New Testament · Gospel

Mark 15:35

The Crucifixion

When some of those standing nearby heard this, they said, “Behold, He is calling Elijah.” Mark 15:35 · Berean Standard Bible
What It Means

Mark 15:35, in plain English

Some people standing nearby hear it and say, 'Listen, He's calling for Elijah!'

Why it's here

They either misheard 'Eloi' (My God) as 'Elijah,' or they're continuing to mock Him. Either way, they completely miss what Jesus is really saying.

Who's speaking

Bystanders misinterpret Jesus' cry.

Where it sits in the story

They hear the cry of a man pouring out His soul to God and think He's calling for an Old Testament hero to rescue Him. They miss everything.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

Bystanders misidentify the cry 'Eloi' as a call to Elias (Elijah), reflecting either genuine confusion between the Aramaic words or willful misunderstanding.

Language and setting

Jewish tradition held that Elijah would return before the Messiah (Malachi 4:5). Some may have genuinely misheard; others may have continued the mockery by pretending Jesus was calling for Elijah's rescue.

Voice

Bystanders near the cross comment on what they think they heard.

Significance

Whether from genuine confusion or continued mockery, the bystanders mistake Jesus' prayer to God for a desperate call to Elijah, missing the profound significance of His words.

In context

Mark 15:33–37

33From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land.

34At 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?”

35When some of those standing nearby heard this, they said, “Behold, He is calling Elijah.”

36And someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine. He put it on a reed and held it up for Jesus to drink, saying, “Leave Him alone. Let us see if Elijah comes to take Him down.”

37But Jesus let out a loud cry and breathed His last.

Read all of Mark 15 — Pilate washes his hands, soldiers mock the King of Kings, and darkness covers the land. The curtain in the temple tears from top to bottom.

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