The 7 sayings on the cross
What Jesus said as he died
Jesus’ last seven sayings on the cross, gathered from the four Gospels: forgiveness, salvation, care, abandonment, thirst, victory and surrender.
The last words of Jesus
Putting the four Gospels together, Jesus speaks seven times on the cross. Each word reveals his heart in the face of death.
The seven, in order
1) “Father, forgive them” (Lk 23:34), forgiveness. 2) “Today you will be with Me in Paradise” (Lk 23:43), salvation for the thief. 3) “Here is your mother” (Jn 19:26–27), care for Mary. 4) “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Mt 27:46), the cry of Psalm 22. 5) “I am thirsty” (Jn 19:28). 6) “It is finished” (Jn 19:30), the mission accomplished. 7) “Father, into Your hands I commit My Spirit” (Lk 23:46), surrender.
What they reveal
Even in agony, Jesus forgives, saves, cares, surrenders. Suffering does not erase love; it reveals it.
Did you know?
- “Why have You forsaken me?” opens Psalm 22, which ends in victory. Psalm 22:1
- “It is finished” (tetelestai) was written on receipts: “paid in full.” John 19:30
Where to read in the Bible
- Luke 23:34
- Luke 23:43
- John 19:26–27
- Matthew 27:46
- John 19:28
- John 19:30
- Luke 23:46
Connections
- spoken by Jesus of Nazareth · stated in the text · Luke 23
- in The Crucifixion · stated in the text · John 19:30
- theme of Forgiveness · stated in the text · Luke 23:34