Summary
Quick facts
- Strong’s Number
- G1682
- Original Word
- ἐλοΐ
- Transliteration
- eloḯ
- Pronunciation
- el-o-ee'
- Part of Speech
- Aramaic
- Root / Etymology
- of Chaldean origin (H0426 with pronominal suffix) my God
- Frequency
- 2×
- Gematria
- 115
Where it appears
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Commentary
Contributors: · · · ·
Introduction
Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is essential for deepening our comprehension of the New Testament and the cultural context in which it was written. One such word, ἐλωΐ (elōí), holds particular significance as it is directly associated with one of the most poignant moments in the Gospels—the crucifixion of Jesus. This word is crucial for interpreting the New Testament because it encapsulates a moment of profound theological and emotional importance. Additionally, the study of this word offers insights into the linguistic interplay between Greek, Aramaic, and Hebrew in the New Testament period, reflecting the rich cultural and linguistic diversity of the ancient world.
Key Information:
Primary Meanings:
Similar Words:
Further Insights:
Lexicon Insights:
BDAG:
The BDAG lexicon identifies ἐλωΐ as a transliteration of the Aramaic word for "My God," used specifically in the Gospels during Jesus' cry of abandonment on the cross. It highlights the word's deep emotional and theological significance.
Thayer's:
Thayer’s lexicon emphasizes the connection between ἐλωΐ and its Hebrew roots, noting that the word is a poignant cry to God, reflecting Jesus' human experience of suffering and abandonment.
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Vine's:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary discusses ἐλωΐ in the context of the crucifixion narrative, noting its unique usage and the way it connects the New Testament with Old Testament expressions of lament, particularly from the Psalms.
LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon provides limited coverage of ἐλωΐ, focusing on its transliterated nature and its singular use in the New Testament, which points to its Hebrew and Aramaic origins.
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong's Concordance categorizes ἐλωΐ as a proper noun directly related to the Aramaic expression of divine address. It links the word to the Hebrew concept of Elohim, providing a bridge between the Old and New Testaments.
Scripture References:
Classical Usage:
Summary of ἐλωΐ (G1682: elōí):
The Greek word ἐλωΐ (elōí) appears in the New Testament as part of Jesus' cry on the cross, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" It is a transliteration of the Aramaic word for "My God," reflecting the linguistic and cultural context of the time. This word is deeply significant for understanding the human experience of Jesus as recorded in the Gospels, as well as the continuity between Old Testament expressions of lament and New Testament theology.
Did You Know?
The word ἐλωΐ (elōí) is one of the rare instances in the New Testament where Jesus' words are preserved in their original Aramaic form within the Greek text, highlighting the importance of this moment in the Christian tradition. This cry of abandonment is directly connected to Psalm 22, which begins with the same words in Hebrew, showing the deep intertextual links between the Old and New Testaments.