The 7 Last Words of Jesus Christ on the Cross

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)

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