Devine Scripture

Mark 15:34

What does Mark 15:34 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 15:34 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 15:34 means

At the ninth hour Jesus cries out, quoting Psalm 22: “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” This anguished cry expresses the depth of his suffering and sense of abandonment as he bears sin. It is both a literal expression of pain and a theological fulfillment of Scripture, connecting his experience to the Psalm of lament that ultimately moves to trust. The words show Jesus’ real human agony and the mysterious reality of bearing the world’s sin, feeling separation from the Father for a time.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And at the ninth hour, Jesus said in a loud voice, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, My God, my God, why are you turned away from me?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a great voice, saying, `Eloi, Eloi, lamma sabachthani?' which is, being interpreted, `My God, my God, why didst Thou forsake me?'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And at the ninth hour, Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying: Eloi, Eloi, lamma sabacthani? Which is, being interpreted: My God, My God, Why hast thou forsaken me?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and at the ninth hour, Jesus cried with a loud voice, [saying], Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, MyGod, myGod, why hast thou forsaken me?

Context

Coming at the end of the three hours of darkness, Jesus’ cry stands as the climactic emotional and spiritual moment of the crucifixion. The quotation ties his suffering to Davidic lament tradition and prepares readers to interpret the crucifixion as both a redemptive act and fulfillment of Scripture. It sets up misunderstandings among onlookers and the final events of his death.

v.33And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.

v.34This passage

v.35And some of them that stood by, when they heard it, said, Behold, he calleth Elijah.

Cross references

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

  • Lamentations 5:20

    Wherefore dost thou forget us for ever, Andforsake us so long time?

  • Isaiah 41:17

    The poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst; I, Jehovah, will answer them, I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.

  • Hebrews 5:7

    Who in the days of his flesh, having offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and having been heard for his godly fear,

  • Lamentations 1:12

    Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by? Behold, and see if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow, which is brought upon me, Wherewith Jehovah hath afflicted me in the day of his fierce anger.

  • Luke 23:46

    And Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said this, he gave up the ghost.

  • Psalms 42:9

    I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? Why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Mark 15

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Mark 15.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Mark 15:34.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary