Bible Dictionary
Eli, Eli, Lama Sabachthani
“Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani” means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Jesus spoke these words from the cross, quoting the opening of Psalm 22.
Definition
“Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani,” also given in the form “Eloi,” means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” It is the Syro-Chaldaic form of the opening words of the twenty-second Psalm.
Biblical Usage
Jesus spoke these words from the cross. They express the opening cry of the twenty-second Psalm.
Historical Background
The wording reflects the common language used by the Jews in the time of Christ.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
The Hebrew form, as Eloi, Eloi, etc., is the Syro-Chaldaic (the common language in use by the Jews in the time of Christ) of the first words of the twenty-second Psalm; they mean “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”