New Testament · Gospel

Matthew 27:47

The Crucifixion

When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He is calling Elijah.” Matthew 27:47 · Berean Standard Bible
What It Means

Matthew 27:47, in plain English

Some people standing nearby misunderstand and say: He is calling for Elijah.

Why it's here

They mishear 'My God' as 'Elijah.' Even at the cross, no one understands what is really happening. Jesus is utterly alone in His suffering.

Who's speaking

Bystanders misinterpret Jesus' cry, adding confusion to the agony.

Where it sits in the story

He cries out to God, and the people around Him think He is calling for someone else. The misunderstanding is one more layer of loneliness.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

Bystanders misinterpret 'Eli' (My God) as 'Elijah' (Elias), either from genuine confusion or deliberate mockery.

Language and setting

The confusion between 'Eli' (God) and 'Elias' (Elijah) may reflect the listeners' unfamiliarity with Aramaic or a willful misunderstanding. Jewish tradition expected Elijah to return before the Messiah.

Voice

Some bystanders comment on what they think they hear Jesus saying.

Significance

Even Jesus' final prayer is misunderstood — those nearest to Him cannot comprehend His words, hearing a call for a prophet when He is crying out to God.

In context

Matthew 27:45–49

45From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land.

46About 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?”

47When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He is calling Elijah.”

48One of them quickly ran and brought a sponge. He filled it with sour wine, put it on a reed, and held it up for Jesus to drink.

49But the others said, “Leave Him alone. Let us see if Elijah comes to save Him.”

Read all of Matthew 27 — The climax of the story. Every thread — sacrifice, covenant, prophecy, promise — converges at a cross outside Jerusalem.

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