Matthew 27:47

Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias.

Matthew 27:47 (KJV)

Context

This verse is part of the account of Jesus’ crucifixion. It takes place during the final moments of Jesus’ life on the cross, after He had been nailed to it and while He was enduring great suffering. The verse refers to the reaction of some bystanders who misunderstood Jesus’ words and thought He was calling for the prophet Elijah (Elias in the KJV).

This verse highlights the confusion and misunderstanding surrounding Jesus’ crucifixion. The bystanders, hearing Jesus cry out, mistakenly thought that He was calling for the prophet Elijah. This misunderstanding may have been due to the similarity in the pronunciation of the Aramaic words for “Eli” (which means “my God”) and “Elijah.” It is important to note that Jesus was actually quoting from Psalm 22:1, which begins with the words, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”

This incident serves as a reminder of the fulfilment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah. The Jewish people were awaiting the coming of Elijah as a forerunner of the Messiah, based on the prophecy that Elijah would appear before the great and dreadful day of the Lord. Therefore, when they heard Jesus’ words, they mistakenly thought that He was calling for Elijah and that the time of the Messiah’s ultimate deliverance and judgment had arrived.

Meaning

The bystanders’ reaction reveals more than simple confusion. They were likely Jewish onlookers, not Roman soldiers, because Roman soldiers would have had no knowledge of Elijah. Their words, “This man calleth for Elias,” could have been a genuine mishearing or a deliberate mockery. Either way, the taunt was cutting because it played on a common Jewish belief, affirmed by Christ Himself, that Elijah would come before the Messiah (Matthew 17:10-13). By saying this, they derided Jesus’ claim to be the Messiah, even as He hung on the cross.

Biblical connections

Jesus’ cry from the cross, quoting Psalm 22:1, was one of the many ways in which He fulfilled the prophecies about the Messiah. The misunderstanding of the bystanders emphasises the significance of interpreting biblical passages within their appropriate context. Misinterpretations can occur if we fail to consider the historical, cultural, and linguistic context of the text.

Application

This incident also reveals the limitations of human understanding. Even those who were present at the crucifixion, witnessing the events firsthand, were prone to misinterpretation. It serves as a reminder for us to approach Scripture with humility, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit and relying on proper study and interpretation methods.

Reflection

Overall, Matthew 27:47 highlights the confusion and misunderstanding surrounding Jesus’ crucifixion and provides valuable lessons about interpreting Scripture accurately and recognising the fulfilment of Messianic prophecies.