11: Eli, Eli, Lama Sabachthani — אֵלִי אֵלִי לָמָה שְׁבַקְתַּנִי

1. Term: Eli, Eli, Lama Sabachthani

Meaning: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” — Jesus’ cry from the cross expressing anguish.

2. Historical-Cultural Context:

  • This phrase is a direct Aramaic quotation of Psalm 22:1, reflecting deep lament and prophecy fulfillment.
  • Aramaic was the spoken language of Jesus and His contemporaries, grounding this moment in real historical context.
  • Expresses both human suffering and theological depth of abandonment and trust.

3. Literary Examples:

  • Matthew 27:46 — “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?”
  • Psalm 22:1 — “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

4. Cultural Significance:

  • Highlights the profound connection between Jesus’ passion and Jewish lament tradition.
  • Shows the use of Aramaic in conveying emotional and spiritual truths in the New Testament.
  • Serves as a powerful symbol of suffering and hope in Christian theology.
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