Definition and Context:

"Eli, Eli, Lama Sabachthani" is a phrase spoken by Jesus Christ during His crucifixion, as recorded in the New Testament of the Bible. This Aramaic expression translates to "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" and is found in the Gospel of Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34. These words are a direct quotation from Psalm 22:1, highlighting the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and the deep anguish experienced by Jesus on the cross.

Biblical References:

1. Matthew 27:46 : "About the ninth hour, Jesus cried out in a loud voice, 'Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?' which means, 'My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?'"

2. Mark 15:34 : "And at the ninth hour, Jesus cried out in a loud voice, 'Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?' which means, 'My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?'"

3. Psalm 22:1 : "My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Why are You so far from saving me, so far from my words of groaning?"

Theological Significance:

The utterance of "Eli, Eli, Lama Sabachthani" by Jesus is significant for several reasons. It reflects the profound mystery of the Incarnation, where Jesus, fully God and fully man, experiences the depth of human suffering and alienation from God. This moment on the cross is seen as the culmination of Jesus bearing the sins of humanity, resulting in a temporary sense of separation from the Father.

From a theological perspective, this cry underscores the gravity of sin and the cost of redemption. Jesus, who knew no sin, became sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21), and in doing so, He experienced the full weight of divine judgment. This moment is pivotal in the Christian understanding of atonement, as it signifies the substitutionary sacrifice of Christ for the sins of the world.

Prophetic Fulfillment:

The phrase "Eli, Eli, Lama Sabachthani" is a direct fulfillment of the prophecy found in Psalm 22, a messianic psalm that vividly describes the suffering and eventual vindication of the Messiah. By quoting this psalm, Jesus not only expresses His anguish but also points to the broader narrative of God's redemptive plan as foretold in the Scriptures. The psalm, which begins with a cry of abandonment, ultimately ends in triumph and praise, foreshadowing the resurrection and victory of Christ over sin and death.

Cultural and Linguistic Notes:

The use of Aramaic, the common language spoken by Jews in Palestine during the time of Jesus, highlights the historical and cultural context of the New Testament. The transliteration of the phrase in the Gospels preserves the authenticity of Jesus' words and provides insight into the linguistic environment of the period.

Interpretations and Reflections:

Throughout Christian history, theologians and scholars have reflected on the meaning and implications of Jesus' cry from the cross. Some view it as an expression of the depth of His suffering, while others see it as a profound declaration of His identification with humanity's plight. It serves as a reminder of the cost of salvation and the love of God, who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all (Romans 8:32).

In devotional practice, "Eli, Eli, Lama Sabachthani" invites believers to meditate on the passion of Christ, the seriousness of sin, and the assurance of God's presence even in moments of perceived abandonment.Eli Eli Lama Sabachthani

The Hebrew form, as Eloi, Eloi, etc., is the Syro-Chaldaic (the common language in use by the Jews in the time of Christ) of the first words of the twenty-second Psalm; they mean "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me"

Lama Sabachthani?
... CH SPURGEON,. At [1]the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington. "And about the ninth
hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 36 1890/lama sabachthani.htm

Matt. xxvii. 45-48.
... And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, and said, Eli, Eli, lama
sabachthani? that is to say, my God my God, why hast thou forsaken me? ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxxxviii matt xxvii 45-48.htm

In Reference to Daniel My Answer Will be that I did not Say that ...
... the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water," and
in the words used on the cross itself, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani," which is ...
/.../33 in reference to daniel.htm

The Crucifixion.
... the words would be the same]: ^b 34 And at { ^a about} the ninth hour Jesus cried
with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli { ^b Eloi, Eloi,} lama sabachthani? ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxxxiii the crucifixion 3.htm

The Crucifixion
... And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama
sabachthani? that is to say, My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me? 47. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the crucifixion.htm

Of the Harmony of the Four Evangelists in their Notices of the ...
... that "the sun was darkened." Again, Matthew continues thus: "And about the ninth
hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani! ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter xvii of the harmony of.htm

February 23 Evening
... And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying,Eli, Eli, lama
sabachthani?that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?"The Lord ...
/.../anonymous/daily light on the daily path/february 23 evening.htm

Synoptical Table
... 46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama
sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Mark. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the gospel of peter/synoptical table.htm

Messiah Derided Upon the Cross
... They jested upon His words; when He uttered His dolorous complaint, Eli, Eli,
lama sabachthani? My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me? ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon xxi messiah derided upon.htm

Our Lord's Solemn Enquiry
... On Lord's-day Evening, April 7th, 1872. "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? That is to
say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?""Matthew 27:46. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/our lords solemn enquiry.htm

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