λαμά (lama)
lama
why?
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The word lama means "why" and appears in only two verses, found in Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34. It is a transliteration of an Aramaic term, reflecting the language Jesus likely spoke during his ministry on earth.
This brief exclamation captures the raw emotion of Jesus’ cry from the cross. By using an Aramaic phrase instead of Greek, the Gospel writers preserve the actual words spoken in that moment. This choice highlights the historical reality of the event and connects directly to the Hebrew Scriptures, particularly Psalm 22:1, where a similar expression of anguish is voiced.
The use of lama underscores the humanity of Jesus, showing him experiencing deep sorrow and feeling separated from God. It serves as a poignant reminder of the depth of his suffering and the weight of sin he bore on behalf of others.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word lama simply means "why". It appears in the Gospels as part of Jesus’ cry from the cross. By keeping this Aramaic term, the writers preserved the exact sounds Jesus used in his final moments. This detail grounds the story in real history and shows that Jesus spoke the language of his people.
When you feel far from God, this word reminds you that Jesus understands that pain. He did not hide his sorrow or confusion. Instead, he brought it directly to the Father. Your own questions and struggles are not too heavy for him to carry. He has walked through deep darkness so you would never have to face it alone.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- lema2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- λεμα2×
Key Verses
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Matthew 27:46
About the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lima sabachthani?” That is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
This verse records the cry in Aramaic, showing Jesus’ genuine human emotion and linking his suffering to Psalm 22.
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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?”
Mark provides a translation for his Greek readers, ensuring they understand the depth of Jesus' abandonment without losing the original impact.