Introduction:
Sabachtha is a lesser-known biblical figure mentioned in the genealogies of the Old Testament. He is one of the sons of Cush, who was a son of Ham, the son of Noah. The name Sabachtha appears in the context of the Table of Nations, which outlines the descendants of Noah's sons and their respective nations.

Biblical References:
Sabachtha is mentioned in the Book of Genesis and the First Book of Chronicles. The primary reference to Sabachtha is found in Genesis 10:7, which states: "The sons of Cush: Seba, Havilah, Sabtah, Raamah, and Sabteca. The sons of Raamah: Sheba and Dedan." . A parallel reference is found in 1 Chronicles 1:9, which repeats the genealogy: "The sons of Cush: Seba, Havilah, Sabtah, Raamah, and Sabteca. The sons of Raamah: Sheba and Dedan." .

Genealogical Context:
Sabachtha is listed as a descendant of Cush, placing him within the Hamitic line of Noah's family. This lineage is significant in the biblical narrative as it traces the spread of nations and peoples after the Flood. The descendants of Cush are traditionally associated with regions in Africa and parts of Arabia, suggesting that Sabachtha's lineage may have contributed to the early populations in these areas.

Historical and Geographical Considerations:
While the Bible does not provide extensive details about Sabachtha himself, the genealogical context suggests that his descendants may have settled in regions that were part of the ancient Near East and Africa. The Table of Nations in Genesis 10 is often used by scholars to understand the distribution of ancient peoples and their migrations. The mention of Sabachtha alongside other sons of Cush indicates a possible connection to the early civilizations that emerged in these regions.

Theological Significance:
The inclusion of Sabachtha in the biblical genealogies underscores the comprehensive nature of God's creation and the diversity of humanity. Each name in the genealogies represents a branch of the human family tree, highlighting the interconnectedness of all peoples. From a theological perspective, the genealogies serve to remind readers of God's sovereignty over history and His plan for all nations.

Cultural and Linguistic Notes:
The name Sabachtha, like many ancient names, carries linguistic significance. While the exact meaning of the name is not definitively known, it is part of a broader tradition of Semitic and Hamitic names that often reflect geographical or cultural attributes. The study of these names can provide insights into the cultural and historical context of the biblical narrative.

Conclusion:
Sabachtha, though briefly mentioned, is part of the rich tapestry of biblical genealogies that trace the origins and spread of nations. His inclusion in the Table of Nations serves as a testament to the diversity and unity of humanity under God's providential care.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

Sabachtha
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ELOI; ELOI; LAMA; SABACHTHA; ELI; ELI;
LAMA SABACHTHANI. e'-loi, e-lo'i, la'-ma, sa-bakh-tha'-ni ...
/s/sabachtha.htm - 8k

Sabachthani (2 Occurrences)
... Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ELOI; ELOI; LAMA;
SABACHTHA; ELI; ELI; LAMA SABACHTHANI. e'-loi, e-lo'i, la ...
/s/sabachthani.htm - 9k

Lama (2 Occurrences)
... the belief called Lamaism. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ELOI; ELOI;
LAMA; SABACHTHA; ELI; ELI; LAMA SABACHTHANI. e'-loi, e-lo ...
/l/lama.htm - 9k

Rye (2 Occurrences)

/r/rye.htm - 7k

Eloi (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ELOI; ELOI; LAMA; SABACHTHA; ELI; ELI;
LAMA SABACHTHANI. e'-loi, e-lo'i, la'-ma, sa-bakh-tha'-ni ...
/e/eloi.htm - 9k

Eli (36 Occurrences)
... some more commanding or interesting figure. AC Grant. ELOI; ELOI; LAMA;
SABACHTHA; ELI; ELI; LAMA SABACHTHANI. e'-loi, e-lo'i, la'-ma ...
/e/eli.htm - 24k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus