Bible Strands
Matthew 27:47
When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He is calling Elijah.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Bystanders at the crucifixion site hear Jesus cry out in Aramaic and report that He is calling for Elijah.
The words — The Greek ἔλεγον (elegon) translates literally as "were saying," marking the crowd’s ongoing verbal response to Jesus’ cry.
The thread — The text records this misunderstanding in Mark 15:35, while the Elijah reference draws on Malachi 4:5 and Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 11:14.
Why it lands — The text shows how human expectation can misinterpret divine suffering, requiring readers to test their assumptions against what is actually spoken rather than what they hope to hear.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias.
Cross-references
- Malachi 4:5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and awesome Day of the LORD.
- Mark 15:35 When some of those standing nearby heard this, they said, “Behold, He is calling Elijah.”
- Matthew 11:14 And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.