Matthew 27:46 - About the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lima sabachthani?” That is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Psalm 22:1
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Matthew 27:46" mean?
This verse from Matthew 27:46 is one of the most debated and analyzed passages in the Bible. Here's a breakdown of its meaning and significance:
What the Verse Says:
"About the ninth hour..." This indicates the time of day, approximately 3 PM. Jesus had been hanging on the cross for roughly six hours.
"...Jesus cried with a loud voice..." This is significant. After hours of suffering, Jesus still had the strength to cry out. The loud cry emphasizes the intensity of his emotions.
"...“Eli, Eli, lima sabachthani?”..." This is Aramaic (with "Eli" being Hebrew), the common language of the people of that region at the time.
"...That is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”" This is the Greek translation of the Aramaic phrase.
Meaning and Interpretation:
The meaning of this verse is complex and layered, with several interpretations:
1. Expression of Human Suffering: The most straightforward interpretation is that Jesus, as a human being, experienced the full weight of suffering and abandonment as he took on the sins of humanity. This cry expresses the profound anguish of separation from God, a feeling foreign to the eternally united Trinity. He is bearing the penalty for sin, which is separation from God.
2. Fulfillment of Prophecy: The cry directly quotes Psalm 22:1. Biblical scholars see this as a deliberate act by Jesus to fulfill prophecy. By quoting this Psalm, Jesus is connecting his suffering to the Messianic prophecies in the Old Testament, specifically those foretelling the suffering of the Messiah. It's not just a random cry of despair, but a deliberate statement linking his experience to God's plan.
3. Identifying with Humanity: Jesus, as the Son of God, identifies with the suffering and forsakenness of humanity. He cries out in a way that echoes the pain of those who feel abandoned by God. In this way, he becomes a bridge, a relatable figure even in moments of ultimate despair.
4. Not a Real Abandonment: Some theologians argue that God did not actually forsake Jesus. The Trinity remains eternally united. Instead, the cry represents Jesus's conscious experience of separation as he bears the burden of sin. God averted his face, in a way. The Father turned away from the sin on his Son.
5. A Cry of Faith: Some interpret the reference to Psalm 22 as a cry of faith, because even though it starts with lament, the Psalm continues with praise and trust in God. By quoting it, Jesus expresses an underlying hope and confidence in God's ultimate deliverance.
Why is it Important?
Humanizes Jesus: It shows Jesus's vulnerability and humanity, making him relatable.
Highlights the Cost of Atonement: It underscores the immense cost of Jesus's sacrifice. He experienced the agony of separation from God in a way that no other human has.
Provides Hope in Suffering: It offers comfort to those who feel forsaken, demonstrating that even Jesus experienced such feelings and was ultimately victorious.
Connects Old Testament and New Testament: It illustrates how Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecies and fulfilled the Messianic expectations.
In Conclusion:
Matthew 27:46 is a powerful and multifaceted verse that reveals the depth of Jesus's suffering, his fulfillment of prophecy, and his identification with humanity. It reminds us of the immense cost of atonement and offers hope to those who feel abandoned by God. The exact interpretation is debated, but the significance of the cry in the context of the crucifixion and its fulfillment of prophecy is undeniable.
Matthew 27:46 - About the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lima sabachthani?” That is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Psalm 22:1
What does "Matthew 27:46" mean?
This verse from Matthew 27:46 is one of the most debated and analyzed passages in the Bible. Here's a breakdown of its meaning and significance:
What the Verse Says:
"About the ninth hour..." This indicates the time of day, approximately 3 PM. Jesus had been hanging on the cross for roughly six hours.
"...Jesus cried with a loud voice..." This is significant. After hours of suffering, Jesus still had the strength to cry out. The loud cry emphasizes the intensity of his emotions.
"...“Eli, Eli, lima sabachthani?”..." This is Aramaic (with "Eli" being Hebrew), the common language of the people of that region at the time.
"...That is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”" This is the Greek translation of the Aramaic phrase.
Meaning and Interpretation:
The meaning of this verse is complex and layered, with several interpretations:
1. Expression of Human Suffering: The most straightforward interpretation is that Jesus, as a human being, experienced the full weight of suffering and abandonment as he took on the sins of humanity. This cry expresses the profound anguish of separation from God, a feeling foreign to the eternally united Trinity. He is bearing the penalty for sin, which is separation from God.
2. Fulfillment of Prophecy: The cry directly quotes Psalm 22:1. Biblical scholars see this as a deliberate act by Jesus to fulfill prophecy. By quoting this Psalm, Jesus is connecting his suffering to the Messianic prophecies in the Old Testament, specifically those foretelling the suffering of the Messiah. It's not just a random cry of despair, but a deliberate statement linking his experience to God's plan.
3. Identifying with Humanity: Jesus, as the Son of God, identifies with the suffering and forsakenness of humanity. He cries out in a way that echoes the pain of those who feel abandoned by God. In this way, he becomes a bridge, a relatable figure even in moments of ultimate despair.
4. Not a Real Abandonment: Some theologians argue that God did not actually forsake Jesus. The Trinity remains eternally united. Instead, the cry represents Jesus's conscious experience of separation as he bears the burden of sin. God averted his face, in a way. The Father turned away from the sin on his Son.
5. A Cry of Faith: Some interpret the reference to Psalm 22 as a cry of faith, because even though it starts with lament, the Psalm continues with praise and trust in God. By quoting it, Jesus expresses an underlying hope and confidence in God's ultimate deliverance.
Why is it Important?
Humanizes Jesus: It shows Jesus's vulnerability and humanity, making him relatable.
Highlights the Cost of Atonement: It underscores the immense cost of Jesus's sacrifice. He experienced the agony of separation from God in a way that no other human has.
Provides Hope in Suffering: It offers comfort to those who feel forsaken, demonstrating that even Jesus experienced such feelings and was ultimately victorious.
Connects Old Testament and New Testament: It illustrates how Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecies and fulfilled the Messianic expectations.
In Conclusion:
Matthew 27:46 is a powerful and multifaceted verse that reveals the depth of Jesus's suffering, his fulfillment of prophecy, and his identification with humanity. It reminds us of the immense cost of atonement and offers hope to those who feel abandoned by God. The exact interpretation is debated, but the significance of the cry in the context of the crucifixion and its fulfillment of prophecy is undeniable.