The 7 Last Words of Jesus Christ on the Cross

The Seven Last Words of Jesus on the Cross are seven phrases spoken by Jesus Christ during his crucifixion, recorded across the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John). They are especially significant in Christian tradition during Good Friday services.

Question (Click to Flip)

In which Gospels are the Seven Last Words recorded?

Answer

No single Gospel contains all seven. They are distributed: Luke has words 1, 2, 7; John has words 3, 5, 6; Matthew and Mark both record word 4. Scholars compiled all seven by reading all four Gospels together.

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Key Facts

The fourth saying — 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?' — is the only one of the seven words that appears in two Gospels (Matthew and Mark). It is a direct quotation of Psalm 22:1, connecting Jesus's suffering to ancient scripture.

The Seven Last Words

1. The Word of Forgiveness (Luke 23:34) "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." — Jesus prays for his executioners

2. The Word of Salvation (Luke 23:43) "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise." — Said to the repentant thief crucified beside him

3. The Word of Relationship (John 19:26-27) "Woman, behold your son... Behold your mother." — Jesus entrusts his mother Mary to the Apostle John

4. The Word of Abandonment (Matthew 27:46 / Mark 15:34) "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani) — Quoted from Psalm 22:1; expresses human suffering

5. The Word of Distress (John 19:28) "I thirst." — Fulfils the scripture (Psalm 69:21)

6. The Word of Triumph (John 19:30) "It is finished." (Tetelestai) — Signals the completion of his mission

7. The Word of Reunion (Luke 23:46) "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." — His final prayer before death (from Psalm 31:5)

Significance in Christian Tradition

The Seven Last Words are central to Good Friday observances worldwide:

Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox churches hold special 'Three Hours' services (12 noon–3 PM) on Good Friday focusing on these sayings
The tradition of collecting all 7 sayings from the 4 Gospels dates to the Jesuit priest Alonso de Benavides (17th century)
Famous composer Joseph Haydn wrote his famous orchestral piece 'The Seven Last Words of Our Saviour from the Cross' (1786) — one of the 7 movements represents each word

Questions and Answers

In which Gospels are the Seven Last Words recorded?+

No single Gospel contains all seven. They are distributed: **Luke** has words 1, 2, 7; **John** has words 3, 5, 6; **Matthew and Mark** both record word 4. Scholars compiled all seven by reading all four Gospels together.

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