New Testament
Matthew 27:46
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Around 3 in the afternoon, Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" — which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
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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?
What Matthew 27:46 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus expresses deep anguish as he hangs on the cross. His cry, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" translates to "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" This moment highlights the intense suffering and isolation he felt during his crucifixion. It reflects a profound sense of abandonment, as Jesus, who had always been in close communion with God, now feels separated from Him. This cry is a direct quotation from Psalm 22, which begins with similar words, indicating that Jesus is fulfilling prophecy and connecting his suffering to the experiences of the faithful in the past. This moment is pivotal in understanding the depth of Jesus' sacrifice and the weight of sin he bore on behalf of humanity. It shows that even in his darkest hour, Jesus remained faithful to his mission, demonstrating the human experience of despair while also fulfilling divine purpose.
How to apply Matthew 27:46 to your life
In times of deep distress, we may feel abandoned or alone, just as Jesus did. This verse reminds us that it is okay to express our pain and seek God in our suffering. We can find comfort in knowing that Jesus 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 (Matthew 27:45–56)
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jesus mean by 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?'
In this moment, Jesus expresses profound anguish and a feeling of abandonment as he hangs on the cross. The phrase is a direct quote from Psalm 22, indicating that he is not only voicing his suffering but also fulfilling prophecy. This cry reflects the depth of his sacrifice and the weight of sin he bore, illustrating the human experience of despair while remaining faithful to his mission.
Why did Jesus quote Psalm 22 while on the cross?
By quoting Psalm 22, Jesus connects his suffering to the experiences of faithful believers throughout history. This psalm begins with a cry of despair but ultimately leads to hope and deliverance. His reference serves to highlight the fulfillment of prophecy and to remind those present of the scriptures, emphasizing that his suffering was part of God's divine plan for redemption.
How can this verse help us in our own suffering?
This verse reassures us that it is normal to feel abandoned or alone in times of distress. Jesus' cry shows that even he experienced deep sorrow and isolation. It encourages us to express our pain to God and seek comfort in our struggles, knowing that Jesus understands our suffering and is present with us in our darkest moments.
What is the significance of the timing of Jesus' cry?
Jesus cried out around the ninth hour, which is significant as it aligns with the time of the evening sacrifice in the Jewish tradition. This timing underscores the sacrificial nature of his death and connects his suffering to the larger narrative of redemption in the Bible, highlighting that he is the ultimate sacrifice for humanity's sins.
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