The Seven Last Words of Jesus on the Cross

The seven last words of Jesus on the cross are popular during the season leading up to Easter/Resurrection Sunday. When churches were filled with children they would have plays, where each child would be given one of the sayings to quote.

There are congregations today that hold Easter week services, and each night a minister or a lay person expounds on one of the last seven sayings of Christ.

Many people know these sayings from memory from the King James Bible, which is the version most often used.

1. “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34.

This statement reveals divine mercy at its fullest. Even while dealing with the pain and suffering of being crucified, Jesus shows His mind in on others as He intercedes for His executioners. Although He is dying He is living out His teaching about loving your enemies (Matthew 5:44) and demonstrates that forgiveness is central to the Gospel message. These words also portray Jesus as mediator between humanity and God.

2. “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Luke 23:43 This was spoken to the thief crucified beside Him, who had asked to be remembered when Jesus came into His kingdom. This shows that salvation is based on faith and repentance, not works. The immediacy (“today”) emphasizes assurance of the thief's salvation. It reveals grace extended even in the Lord's final moments.

3. “Woman, behold your son… Behold your mother.” John 19:26–27.

Jesus entrusts His mother, Mary to the beloved disciple John. The Bible does not indicate where his earthly father, Joseph, or his brothers and sisters were. Some theologians say Mary represented the Church and John represented believers, and formed a new spiritual family through Christ.

With these first three statements, Jesus had the presence of mind to seek forgiveness for His enemies, assure the thief of paradise, and look out for his mother. As death nears and the pain increases, the tone of the final four sayings on the cross are different.

4. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34.

This was a quote from Psalm 22, expressing deep anguish and pain. It expresses the depth of Christ’s suffering and sense of abandonment as He bears the sin of the world. Some theologians interpret this as the moment when Jesus experiences separation from His Father on behalf of humanity. Psalm 22 ultimately ends in victory, implying the hope of the resurrection.

5. “I thirst.” John 19:28.

This statement expressed the need for water and was the fulfillment of Scripture. After Jesus said this, He was given sour vinegar on a sponge. He was dehydrated as the crucifixion and loss of blood took their toll. It also fulfills Scripture (Psalm 69:21). Some theologians interpret these two words spiritually, suggesting Christ’s thirst was for righteousness or for the salvation of souls.

6. “It is finished.” John 19:30 From the Greek tetelestai, meaning the work or mission is completed and paid in full. This signifies the completion of His redemptive mission. The sacrificial Lamb of God has fulfilled His purpose, and the debt of sin is satisfied. It is not a cry of defeat but of victory because His job was done.

7. “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” Luke 23:46 Jesus’ final words before His death, quoting Psalm 31:5. Jesus expresses complete trust and surrender to the Father. This reveals that even in death, He remains obedient and confident in God’s faithfulness. It is both a final act of faith and a model for believers when facing death.