### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek transliteration "σαβαχθάνι" (sabachtháni) is derived from an Aramaic (Chaldee) phrase. It is composed of the verb *shebak* (שְׁבַק), meaning "to leave," "to forsake," or "to abandon," combined with the pronominal suffix "-thani" (or "-tani"), which indicates "me" and conveys a perfect tense, second person singular subject with a first person singular object. Thus, "sabachtháni" literally translates to "thou hast left me" or "thou hast forsaken me." This phrase encapsulates a profound sense of abandonment, desolation, and deep distress, articulating a feeling of being utterly alone and without divine support.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word "σαβαχθάνι" (sabachtháni) appears exclusively in the New Testament, specifically in the Synoptic Gospels, where it records one of the seven sayings of Jesus from the cross.
* In [[Matthew 27:46]], it is rendered: "And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachtháni? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?"
* Similarly, in [[Mark 15:34]], it states: "And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachtháni? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?"
These occurrences are direct quotations from [[Psalm 22:1]], which in the Hebrew text reads, "Eli, Eli, lamah 'azavtani" (אֵלִי אֵלִי לָמָה עֲזַבְתָּנִי). The Aramaic form used by Jesus suggests He spoke these words in His native tongue, adding an immediate and visceral layer to His cry of agony. The context is the climax of Jesus' crucifixion, a moment of profound physical and spiritual suffering, particularly during the three hours of darkness (from the sixth to the ninth hour). This cry signifies the unique and incomprehensible experience of the Son being forsaken by the Father as He bore the immense weight of humanity's sin.
### Related Words & Concepts
The Aramaic root *shebak* (שְׁבַק) is closely related to the Hebrew verb *'azav* (עָזַב), Strong's `{{H5800}}`, which carries the same core meaning of "to leave," "to forsake," or "to abandon." This is the verb used in the original Hebrew of [[Psalm 22:1]]. The entire [[Psalm 22]] is crucial for understanding "sabachtháni," as it is a prophetic lament that begins with an intense cry of abandonment but moves toward an ultimate declaration of God's faithfulness and universal praise. The concept of "forsakenness" is central, highlighting the breaking of the eternal communion between the Father and the Son, a necessary consequence of Christ becoming sin for humanity (cf. [[2 Corinthians 5:21]]). This cry is also intrinsically linked to the broader biblical themes of lament, suffering, and the atoning work of the Suffering Servant as prophesied in Isaiah (e.g., [[Isaiah 53]]).
### Theological Significance
The cry "sabachtháni" represents perhaps the most profound and mysterious utterance from the cross, holding immense theological significance for understanding the atonement.
* **Penal Substitutionary Atonement:** It reveals the depth of Christ's atoning sacrifice. As Jesus, who knew no sin, became sin for us, He experienced the full wrath and judgment of God against sin. This necessitated a temporary, yet real, breach in the fellowship between the Father and the Son, a unique and unprecedented event in the divine economy. The Father, in His absolute holiness, could not look upon the sin imputed to His Son, leading to this cry of abandonment.
* **Identification with Humanity's Plight:** While theologically distinct, Christ's cry of forsakenness also profoundly identifies with the human experience of spiritual desolation, despair, and feeling abandoned by God in times of extreme suffering.
* **Fulfillment of Prophecy:** By quoting [[Psalm 22:1]], Jesus explicitly affirms His identity as the Messiah and demonstrates the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. The psalm's trajectory from deep despair to triumphant praise foreshadows Christ's resurrection and ultimate victory over sin and death.
* **Theological Mystery:** The precise nature of this "forsaking" remains a theological mystery. It was not a dissolution of the hypostatic union or the divine nature, but rather a withdrawal of the Father's comforting presence and favor, allowing the Son to bear the full, undiluted weight of divine wrath against sin. This moment underscores the infinite cost of redemption and the unwavering justice of God.
### Summary
The Aramaic word "sabachtháni" (G4518), meaning "thou hast forsaken me," is a deeply significant and poignant utterance recorded in [[Matthew 27:46]] and [[Mark 15:34]]. Spoken by Jesus from the cross, it is a direct quotation from [[Psalm 22:1]] and signifies the unparalleled moment when the Son experienced separation from the Father as He bore the full burden of humanity's sin. This cry reveals the core of Christ's atoning work, demonstrating the infinite cost of redemption and the absolute holiness of God, who cannot countenance sin. It is a testament to the depth of Christ's suffering, His identification with human anguish, and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, ultimately pointing to the triumph over death that follows. The word encapsulates a moment of ultimate spiritual agony, central to understanding the nature of the cross and the unfathomable love that led to salvation.
TRV