The Seven Last Words of Jesus

The Seven Last "Words" of Jesus Christ from the cross are actually 7 short phrases that Jesus uttered on Calvary that serve as an excellent holy week meditation. To find all of the seven last words of Jesus Christ, one must read all the gospels since none of the evangelists records all 7 last words. The sayings would have been originally uttered by Jesus in the Aramaic language, but only one of the last seven words of Jesus is preserved for us in the original Aramaic, namely "Eli, Eli, lama sabacthani" or "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me," which is actually a direct quote of the opening verse of Psalm 22. The rest of the seven last words of Jesus are found in the gospels after having been translated into Greek by the four Evangelists. We reproduce them here in Latin as well as English, since the Latin version of the Seven Last Words of Christ has been used so extensively in sacred music, notably by composers such as Franz Josef Hayden. For centuries these seven last words of Jesus have been also used as meditation points for spiritual conferences, retreats, and Lenten missions. They are particularly wonderful to use for prayer during Holy Week, especially on Good Friday.

1. "Father, forgive them, they know not what they do." Lk. 23: 34 Pater, dimitte illis, quia nesciunt, quid faciunt.

2. "This day thou shalt be with me in Paradise." Hodie mecum eris in Paradiso. Lk. 23: 43

3. "Woman, behold thy son." Mulier, ecce filius tuus. Jn. 19: 26-7

4. "My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?" Deus meus, Deus meus, utquid dereliquisti me? Mk. 15: 34 (Mt. 27: 46)

5. "I thirst." Sitio. Jn. 19: 28.

6. "It is finished." Consummatum est. Jn 19: 30

7. "Into thine hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit." In manus tuas, Domine, commendo spiritum meum. Lk. 23:

(The Crossroads Initiative)Date of Download: April 22, 2011

here is a nice blog that features the Seven Last Words With its Meaning
from a Christian Blogger:

7 Lastwords of JESUS Christ ~ Bible Verses and Meaning

Our LORD Jesus Christ was very silent and doesn't speak too much during his trial from the court of Jews until he was crucified from the cross. While he was crucified he left 7 very important words. I have just compiled them and provide their corresponding meanings too.

#1 from the 7 last words – Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do

Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. (Luke 23:34)

Up to the last breath of Christ, he showed love ,mercy and forgave all of them that involve from his crucifixion. Not including the tremendous pain he felt, Jesus suffered a total embarrassment too because he was fully naked at the cross because the roman soldiers took his rainment.

#2 from the 7 last words – Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. (Luke 23:43)

Jesus showed his authority and power over death, he cast immediate salvation towards the thief that believes on him. He gives assurance to the thief that they will meet in the paradise after their death.

#3 from the 7 last words – Woman, behold thy son!

When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! (John 19:26)

Jesus showed mercy on his earthly mother Mary, he assigned the apostle John to take care of his mother. Likewise, we should love our parents and take care of them.

#4 from the 7 last words – Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?

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? (Mark 15:34)

This is the fulfilment of Psalms 22:1. God can save his Son from that very moment, but because He love us so much, he offered his own Son to save us from everlasting punishment so we can have an everlasting life upon accepting Christ as our Savior.

#5 from the 7 last words – I thirst.
After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. (John 19:28)

This is also the fulfillment of Psalm 69:21. Our LORD JESUS Christ was also physically exhausted here. Spiritually speaking our LORD is thirsting for us from serving him.

#6 from the 7 last words – It is finished
When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. (John 19:30)


JESUS Christ announced the accomplishment of his task from the FATHER

#7 from the 7 last words – Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit
And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost. (Luke 23:46)

Until his death, Jesus showed his strong and unmovable faith and trust from the FATHER. This is what GOD expecting from us.

(http://www.gl3nnx.com/bible-reference/7-lastwords-of-jesus-christ-bible-verses-and-meaning.htm)Date of download: April 22, 2011