had been dead four days. Martha expressed both grief and faith: 'Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died' (John 11:21). Jesus wept at the tomb (John 11:35 — the Bible's shortest verse), then commanded, 'Lazarus, come forth!' The dead man emerged, still wrapped in burial clothes. This miracle was so powerful that the Jewish leaders plotted to kill both Jesus and Lazarus (John 12:10). The raising of Lazarus demonstrated Jesus' authority over death itself and foreshadowed His own resurrection.
Key Scripture References
"Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die."
"And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?
The Bible presents the resurrection as historical fact, supported by eyewitness testimony, an empty tomb, and transformed lives.
Did Biblical Miracles Really Happen?
Yes — the Bible presents miracles as actual historical events performed by God to reveal His power, authenticate His messengers, and accomplish His purposes.
Who Was Melchizedek in the Bible?
Melchizedek was a mysterious king of Salem and priest of the Most High God who blessed Abraham and received tithes from him.
Who Was Abraham in the Bible?
Abraham was the father of the Jewish nation, called by God from Ur of the Chaldees, and known as the 'father of faith.'
Who Was Moses?
Moses was the great deliverer and lawgiver of Israel who led the Exodus from Egypt and received the Ten Commandments from God.
Deep Dive Commentary
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside John. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read John on day 302 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “Who Was Lazarus in the Bible?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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