When Jesus was on the Cross and called out Eli meaning God, why did the bystanders think he was calling Elijah?

Matthew 27:46 - 47

ESV - ⁴⁶ And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" that is, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? ⁴⁷ And some of the bystanders, hearing it, said, "This man is calling Elijah.

Clarify • Share • Report • Asked February 27 2014 • Anonymous