Devine Scripture

Matthew 27:47

What does Matthew 27:47 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 27:47 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 27:47 means

Some of those standing nearby, hearing Jesus’ Aramaic cry, think he is calling for Elijah. This misunderstanding shows the crowd’s lack of grasp of Jesus’ reference to Psalm 22 and their expectation of Elijah as a prophet who might come to assist. Their assumption reveals ignorance and confusion: they mistake a messianic lament for a call for prophetic help. The moment highlights how Jesus’ words are misheard and misinterpreted by onlookers who do not discern the deeper meaning of his suffering.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And some of them that stood there, when they heard it, said, This man calleth Elijah.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And some of them that stood there, when they heard it, said, This man calleth Elijah.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And some of those who were near by, hearing it, said, This man is crying to Elijah.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And certain of those standing there having heard, said--`Elijah he doth call;'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And some that stood there and heard said: This man calleth Elias.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And some of those who stood there, when they heard [it], said, This [man] calls for Elias.

Context

This verse follows Jesus’ cry quoting Psalm 22 (v. 46) and records the bystanders’ mistaken interpretation. The crowd’s confusion leads to actions to give him something to drink (v. 48) and to speculation about prophetic intervention (v. 49). It illustrates widespread misunderstanding at the cross.

v.46And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

v.47This passage

v.48And straightway one of them ran, and took a sponge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Mark 15:35

    And some of them that stood by, when they heard it, said, Behold, he calleth Elijah.

  • Matthew 11:14

    And if ye are willing to receive it, this is Elijah, that is to come.

  • Malachi 4:5

    Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and terrible day of Jehovah come.

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