Matthew 27:46

And about the ninth houre, Iesus cried with a loud voyce, saying, Eli, Eli, Lamasabachthani, that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken mee? Matthew 27:46 (KJV)

And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying,

Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say,

My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Matthew 27:46 (KJV)

Matthew 27:46 occurs after Jesus has hung on the cross for several hours, around the ninth hour (approximately 3 p.m.). At this point darkness covered the land, and He uttered these words, one of the seven sayings recorded from the cross.

The cry, a quotation from Psalm 22:1, expresses a profound sense of abandonment and anguish. In that moment Jesus bears the weight of sin and experiences separation from the Father as the sin‑bearer for humanity.

By quoting Psalm 22, Jesus demonstrates the fulfillment of Old Testament messianic prophecy. The psalm foretells the sufferings of the Messiah, including His feeling of abandonment, and Jesus’ words identify Him with those prophetic expectations.

This utterance also reveals the dual nature of Christ—fully human and fully divine. In His humanity He feels the depths of suffering and forsakenness, yet in His divinity He remains connected to the Father.

The forsakenness underscores the immense cost of redemption. Through this suffering Jesus willingly takes upon Himself the punishment for sin, making reconciliation with God possible and highlighting the magnitude of divine love.

The cry offers assurance to believers in their darkest moments. Knowing that Jesus has experienced abandonment enables us to find solace, as He empathizes with our pain and offers comfort and hope.

Reflecting on this moment deepens our appreciation for the price of salvation. It motivates a life of gratitude, prompting us to reflect Christ’s sacrificial love in our own conduct.

Although Jesus felt forsaken, the passage does not imply a total separation from the Father. It points to a greater divine purpose, culminating in His victorious resurrection, and encourages trust in God’s plan even amid suffering.

Jesus’ use of Psalm 22 invites believers to turn to the Psalms in distress. The Psalms express a wide range of emotions and provide a pathway for prayer, comfort, and communion with God.

In summary, Matthew 27:46 captures a pivotal moment on the cross, highlighting Jesus’ sense of abandonment, the fulfillment of messianic prophecy, the depth of His suffering, and the extraordinary cost of redemption. It calls us to find comfort in His empathy, trust in God’s overarching purpose, and engage the Scriptures for strength and communion.