of Hebrew origin (אֵל with pronominal suffix); my God:-- Eli.
Transliteration:ēlí
Pronunciation:ay-lee'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek lemma ἠλί (transliterated as *ēlí*, Strong's `{{G2241}}`) is a direct transliteration from the Hebrew phrase אֵלִי (*ʾēlî*), meaning "My God." It is derived from the Hebrew word אֵל (*ʾēl*, Strong's `{{H410}}`), which signifies "God" or "mighty one," combined with the first-person singular pronominal suffix (yod), indicating possession. Thus, its core meaning is a deeply personal and possessive address: "my God." The semantic range is narrow, specifically denoting this intimate, personal invocation of the Divine. Its significance lies in this direct, relational address rather than a general reference to deity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἠλί occurs uniquely in the New Testament within the Synoptic Gospels, specifically in the account of Jesus' crucifixion. It is famously recorded as part of Jesus' cry from the cross: "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?"
* [[Matthew 27:46]]: "And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, 'Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?' that is, 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?'"
* [[Mark 15:34]] presents a slight variation in transliteration, "Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?" (ἐλωΐ), which reflects an Aramaic pronunciation of the same Hebrew root, but conveys the identical meaning and theological weight.
This cry is a direct quotation from [[Psalm 22:1]], a messianic psalm that profoundly describes suffering and ultimate vindication. In its context on the cross, Jesus' utterance of "Eli, Eli" underscores several critical points:
1. **Humanity of Christ:** It reveals the profound depth of Jesus' human suffering, experiencing the full weight of sin and its consequence, which is separation from God. This is not merely physical agony but a spiritual desolation.
2. **Fulfillment of Prophecy:** By quoting [[Psalm 22:1]], Jesus identifies himself as the suffering servant prophesied in the Old Testament, linking his crucifixion directly to divine plan and ancient scripture.
3. **Substitutionary Atonement:** This cry is often understood as the moment when Jesus, "who knew no sin, became sin for us" ([[2 Corinthians 5:21]]), bearing the divine wrath against humanity's transgressions. The apparent "forsaking" is not a dissolution of the Trinitarian bond but the Father turning away from the Son who has become the embodiment of sin, a necessary act for atonement.
4. **Misunderstanding by Bystanders:** The narrative in Matthew and Mark notes that some bystanders misunderstood Jesus' cry, thinking he was calling for Elijah (Ἠλίας, *Ēlías*), highlighting the linguistic and cultural nuances of the moment and the profound isolation Jesus experienced.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the Hebrew root אֵל (*ʾēl*, Strong's `{{H410}}`), from which ἠλί is derived. This root is foundational to many biblical names and theological concepts related to God's power and deity.
Other related terms for God include:
* אֱלֹהִים (*ʾělōhîm*, Strong's `{{H430}}`): The common Hebrew plural noun for God, often used with a singular verb, emphasizing God's majesty and power.
* יְהוָה (*Yahweh*, Strong's `{{H3068}}`): The personal, covenantal name of God.
* θεός (*theos*, Strong's `{{G2316}}`): The general Greek term for God, used extensively throughout the New Testament.
The concept of "my God" also relates to the personal relationship between the believer and God, a theme prominent throughout Scripture, emphasizing covenant, trust, and intimacy. The cry of "Eli" also evokes the theological concepts of:
* **Divine abandonment (apparent):** The profound sense of separation experienced by Christ.
* **Messianic suffering:** The fulfillment of prophetic suffering in the person of Jesus.
* **Atonement and propitiation:** The act by which Christ's sacrifice appeases divine wrath and reconciles humanity to God.
* **The humanity of Christ:** His full identification with human experience, including profound anguish.
### Theological Significance
The single, powerful occurrence of ἠλί on the cross carries immense theological weight.
1. **Christology:** It underscores the true humanity of Jesus, demonstrating his capacity for profound suffering and his obedient submission to the Father's will, even unto death. While fully divine, he fully experienced the human condition, including the agony of bearing the world's sin. This cry is a testament to the Incarnation's depth.
2. **Soteriology and Atonement:** This cry is central to understanding the doctrine of substitutionary atonement. In that moment, Jesus, the sinless Son, became sin itself, experiencing the spiritual separation from God that is the just consequence of sin. His cry of "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" articulates the cost of redemption and the depth of the sacrifice required to reconcile humanity to a holy God. It is through this ultimate act of love and suffering that salvation is secured.
3. **The Trinity:** While a cry of apparent separation, it simultaneously affirms the distinct persons of the Trinity. The Son addresses the Father as "My God," even as the Father, in His holiness, must turn away from sin embodied in His Son. This moment, though agonizing, reveals the perfect obedience of the Son and the Father's commitment to justice and redemption.
4. **Solidarity in Suffering:** For believers, Jesus' cry of "Eli, Eli" provides profound comfort and solidarity. It signifies that Christ understands and has experienced the deepest human anguish, including feelings of abandonment. It assures believers that even in their darkest moments, Christ has gone before them.
### Summary
The Greek word ἠλί (Strong's `{{G2241}}`), transliterated from the Hebrew "אֵלִי," means "My God." Its singular yet profoundly significant appearance in the New Testament is on the lips of Jesus Christ as he hangs on the cross, crying out, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" ([[Matthew 27:46]]). This cry, a direct quotation from [[Psalm 22:1]], encapsulates the zenith of Jesus' human suffering and his identification with the prophetic suffering servant. Theologically, it is pivotal for understanding the doctrine of substitutionary atonement, revealing the immense cost of redemption as the sinless Son of God bore the full weight of humanity's sin, experiencing a unique spiritual separation from the Father. It underscores Christ's full humanity, his obedience, and the depth of his personal relationship with God, even in the moment of ultimate sacrifice. The word "Eli" thus stands as a powerful testament to the suffering, love, and redemptive work of Jesus Christ.
TRV