Topical Encyclopedia Etymology and Meaning The term "Eloieloi" is a compound of two Hebrew words: "Eloi," a form of "Elohim," meaning "God," and "Eloi," which is an Aramaic term for "my God." This expression is most famously associated with the words of Jesus Christ on the cross, as recorded in the Gospels. The phrase "Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?" translates to "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" (Mark 15:34). This poignant cry is a direct quotation from Psalm 22:1, highlighting the deep connection between the Old and New Testaments. Biblical Context The phrase "Eloi, Eloi" is found in the New Testament, specifically in the accounts of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In the Gospel of Mark, it is recorded as follows: "And at the ninth hour, Jesus cried out in a loud voice, 'Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?' which means, 'My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?'" (Mark 15:34). Similarly, the Gospel of Matthew records a slightly different version: "About the ninth hour, Jesus cried out in a loud voice, 'Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?' which means, 'My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?'" (Matthew 27:46). Theological Significance The utterance of "Eloi, Eloi" by Jesus is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it underscores the fulfillment of Messianic prophecy, as Jesus quotes directly from Psalm 22, a psalm that vividly describes the suffering of the Messiah. This connection emphasizes the continuity of God's redemptive plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament. Secondly, the cry of abandonment reflects the profound mystery of the Incarnation and the atoning work of Christ. In this moment, Jesus, fully God and fully man, experiences the weight of human sin and the consequent separation from the Father. This separation is not indicative of a break in the divine Trinity but rather highlights the depth of Christ's suffering on behalf of humanity. Historical and Cultural Context The use of Aramaic in the phrase "Eloi, Eloi" is noteworthy, as Aramaic was the common spoken language of the Jewish people in Palestine during the time of Jesus. This linguistic choice underscores the historical authenticity of the Gospel accounts and provides insight into the cultural milieu of first-century Judea. Interpretations and Reflections Throughout Christian history, theologians and scholars have reflected on the meaning of Jesus' cry from the cross. Some view it as an expression of the genuine human emotion of Jesus, who, in His humanity, felt the desolation of being forsaken. Others interpret it as a profound declaration of trust in God, even in the midst of suffering, as the entirety of Psalm 22 ultimately points to hope and deliverance. The phrase "Eloi, Eloi" continues to resonate with believers as a powerful reminder of the sacrificial love of Christ and the depth of His identification with human suffering. It invites Christians to contemplate the mystery of the cross and the profound love of God that it reveals. Concordance Eloieloi (1 Occurrence)Mark 15:34 Thesaurus Eloieloi (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Eloieloi (1 Occurrence). Mark 15:34 and at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a great voice, saying, 'Eloi ... /e/eloieloi.htm - 6k Elon (8 Occurrences) E'lo-I (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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