New Testament · character
Lazarus
A man who died and lived again — the clearest sign of resurrection.
Lazarus was the brother of Martha and Mary of Bethany, who, four days after dying, came back to life at Jesus' call.
Timeline at a glance
- DeathFalling ill and laid in a tomb (John 11)
- The MeetingJesus wept (John 11)
- Resurrection"Lazarus, come out" (John 11)
Sick unto Death
When Lazarus, whom Jesus loved, fell ill, his sisters sent word. But Jesus stayed two more days before going, and in the meantime Lazarus died and was laid in a tomb (John 11).
"Lazarus, Come Out"
At the tomb Jesus wept ("Jesus wept"), and after having the stone moved, he called out in a loud voice. Lazarus, dead four days, walked out still wrapped in grave clothes.
A Sign of Resurrection
This event proved before their eyes Jesus' declaration, "I am the resurrection and the life," and led many to believe. At the same time it hardened the resolve of those who sought to kill Jesus.
Related verses
- John 11:25"I am the resurrection and the life ... will live, even though they die."
- John 11:43"Lazarus, come out" — calling the dead.
Frequently asked questions
Are the raising of Lazarus and Jesus' resurrection the same?
They differ. Lazarus came back to life but later died again. Jesus' resurrection, however, is an eternal one in which he never dies again; the Lazarus event is a sign that points ahead to that resurrection.
Why is the verse "Jesus wept" so well known?
It is one of the shortest verses in the Bible (John 11:35), and it is striking because Jesus — about to raise Lazarus — wept alongside those who mourned, showing his deep human compassion.
Why did Jesus deliberately arrive late?
Jesus stayed two more days, saying, "This sickness will not end in death; it is for God's glory" (John 11). The text explains that the delay was for the sake of a greater sign and greater faith.