Mark 15:34 - At the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which is, being interpreted, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Psalm 22:1
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What does "Mark 15:34" mean?
The verse "At the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which is, being interpreted, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34) is a deeply significant and often debated passage in the Gospels. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
1. The Literal Cry:
"Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" This is a transliteration of Aramaic (Eloi) and Hebrew (lama sabachthani), the common language of the region at the time. It literally translates to "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
"The ninth hour": This refers to 3 PM, marking the culmination of Jesus' suffering on the cross.
2. Interpretation and Significance:
Expression of Desolation: This is the most straightforward interpretation. Jesus, in his human form, is expressing the profound sense of abandonment and anguish he feels at the peak of his suffering. He's experiencing the weight of sin, separation from God, and the ultimate darkness of death.
Identification with Human Suffering: By quoting Psalm 22, Jesus identifies himself with the suffering of all humanity. Psalm 22 is a psalm of lament, describing a righteous person suffering intense pain and abandonment. By uttering these words, Jesus connects his suffering to the universal human experience of pain, loss, and the feeling of being alone.
Fulfillment of Prophecy: Jesus' cry is a direct quote from the opening verse of Psalm 22. Many Christians believe this demonstrates the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah. Psalm 22 describes details eerily similar to the crucifixion, including mockery, pierced hands and feet, and the casting of lots for clothing. By quoting this psalm, Jesus is highlighting his messianic identity and the fulfillment of God's plan.
Theological Implications:
The Trinity: This verse raises questions about the relationship between the Father and the Son. Some interpretations suggest that in this moment, Jesus is bearing the full weight of humanity's sin, which creates a temporary separation from God the Father. This separation, though agonizing, is necessary for Jesus to redeem humanity.
Kenosis: This concept (from Philippians 2:7) describes Jesus "emptying himself" of some divine attributes to become fully human. In this moment of anguish, Jesus' human nature is particularly prominent. He's experiencing the full weight of mortality and separation from God.
Solidarity: The cry emphasizes Jesus' solidarity with humanity. He experienced the deepest human suffering, including the feeling of abandonment, to redeem humanity from sin and death.
3. What it does NOT Mean:
That God literally abandoned Jesus: Most theologians do not believe that God the Father permanently abandoned Jesus. The Trinity is an essential doctrine, and God cannot deny himself.
That Jesus lost faith: While the cry expresses profound anguish, it is not an admission of disbelief or a rejection of God. Instead, it is a desperate plea to the God he knows and trusts.
That Jesus was unaware of the plan: Jesus knew beforehand that he would be crucified and that this suffering was necessary for the salvation of humanity. His cry expresses the emotional and physical reality of the moment, not a lack of understanding.
In conclusion, Mark 15:34 is a powerful verse that reveals the depth of Jesus' suffering, his identification with humanity, and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. It speaks to the agonizing reality of sin, separation from God, and the cost of redemption. While the verse can be unsettling, it ultimately points to the immense love and sacrifice that Jesus made for humanity.
Mark 15:34 - At the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which is, being interpreted, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Psalm 22:1
What does "Mark 15:34" mean?
The verse "At the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which is, being interpreted, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34) is a deeply significant and often debated passage in the Gospels. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
1. The Literal Cry:
"Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" This is a transliteration of Aramaic (Eloi) and Hebrew (lama sabachthani), the common language of the region at the time. It literally translates to "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
"The ninth hour": This refers to 3 PM, marking the culmination of Jesus' suffering on the cross.
2. Interpretation and Significance:
Expression of Desolation: This is the most straightforward interpretation. Jesus, in his human form, is expressing the profound sense of abandonment and anguish he feels at the peak of his suffering. He's experiencing the weight of sin, separation from God, and the ultimate darkness of death.
Identification with Human Suffering: By quoting Psalm 22, Jesus identifies himself with the suffering of all humanity. Psalm 22 is a psalm of lament, describing a righteous person suffering intense pain and abandonment. By uttering these words, Jesus connects his suffering to the universal human experience of pain, loss, and the feeling of being alone.
Fulfillment of Prophecy: Jesus' cry is a direct quote from the opening verse of Psalm 22. Many Christians believe this demonstrates the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah. Psalm 22 describes details eerily similar to the crucifixion, including mockery, pierced hands and feet, and the casting of lots for clothing. By quoting this psalm, Jesus is highlighting his messianic identity and the fulfillment of God's plan.
Theological Implications:
The Trinity: This verse raises questions about the relationship between the Father and the Son. Some interpretations suggest that in this moment, Jesus is bearing the full weight of humanity's sin, which creates a temporary separation from God the Father. This separation, though agonizing, is necessary for Jesus to redeem humanity.
Kenosis: This concept (from Philippians 2:7) describes Jesus "emptying himself" of some divine attributes to become fully human. In this moment of anguish, Jesus' human nature is particularly prominent. He's experiencing the full weight of mortality and separation from God.
Solidarity: The cry emphasizes Jesus' solidarity with humanity. He experienced the deepest human suffering, including the feeling of abandonment, to redeem humanity from sin and death.
3. What it does NOT Mean:
That God literally abandoned Jesus: Most theologians do not believe that God the Father permanently abandoned Jesus. The Trinity is an essential doctrine, and God cannot deny himself.
That Jesus lost faith: While the cry expresses profound anguish, it is not an admission of disbelief or a rejection of God. Instead, it is a desperate plea to the God he knows and trusts.
That Jesus was unaware of the plan: Jesus knew beforehand that he would be crucified and that this suffering was necessary for the salvation of humanity. His cry expresses the emotional and physical reality of the moment, not a lack of understanding.
In conclusion, Mark 15:34 is a powerful verse that reveals the depth of Jesus' suffering, his identification with humanity, and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. It speaks to the agonizing reality of sin, separation from God, and the cost of redemption. While the verse can be unsettling, it ultimately points to the immense love and sacrifice that Jesus made for humanity.