Luke Chapter 16 · Verse 20
And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
Original Language Analysis
πτωχὸς
beggar
G4434
πτωχὸς
beggar
Strong's:
G4434
Word #:
1 of 13
akin to g4422 and the alternate of g4098); a beggar (as cringing), i.e., pauper (strictly denoting absolute or public mendicancy, although also used i
ὀνόματι
named
G3686
ὀνόματι
named
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
5 of 13
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
ὃς
which
G3739
ὃς
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
7 of 13
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἐβέβλητο
was laid
G906
ἐβέβλητο
was laid
Strong's:
G906
Word #:
8 of 13
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)
πρὸς
at
G4314
πρὸς
at
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
9 of 13
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πυλῶνα
gate
G4440
πυλῶνα
gate
Strong's:
G4440
Word #:
11 of 13
a gate-way, door-way of a building or city; by implication, a portal or vestibule
Cross References
Acts 3:2And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;Job 2:7So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown.Luke 16:21And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.James 2:5Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?James 1:9Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:1 Samuel 2:8He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them.
Historical Context
In ancient society, beggars positioned themselves at wealthy people's gates hoping for scraps and charity. The rich man passed Lazarus daily, seeing his suffering but offering no help. This pictures Israel's religious elite who had God's word and covenant privileges yet showed no compassion to the spiritually poor and afflicted. The contrast between the rich man's self-indulgent feasting and Lazarus' painful deprivation sets up the great reversal in eternity. Jesus consistently taught that earthly status doesn't indicate divine favor, and that God's kingdom inverts worldly hierarchies (Luke 1:51-53, 6:20-26, 13:30).
Questions for Reflection
- How does naming Lazarus but not the rich man suggest God's priorities and perspective?
- What does Lazarus' helpless condition teach about human spiritual neediness apart from grace?
- How should this parable shape Christian responses to visible poverty and suffering?
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus introduces the poor man: 'And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores.' The name 'Lazarus' (Λάζαρος, Lazaros) is the Greek form of Eleazar, meaning 'God helps.' This is the only person named in Jesus' parables, suggesting either historical reality or emphasizing God's personal knowledge of the poor. The phrase 'laid at his gate' (ἐβέβλητο πρὸς τὸν πυλῶνα αὐτοῦ, ebeblēto pros ton pylōna autou) indicates he was placed there—too weak to move himself. 'Full of sores' (ἡλκωμένος, hēlkōmenos, ulcerated) describes painful, infected wounds. Lazarus represents the utterly helpless, depending entirely on others' mercy.