### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word λαμά (lamá, `{{G2982}}`) is a direct transliteration of the Aramaic/Hebrew לָמָה (lamah), an interrogative adverb meaning "why," "wherefore," or "for what reason." Its semantic range is narrow, primarily functioning as an inquiry into the cause, purpose, or reason behind an action or state. In its biblical context, particularly its sole New Testament usage, λαμά transcends a mere informational query, becoming an expression of profound lament, bewilderment, or even a cry of dereliction, indicating deep distress or incomprehension of a situation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word λαμά appears exclusively in the New Testament within the Synoptic Gospel accounts of Jesus' crucifixion. It is preserved in its Aramaic form as part of Jesus' cry from the cross, directly quoting [[Psalm 22:1]].
* **[[Matthew 27:46]]**: "And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, 'Eli, Eli, λαμά sabachthani?' that is, 'My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?'"
* **[[Mark 15:34]]**: "And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, 'Eloi, Eloi, λαμά sabachthani?' which is translated, 'My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?'"
The retention of the Aramaic λαμά (rather than its Greek equivalent τί, `{{G5101}}`) emphasizes the authenticity and the profound, raw nature of Jesus' utterance. This cry is not a question born of doubt in God's existence or power, but rather a lament of the deepest spiritual anguish. It signifies the moment when Jesus, bearing the sins of humanity, experienced a unique and horrific separation from the Father due to the Father's holy turning away from sin. It is the ultimate expression of the cost of atonement, fulfilling prophecy and revealing the depth of the divine suffering for human redemption.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Hebrew Origin:** The direct Hebrew/Aramaic antecedent is לָמָה (lamah), which combines the preposition לְ (le, "to," "for") with the interrogative pronoun מָה (mah, "what"). This construction is common in the Old Testament to ask "why," often in contexts of lament, protest, or seeking divine understanding (e.g., [[Psalm 10:1]], [[Psalm 42:9]], [[Isaiah 50:2]]). The Hebrew `{{H4100}}` or `{{H3975}}` are related.
* **Lament Psalms:** The phrase containing λαμά directly quotes [[Psalm 22:1]], a pivotal lament psalm. This psalm, though beginning with a cry of abandonment, progresses to expressions of trust and culminates in praise, providing a crucial interpretive framework for Jesus' cry. It connects Jesus' suffering to the broader biblical tradition of righteous individuals crying out to God in profound distress.
* **Atonement and Sin-Bearing:** The "why" of λαμά is intrinsically linked to the theological concept of atonement. Jesus, who knew no sin, became sin on our behalf ([[2 Corinthians 5:21]]), and in that moment, He experienced the full weight of divine judgment and the resultant spiritual separation from the Father. This separation, though temporary and for a specific purpose, was real and agonizing.
* **Divine Abandonment:** While challenging to comprehend, the cry of λαμά points to a unique and unparalleled moment of divine abandonment, not of the Son's person or divinity, but of the Father's relational presence and comfort, as the Son bore the Father's wrath against sin.
### Theological Significance
The cry "My God, my God, λαμά sabachthani?" is one of the most profound and theologically rich statements from the cross.
* **Identification with Humanity's Plight:** Jesus' use of λαμά demonstrates His complete identification with humanity in its deepest anguish, suffering, and experience of abandonment. He fully entered into the human condition, even to the point of experiencing the spiritual death that is the consequence of sin.
* **Fulfillment of Prophecy:** The direct quotation of [[Psalm 22:1]] underscores the divine foreknowledge and the precise fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy concerning the Messiah's suffering. It affirms that even in His deepest agony, Jesus was acting in perfect obedience to the Father's preordained plan.
* **Depth of Atoning Sacrifice:** The "why" of λαμά reveals the incomprehensible depth of the atonement. It signifies the moment when the Son bore the full weight of humanity's sin, enduring a unique and horrific separation from the Father. This cry is not a sign of despair or a loss of faith, but the agonizing expression of the infinite cost of redemption, demonstrating the Father's holy aversion to sin and the Son's complete submission to the Father's will.
* **Mystery of the Trinity:** This cry offers a glimpse into the mysterious dynamics within the Godhead. While the Father and Son are eternally united in essence, the Son's bearing of sin necessitated a functional separation, an experience of dereliction, for the sake of humanity's salvation. It highlights the Father's absolute holiness and the Son's perfect obedience and love.
### Summary
The Greek word λαμά (lamá, `{{G2982}}`) is a direct transliteration of the Aramaic/Hebrew לָמָה, meaning "why." Its sole New Testament occurrences are in the Synoptic accounts of Jesus' cry from the cross: "My God, my God, λαμά sabachthani?" ([[Matthew 27:46]], [[Mark 15:34]]). This profound lament, a direct quotation from [[Psalm 22:1]], is not an expression of doubt but rather signifies the unique and agonizing experience of separation Jesus endured as He bore the full weight of the world's sin. λαμά encapsulates Jesus' full identification with human suffering, the fulfillment of messianic prophecy, and the unfathomable depth of His atoning sacrifice, revealing the holy cost of salvation and the boundless love of God.
TRV