Keraia
Mark 15

Mark 15:35

The Death of Jesus · Mark 15:33–41
Read Mark 15

Translations

Modern
When some of those standing nearby heard this, they said, “Behold, He is calling Elijah.”
Traditional
And some of them that stood by, when they heard it, said, Behold, he calleth Elias.
Literal
And some of those standing by, having heard, were saying, “Behold, He calls Elijah.”
Latin
Et quidam de circumstantibus audientes, dicebant: Ecce Eliam vocat.

Original

Greek
English
When some of those standing nearby heard this, they said, “Behold, He is calling Elijah.”

Notes

Mark 15:35–36

The Aramaic word Eloi and the Hebrew form Eli (Matthew 27:46) sound similar to the name Elijah. Because of this, some people standing nearby thought Jesus was calling for the prophet Elijah to come and rescue him (see Malachi 4:5).

Mark 15:16–41

The crucifixion story is one of the most historically reliable events from ancient history. Why would the early church invent a story where its central figure died as a criminal? This story was offensive to Jews and seemed ridiculous to non-Jews (1 Corinthians 1:23).

Theme notes and profiles

Elijah The Son of God

Events

Parallels

Psalm 22:1–31 Matthew 27:45–56 Luke 23:44–49 John 19:28–30

People

Elijah: A prophet during the reigns of Ahab and Ahaziah

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Crucifixion Eli, Eli, Lema Sabachthani? Gospel Mark, Gospel of Passion

Topics

Death: Scenes of Death of Jesus Jesus, the Christ: Crucified (Just Outside Jerusalem)