Overview
The Bible addresses lazarus across 27 verses, drawn from the New Testament. These passages cluster most in John. Closely related themes include Miracles of Christ, the, Miracles, Families and Martha. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Jesus, Lazarus and Martha.
Key Bible verses about lazarus
New Testament
John
Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany the town of Mary and her sister Martha.
(It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.)
Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.
When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.
Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.
When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was.
Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judaea again.
His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?
Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.
But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.
These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.
Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well.
Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.
Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.
Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave.1161 It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.
Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.
Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?
Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.
And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.
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: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.
Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead.
There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.
But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death;
Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.
The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record.
For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle.
People in the Bible and lazarus
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying lazarus for yourself
- Begin with John 11:1, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Consider the lives of Jesus, Lazarus and Martha and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Miracles of Christ, the, Miracles, Families and Martha.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about lazarus?
The Bible addresses lazarus across 27 verses, drawn from the New Testament. These passages cluster most in John. Closely related themes include Miracles of Christ, the, Miracles, Families and Martha. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Jesus, Lazarus and Martha.
How many Bible verses are about lazarus?
The Bible references lazarus in 27 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention lazarus?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is John 11:1: “Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany the town of Mary and her sister Martha.”
Which people in the Bible are associated with lazarus?
Jesus, Lazarus and Martha.
Preach & teach
Outline a sermon or build a study series on lazarus.
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