ἐλωΐ (elōi)
elōi
Eloi
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The word elōi is a direct quotation of Aramaic, meaning "my God." It appears in the Gospels when Jesus cries out from the cross, preserving the exact language He would have spoken in His daily life. This usage highlights the deeply personal nature of His prayer, addressing God with intimate familiarity rather than formal distance.
Although written in Greek script, elōi is not a Greek word but an Aramaic phrase. Its presence in the New Testament serves as a historical marker, reminding readers that Jesus’ first language was Aramaic. By retaining this specific term, the Gospel writers capture the raw emotion of the moment, allowing the original linguistic flavor to remain intact for those who understand its source.
Translators typically render elōi simply as "my God," ensuring that modern readers grasp the meaning without losing the connection to Jesus’ native tongue. The word stands as a poignant reminder of the humanity of Christ, who experienced suffering in a language familiar to His contemporaries and to us today.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When Jesus cried out on the cross, He used words from His everyday life. The phrase 'Eloi' means 'my God.' It shows how close He was to the Father, even in pain. This moment reminds us that our own prayers can be honest and raw.
You do not need perfect words to reach God. Jesus’ cry invites you to bring your deepest feelings to Him. In your hardest times, remember that He understands suffering because He lived it. His humanity makes His divinity real for you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Eloi,1×
- Eloi1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ελωι,1×
- ελωι1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 15:34
At the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which is, being interpreted, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
This verse captures the exact Aramaic phrase Jesus used, highlighting the personal intimacy of His cry to the Father during His final moments.