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Introduction
Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for interpreting the original meanings of scripture and connecting them with ancient cultural contexts. The Greek word ἠλί (ēlí) is particularly significant as it appears in some of the most poignant moments in the New Testament, specifically in the context of Jesus’ crucifixion. Its usage provides deep insights into expressions of lament and divine communication, making it essential for both New Testament interpretation and understanding the cultural and linguistic heritage of the ancient world.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: ἠλί (ēlí), pronounced [ay-LEE].
- Etymology: Derived from the Hebrew word אֵלִי (Eli), which means “my God.”
- Part of Speech: Interjection.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- My God: A direct address to God, expressing a personal relationship.
- An expression of lament: Used as a cry of distress or desperation directed toward God.
Similar Words: ἐλά (elá), pronounced [e-LAH], is a Greek word that means “come!” and is used as a call or invitation. While ἐλά is a word of calling or urging action, ἠλί (ēlí) is an expression of intense emotion directed toward God. Another similar word is κύριε (kyrie), pronounced [KYR-ee-eh], which means “Lord” and is often used in supplication or prayer, though it carries a different connotation of reverence compared to the lamenting nature of ἠλί (ēlí).
Further Insights: ἠλί (ēlí) is not declined as it is an interjection. The word directly comes from Hebrew and retains its form and meaning in Greek, showing a unique example of a transliterated word being used in a specific context to capture the raw emotional appeal from Hebrew scripture. It is typically used as an emphatic declaration or cry.
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Lexicon Insights
BDAG: The BDAG lexicon defines ἠλί (ēlí) as “my God,” a transliteration of the Hebrew אֵלִי. It is used in contexts of intense emotional appeal, particularly in reference to divine communication and prayer.
Thayers: Thayer’s Lexicon describes ἠλί (ēlí) as a direct translation from Hebrew, used as a cry for help or an expression of deep sorrow or supplication to God. It notes the usage in Matthew 27:46 where Jesus cries out from the cross.
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Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary emphasizes the interjectional use of ἠλί (ēlí) as a passionate call to God, highlighting its appearance in the context of extreme distress or need for divine intervention.
LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones Lexicon provides limited discussion on ἠλί (ēlí) due to its specific New Testament use. It recognizes it as an import from Hebrew into Greek to capture the authenticity of a moment of lamentation.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: ἠλί (ēlí) is listed as an Aramaic or Hebrew origin word meaning “my God.” It highlights the word’s role in expressing a cry of forsakenness or deep despair directed toward God.
Related Scripture References
- Matthew 27:46: “And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Ἠλὶ (ēlí), ἠλὶ (ēlí), λεμὰ σαβαχθανί?’ that is, ‘My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?'”
- Mark 15:34: “And at the ninth hour, Jesus cried with a loud voice, ‘Ἐλωΐ (eloi), Ἐλωΐ (eloi), λεμὰ σαβαχθανί,’ which means, ‘My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?'”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Septuagint | Psalm 22:1 (LXX 21:1) | “My God (ἠλί), my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning?” |
| Septuagint | Job 7:20 | “If I have sinned, what do I do to you, you watcher of mankind? Why have you made me your target (ἠλί)? Why have I become a burden to you?” |
| Septuagint | Isaiah 26:13 | “O Lord our God, other lords besides you have ruled over us, but your name alone (ἠλί) we bring to remembrance.” |
Summary of ἠλί (G2241: ēlí)
The Greek word ἠλί (ēlí), transliterated from Hebrew, means “my God” and is a significant interjection used primarily in moments of intense emotion, particularly in contexts of lament or supplication to God. Its use in the New Testament is especially powerful in Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34, where Jesus utters the phrase on the cross, expressing a profound sense of abandonment and divine appeal. The term provides a poignant link between Hebrew tradition and its Greek context, preserving the depth of emotional and theological meaning across languages and cultures.
Did You Know?
- The use of ἠλί (ēlí) in the New Testament connects directly to the Old Testament’s Psalm 22:1, showing the continuity of scriptural themes and expressions of lament.
- ἠλί (ēlí) is one of the few direct transliterations from Hebrew into Greek that retains not only its meaning but also its emotional weight, providing readers with an unaltered glimpse into the original expression.
- The phrase “ἠλί (ēlí), ἠλί (ēlí), λεμὰ σαβαχθανί?” spoken by Jesus on the cross, has been the subject of much theological reflection, emphasizing the mystery of the divine-human relationship and the experience of suffering.
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