New Testament
Mark 15:34
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And at the ninth hour, Jesus cried out in a loud voice, 'Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?'—which means, 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?'
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And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
What Mark 15:34 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus, while on the cross, expresses a profound sense of abandonment by God. The phrase 'Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?' translates to 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?' This moment highlights the depth of His suffering and the weight of sin He bore. It is a direct quote from Psalm 22, which begins with a cry of despair but ultimately leads to hope and deliverance. Jesus' cry reflects His humanity and the intense pain He experienced, both physically and spiritually. This moment signifies the fulfillment of prophecy and the reality of Jesus' sacrifice for humanity's sins. It shows that even in His darkest hour, Jesus remained connected to Scripture, demonstrating His role as the Messiah who would endure suffering for the sake of others. This verse invites believers to understand the depth of Christ's sacrifice and the reality of feeling forsaken, yet it also points to the hope found in faith and the eventual resurrection.
How to apply Mark 15:34 to your life
When facing feelings of abandonment or despair, remember that Jesus experienced profound suffering. His cry shows that it’s okay to express our pain to God. We can find comfort in knowing that He understands our struggles and is with us in our darkest moments.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Death of Jesus (Mark 15:33–41)
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Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Mark
- Author
- John Mark
- Written
- Around AD 55-65
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Roman and Gentile Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jesus mean by 'Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani'?
The phrase 'Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?' translates to 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?' This expression reflects Jesus' deep anguish and sense of abandonment as He bore the weight of humanity's sins on the cross. It is a direct quote from Psalm 22, emphasizing both His suffering and the fulfillment of prophecy.
Why did Jesus feel abandoned by God on the cross?
Jesus' cry of abandonment highlights the intense suffering He endured, both physically and spiritually. At this moment, He took upon Himself the sins of the world, which created a separation from God the Father. This profound sense of forsakenness illustrates the depth of His sacrifice and the reality of human suffering, showing that even in despair, Jesus remained faithful.
How does Mark 15:34 relate to Psalm 22?
Mark 15:34 directly quotes Psalm 22, which begins with a cry of despair but ultimately transitions to themes of hope and deliverance. By invoking this Psalm, Jesus connects His suffering to the prophetic Scriptures, indicating that His crucifixion was part of God's redemptive plan. It serves as a reminder that even in moments of despair, there is a path to hope.
What can we learn from Jesus' cry on the cross?
Jesus' cry on the cross teaches us that it is okay to express our pain and feelings of abandonment to God. His experience shows that even the Son of God faced deep anguish, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles. This moment encourages believers to seek comfort in their faith, knowing that God understands our suffering and is present in our darkest times.
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