What is the meaning of Matthew 27:47? When some of those standing there The scene unfolds at the foot of the cross. A mixed crowd has gathered—Roman soldiers fulfilling their duty, curious passers-by, religious leaders ensuring the execution is carried out, and a few faithful followers standing at a distance. Passers-by jeer just as they had in Mark 15:29-32, while leaders sneer as in Luke 23:35. In the swirl of voices and emotions, the onlookers take center stage for a moment, showing how human reactions to Jesus often expose the state of the heart. heard this Just before our verse, Jesus has cried out, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (Matthew 27:46; echoed from Psalm 22:1). Those nearby catch the sound but not the sense. Their ears pick up only the syllable “Eli,” missing the psalm’s plea and its profound fulfillment taking place right before them—much like the crowd in John 12:29 who mistook the Father’s voice for thunder. The mishearing reveals spiritual dullness, an inability to discern what God is truly doing. they said Instead of pausing to seek understanding, the bystanders quickly trade impressions. The soldiers may speak with a shrug, the leaders with mockery, and the curious with a spark of fascination. Luke 23:36 notes that even the soldiers “came up and mocked Him,” while John 7:40-43 records earlier debates about Jesus’ identity. Such talk often shapes public opinion more than truth does; here it sets the stage for yet another misunderstanding around the cross. “He is calling Elijah.” The crowd leaps to a conclusion rooted in Israel’s expectation that Elijah will precede the Messiah (Malachi 4:5). Hearing “Eli” sounds close enough—so they assume Jesus is summoning the prophet who once “went up by a whirlwind into heaven” (2 Kings 2:11). Even after Jesus had explained that John the Baptist came “in the spirit and power of Elijah” (Mark 9:11-13), many clung to the hope that Elijah might still appear in dramatic rescue. Some may speak mockingly, daring Elijah to save this supposed King; others may linger in superstitious curiosity, wondering if a miracle is imminent. Either way, they miss that the true deliverance is happening through the very suffering they misread. summary Matthew 27:47 captures a moment of partial hearing and hurried speculation. The crowd latched onto one familiar syllable, “Eli,” yet overlooked the deeper cry of Psalm 22 and the greater salvation Jesus was accomplishing. Their response exposes hearts unprepared to recognize the Messiah’s work. By noting their misunderstanding, Scripture urges us to listen carefully, compare what we hear with the whole counsel of God, and see Jesus not as one needing rescue but as the Redeemer who is rescuing us. |
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