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

MARK 15:35KJV
Know the Bible

Mark 15:35 (KJV)

What does Mark 15:35 mean?

Mark 15:35 describes how some bystanders, hearing Jesus cry out from the cross, thought He was calling for "Elias" (Elijah). The verse shows the crowd’s confusion about Jesus’ words and their expectation that Elijah might appear.

In this scene, Jesus is on the cross, and a group of people nearby misinterpret His loud cry. They believe He is calling for Elijah, a prophet in Jewish tradition who was expected to return before the Messiah. This misunderstanding highlights both the tension and the sense of anticipation among those witnessing the crucifixion.

The Greek behind Mark 15:35

  • Ἠλίας (Ēlías): This is the Greek form of "Elijah." The mention of Elijah is significant because Jewish tradition held that Elijah would return to help God’s people, so the crowd’s comment reflects their hope or confusion about what was happening.
  • φωνεῖ (phōnei): Translated as "calleth," this Greek word means to call out or summon. The use of this word emphasizes that the bystanders thought Jesus was actively calling for help or intervention.

Why Mark 15:35 matters

  • Mark 15:35 clears up why the crowd responded as they did to Jesus’ words, showing that they misunderstood His cry as a call to Elijah rather than a prayer to God.
  • The verse highlights the atmosphere of uncertainty and expectation around the crucifixion, as people wondered if a miraculous rescue might occur.
  • This moment connects to broader Jewish hopes about Elijah’s return and helps explain the reactions of those present at the crucifixion in the context of their beliefs and traditions.

Where else these words appear

“Elias” Greek G2243 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 11:14 And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.
  • Mark 6:15 Others said, That it is Elias. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets.
  • Luke 4:26 But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow.

“calleth” Greek G5455 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 20:32 And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you?
  • Luke 8:54 And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise.
  • John 9:18 But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind, and received his sight, until they called the parents of him that had received his sight.

“by” Greek G3936 · used in 40 verses

  • Matthew 26:53 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?
  • Acts 4:10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
  • Romans 6:19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.