The Chaldee word sabachtháni, represented by G4518, is a specific "cry of distress" that means thou hast left me. It appears only 2 times in 2 verses in the Bible, both of which are direct quotations of Jesus from the cross. Its singular usage marks one of the most poignant moments in the Gospels.
The two occurrences of G4518 are found in the crucifixion narratives. In both Matthew and Mark, Jesus utters this cry "at the ninth hour" with a "loud" G3173 "voice" G5456. Matthew's account records the full phrase as "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani" Matthew 27:46, while Mark's account presents it as "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani" Mark 15:34. In both instances, the scripture immediately provides the interpretation for the reader: "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?", using the Greek word for "forsaken" G1459.
Several related words are essential for understanding the context and meaning of this cry:
- G1459 enkataleípō (to desert... forsake, leave): This is the Greek word used by the Gospel writers to translate the meaning of sabachtháni (Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34). Its meaning is further clarified in contexts where God promises not to forsake His people Hebrews 13:5 or when individuals are forsaken by others 2 Timothy 4:10.
- G2241 ēlí (my God): The form of address to God, from Hebrew, used in Matthew's account of the cry from the cross Matthew 27:46.
- G1682 eloḯ (my God): The Chaldean form of address to God, used in Mark's parallel account Mark 15:34.
- G2316 theós (a deity... God): The Greek word used for "God" in the interpretation of the cry, linking the original Aramaic words to the concept of the supreme Divinity for the Greek-speaking audience (Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34).
The theological weight of G4518 is centered on the concept of divine abandonment.
- A Cry of Distress: The word itself is defined as a "cry of distress," emphasizing the anguish of the moment. The fact that Jesus "cried" (G310, G994) this phrase highlights the extremity of His suffering.
- The Experience of Being Forsaken: The interpreted meaning, "thou hast forsaken me" G1459, points to a unique moment in which Jesus experiences separation from God the Father. This stands in stark contrast to the promise that God will never forsake His people Hebrews 13:5 or His Holy One in hell Acts 2:27.
- A Direct Address to God: Even in this moment of perceived abandonment, the cry is an address to God, using the intimate term "My God" (G2241, G1682). This shows that the cry is one of relationship, even amidst profound suffering.
In summary, G4518 is not merely a foreign word but a recorded utterance of immense significance. It provides a window into the climax of Christ's suffering, expressing a feeling of being forsaken by God. By presenting the original Chaldee cry and then immediately translating it with the Greek word for "forsaken" G1459, the scriptures underscore the depth and reality of this moment of distress on the cross.
TRV