- LAWYER among the Jews, was one versed in the laws of Moses, which
he expounded in the schools and synagogues (Matthew 22:35; Luke
10:25). The functions of the “lawyer” and “scribe” were identical. (See
DOCTOR.) - LAZARUS an abbreviation of Eleazar, whom God helps. (1.) 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.
(2.) A beggar named in the parable recorded Luke 16:19-31.
- LEAF of a tree. The olive-leaf mentioned Genesis 8:11. The barren fig-tree
had nothing but leaves (Matthew 21:19; Mark 11:13). The oak-leaf is
mentioned Isaiah 1:30; 6:13. There are numerous allusions to leaves, their
flourishing, their decay, and their restoration (Leviticus 26:36; Isaiah 34:4;
Jeremiah 8:13; Daniel 4:12, 14, 21; Mark 11:13; 13:28). The fresh leaf is a
symbol of prosperity (Psalm 1:3; Jeremiah 17:8; Ezekiel 47:12); the faded,
of decay (Job 13:25; Isaiah 1:30; 64:6; Jeremiah 8:13).
Leaf of a door (1 Kings 6:34), the valve of a folding door.
Leaf of a book (Jeremiah 36:23), perhaps a fold of a roll.