Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897)
An abbreviation of Eleazar, whom God helps. ) The brother of Mary and Martha of Bethany. He was raised from the dead after he had lain four days in the tomb (John 11:1-44). This miracle so excited the wrath of the Jews that they sought to put both Jesus and Lazarus to death. ) A beggar named in the parable recorded Luke 16:19-31.
Smith's Bible Dictionary (1863)
(whom God helps), another form of the Hebrew name Eleazar.
Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible (1898) & Schaff's Bible Dictionary
LAZ'ARUS, an abbreviation of ELEAZAR (whom God helps). A citizen of Bethany residing with his two sisters; of their household Christ was a frequent guest. He was raised from the grave by Christ in sight of the city of Jerusalem, in the presence of the family and a number of Jews, after he had been dead four days; and so incensed were the Jews at this that they sought to kill not only Christ, but even Lazarus. John 11; John 12:1-11.
In the parable by which our Saviour illustrates the retributions of eternity one of the parties is named Lazarus, Luke 16:19-31; and it is from this character the Knights of St. Lazarus, an order half military and half monastic, founded in 1119, and specially destined to administer to the lepers, received their name. Also, lazaretto, or "hospital," and lazzarone, or "beggar," are derived from the name, which shows that the parable must have made an extraordinarily deep impression on the mediaeval Church.
Hitchcock's Bible Names (1869)
assistance of God