Definition and Etymology:
The term "Sabachthani" is a transliteration of the Aramaic word "שְׁבַקְתַּנִי" (šəḇaqtanī), which means "You have forsaken me." It is most famously known from the cry of Jesus on the cross, as recorded in the New Testament.

Biblical Reference:
The word "Sabachthani" appears in the context of Jesus' crucifixion. In the Gospel of Matthew 27:46 , it is recorded: "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?'" This is a direct quotation from Psalm 22:1, indicating Jesus' fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and expressing the depth of His suffering.

Theological Significance:
The cry of "Sabachthani" is significant in Christian theology as it highlights the profound mystery of the Incarnation and the Passion of Christ. It underscores the reality of Jesus' human experience, including the feeling of abandonment. This moment on the cross is seen as the culmination of Jesus bearing the sins of humanity, experiencing the separation from God that sin causes.

Christological Implications:
From a Christological perspective, Jesus' utterance of "Sabachthani" reflects His dual nature as fully God and fully man. While He is the Son of God, His experience of abandonment is a testament to His genuine humanity. This moment is pivotal in understanding the sacrificial nature of Jesus' mission, as He takes upon Himself the weight of human sin and its consequences.

Connection to Psalm 22:
The use of "Sabachthani" connects the New Testament narrative to the Old Testament, specifically Psalm 22, which is a messianic psalm. The psalm begins with a cry of despair but transitions into a declaration of trust and hope in God's deliverance. This connection emphasizes the fulfillment of prophecy and the ultimate victory over sin and death through Jesus' resurrection.

Interpretations and Reflections:
Throughout Christian history, theologians and scholars have reflected on the meaning of "Sabachthani." Some view it as an expression of Jesus' identification with human suffering, while others see it as a profound moment of divine mystery. It serves as a reminder of the cost of redemption and the depth of God's love for humanity.

Liturgical and Devotional Use:
In Christian liturgy and devotion, the cry of "Sabachthani" is often meditated upon during Holy Week, particularly on Good Friday. It invites believers to contemplate the suffering of Christ and the significance of His sacrifice. This moment on the cross is a focal point for understanding the gravity of sin and the magnitude of God's grace.Sabachthani or Sabachthani

(why hast thou forsaken me), part of Christ's fourth cry on the cross. (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34) This, with the other words uttered with it, as given in Mark, is Aramaic (Syro-Chaldaic), the common dialect of the people of palestine in Christ's time and the whole is a translation of the Hebrew (given in Matthew) of the first words of the 22d Psalm. --ED.

4518. sabachthani -- you have forsaken me
... 4517, 4518. sabachthani. 4519 . ... Definition you have forsaken me NASB
Word Usage sabachthani (2). sabachthani, you have left me. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4518.htm - 6k

Lama Sabachthani?
... Lama Sabachthani? A Sermon (No.2133). ... "And about the ninth hour Jesus cried
with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 36 1890/lama sabachthani.htm

Matt. xxvii. 45-48.
... And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, and said, Eli, Eli, lama
sabachthani? that is to say, my God my God, why hast thou forsaken me? ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxxxviii matt xxvii 45-48.htm

In Reference to Daniel My Answer Will be that I did not Say that ...
... the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water," and
in the words used on the cross itself, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani," which is ...
/.../33 in reference to daniel.htm

Synoptical Table
... 46 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? Mark. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the gospel of peter/synoptical table.htm

The Fourth Word
... THE DEVOTION OF THE THREE HOURS V THE FOURTH WORD. "Eloi, Eloi, lama
sabachthani.""Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34. There are three peculiar ...
//christianbookshelf.org/beibitz/gloria crucis/v the fourth word.htm

Crucified, Dead and Buried
... voice, saying: "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" which is, being interpreted,
"My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?". And some ...
/.../mark/jesus of nazareth a biography/chapter xv crucified dead and.htm

The Saviour's Many Crowns
... whose hair was plucked: A head which at the last in the grim agony of death, crowned
with thorns, gave utterance to the terrible death-shriek"lama sabachthani ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the saviours many crowns.htm

The Death which Gives Life
... the ninth hour.34. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying,
Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the death which gives life.htm

The Crucifixion
... 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? 47. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the crucifixion.htm

The Death of Jesus
... And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?
which is, being interpreted, My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me? ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 15 33-41 the death of.htm

What time was Jesus crucified? What time did Jesus die on the cross? | GotQuestions.org

What is the meaning of the word Elohim? | GotQuestions.org

Why did Jesus sweat blood in the Garden of Gethsemane? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus