The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him.

MATTHEW 27:49KJV
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Matthew 27:49 (KJV)

What does Matthew 27:49 mean?

Matthew 27:49 shows that as Jesus hung on the cross, some bystanders urged others to wait and see if Elijah (called "Elias" in the King James Version) would come to rescue Him. The verse captures the crowd’s mix of curiosity and skepticism as they watched Jesus’ suffering.

In this moment, the people around the cross are responding to Jesus’ earlier cry for help. They misunderstand or mock His words, thinking He is calling for the prophet Elijah, who was believed by some Jews to return and help the righteous. Their words reveal a sense of suspense and perhaps disbelief, as they pause to see if something miraculous will happen.

The Greek behind Matthew 27:49

  • ἄλλοι (hoi loipoí, "the rest"): This word refers to the remaining people in the crowd, not just a single person, showing that several bystanders were involved in this reaction.
  • ἄφες (aphes, "let be"): This is a command meaning "leave him alone" or "stop," urging others not to interfere so they can see what happens next.
  • Ἠλίας (Ēlías, "Elias/Elijah"): The use of Elijah’s name is significant because Jewish tradition expected Elijah to return as a helper or forerunner of the Messiah. The crowd’s mention of him shows both misunderstanding and a hint of expectation.

Why Matthew 27:49 matters

  • This verse highlights the confusion and mixed attitudes of those witnessing the crucifixion—some are mocking, while others seem genuinely curious about a possible miracle.
  • The mention of Elijah connects to Jewish hopes and prophecies, showing how people tried to interpret Jesus’ suffering through their own expectations.
  • Matthew 27:49 helps set the emotional and dramatic tone just before Jesus’ death, emphasizing the tension and uncertainty felt by everyone present.

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 8:28 And they answered, John the Baptist: but some say, Elias; and others, 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.

“rest” Greek G3062 · used in 41 verses

  • Matthew 22:6 And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them.
  • Acts 27:44 And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.
  • Philippians 1:13 So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;

“save” Greek G4982 · used in 103 verses

  • Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
  • Luke 13:23 Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them,
  • Romans 11:14 If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.

“be” Greek G863 · used in 133 verses

  • Matthew 3:15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
  • Mark 2:7 Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?
  • Luke 11:42 But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.