Eloi; Eli

Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia

(Mark 15:34; Matt. 27:46)—forms of Jesus’ cry from the cross: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Mark preserves Eloi and Matthew Eli, reflecting closely related Aramaic and Hebrew forms and echoing Psalm 22:1. Because Eli could sound like the name Elijah, some bystanders said in mockery or misunderstanding, “This man is calling Elijah.”

Scripture cited

Mark 15:34 Matthew 27:46 Psalms 22:1

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