Definition and Origin:
"Lama Sabachthani" is a phrase derived from the Aramaic language, which translates to "Why have You forsaken Me?" This expression is most famously known as the cry of Jesus Christ from the cross, as recorded in the New Testament of the Bible. The phrase is part of a larger quotation found in both the Gospels of Matthew and Mark, where Jesus, in His moment of profound suffering, addresses God the Father.

Biblical References:
The phrase "Lama Sabachthani" appears in the context of Jesus' crucifixion:

1. Matthew 27:46 (BSB): "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 (BSB): "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?'"

Theological Significance:
The utterance of "Lama Sabachthani" is deeply significant in Christian theology. It reflects the moment when Jesus, bearing the sins of humanity, experiences a sense of separation from God the Father. This separation is understood as a necessary part of the atonement process, where Jesus takes upon Himself the full weight of human sin and its consequences.

Connection to Psalm 22:
The phrase is a direct quotation from Psalm 22:1, a psalm of David, which begins with the same words. This connection highlights the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy in the life and death of Jesus Christ. Psalm 22 is often seen as a messianic psalm, foreshadowing the suffering and eventual vindication of the Messiah.

Interpretations:
1. Expression of Suffering: Many theologians interpret this cry as an expression of the intense physical, emotional, and spiritual agony that Jesus endured on the cross. It underscores the reality of His human experience and the depth of His suffering for the sake of humanity.

2. Fulfillment of Prophecy: By quoting Psalm 22, Jesus not only expresses His anguish but also points to the fulfillment of Scripture, affirming His identity as the Messiah and the divine plan of salvation.

3. Mystery of the Trinity: The cry also touches on the mystery of the Trinity, where Jesus, the Son, experiences a momentary sense of abandonment by the Father. This moment is often discussed in theological circles as a profound mystery, reflecting the complexity of the relationship within the Godhead during the atonement.

Cultural and Liturgical Impact:
"Lama Sabachthani" has been a subject of reflection in Christian liturgy, art, and music. It is often meditated upon during Good Friday services, as believers contemplate the sacrifice of Christ and the depth of His love for humanity. The phrase serves as a poignant reminder of the cost of redemption and the hope of resurrection that follows.

Conclusion:
The cry of "Lama Sabachthani" remains a powerful testament to the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It invites believers to reflect on the profound mystery of the cross and the love of God manifested through the atoning work of Christ.Lama Sabachthani

ELOI; ELOI; LAMA; SABACHTHA; ELI; ELI; LAMA SABACHTHANI

e'-loi, e-lo'i, la'-ma, sa-bakh-tha'-ni, or (Eloi, eloi, lama sabachthanei):

The forms of the first word as translated vary in the two narratives, being in Mark as first above and in Matthew as in second reading.

With some perversions of form probably from Psalm 22:1 ('eli 'eli lamah `azabhtani). A statement uttered by Jesus on the cross just before his death, translated, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46 Mark 15:34).

There is an interesting but difficult problem in connection with the interpretation of this passage. There seems to be a mixture of Aramaic and Hebrew.

The first two words, whether in Hebrew or Aramaic, have sufficient similarity to each other and each sufficient similarity to the name itself to warrant the jeer that Jesus was calling upon Elias, or the sincere supposition of those who might not fully understand the language, that he was actually calling on Elias.

The forms lema and lama used in Matthew and Mark respectively (Westcott and Hort, The New Testament in Greek) represent the various possible forms, the first the Aramaic, and the second the Hebrew. The various readings and translations of the latter word, sabachthani, only add confusion to an effort at ultimate explanation of the real statement. Certainly the influence of the Aramaic played a geat part in the translation and transmission of the original. The spirit revealed by Jesus in this utterance seems to be very much like that displayed in the Garden when He cried out to have the cup removed from Him.

Walter G. Clippinger

Lama Sabachthani?
... Lama Sabachthani? A Sermon (No.2133). ... "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

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

The Fourth Word
... THE DEVOTION OF THE THREE HOURS V THE FOURTH WORD. "Eloi, Eloi, lama
sabachthani.""Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34. There are three peculiar ...
//christianbookshelf.org/beibitz/gloria crucis/v the fourth word.htm

Crucified, Dead and Buried
... voice, saying: "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" which is, being interpreted,
"My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?". And some ...
/.../mark/jesus of nazareth a biography/chapter xv crucified dead and.htm

The Saviour's Many Crowns
... hair was plucked: A head which at the last in the grim agony of death, crowned with
thorns, gave utterance to the terrible death-shriek"lama sabachthani! ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the saviours many crowns.htm

The Death which Gives Life
... ninth hour.34. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying,
Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the death which gives life.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

The Death of Jesus
... And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?
which is, being interpreted, My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me? ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 15 33-41 the death of.htm

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