Luke 23:38
There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Luke 23:38
There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The text highlights that this inscription, declaring Jesus "King of the Jews," was written in Greek, Latin, and Hebrew. This multilingual proclamation wasn't just practical for the diverse crowd; it served as an unintended, powerful testimony across cultures that Jesus' kingship, though scorned by many, was being declared to the world.
As Jesus hangs on the cross, a mocking inscription is placed above him, intended as a final insult. This title, written in the three most prominent languages of the time – Greek, Latin, and Hebrew – declares, "This is the King of the Jews." Though meant as a taunt by Pilate and the Jewish leaders, it ultimately serves as a powerful, albeit unintended, testament to Jesus' true identity and kingship, even in his suffering.
Imagine standing at the foot of the cross. What message would God want the whole world to see?
This wasn't just a small sign for a few people. Luke highlights that the inscription was written in Greek, Latin, and Hebrew – the three most significant languages of the ancient world.
By using all three, God ensured that the message "This is the King of the Jews" would be understood by nearly everyone present – Jewish pilgrims, Roman authorities, and educated Gentiles alike. It was a divine, multilingual declaration that Jesus's kingship transcended any single nation or language.
Why would the Roman governor, Pilate, bother with such an inscription? It turns out his intention was far from honorable.
The commentary suggests Pilate was mocking the Jews. He had reluctantly agreed to Jesus's crucifixion, and this inscription was his sarcastic jab: 'This is YOUR King!' It was meant as an insult to both Jesus and the Jewish leadership, highlighting their supposed inability to rule themselves.
However, as is often the case with human sin and opposition, God used Pilate's scorn to declare a profound truth. The inscription, intended as a taunt, became an undeniable, public proclamation of Jesus's royal identity. Even in the midst of execution, Jesus was being declared King – a testament to how God's purposes can't be thwarted.
Among the many things people might have said about Jesus, 'King of the Jews' is what ended up on the cross. What's the big deal?
Understand the original words
epigraphē · Greek Noun
A public notice or sign, often posted above a criminal on a cross to state the crime for which they were being executed.
c. 26-36 AD
Pontius Pilate Governs Judea
Pontius Pilate, the Roman prefect (governor) of Judea, exercises his authority. He is known for his sometimes harsh and insensitive dealings with the Jewish population, leading to significant tension.
c. 30-33 AD
Jesus' Ministry and Claims
Jesus' public ministry culminates, including claims and actions that are interpreted by some as messianic or even seditious against Roman rule, leading to his arrest and trial.
c. 30-33 AD
Jesus' Trial and Condemnation
Jesus is tried by the Jewish authorities and then by the Roman governor Pontius Pilate. Despite Pilate's apparent reluctance, he condemns Jesus to crucifixion.
c. 30-33 AD— this verse
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus is crucified at Golgotha outside Jerusalem. This brutal Roman form of execution was reserved for criminals and rebels, intended to be a public spectacle and deterrent.
c. 30-33 AD
Priests and Officials Mock Jesus
This passage from John provides a similar inscription, highlighting the multi-lingual nature of the sign and emphasizing Jesus as 'King of the Jews,' reinforcing the significance of His kingship even in death.
Philippians 2:9-11This New Testament passage speaks to Jesus being highly exalted and given a name above all names, which connects to the proclamation of His kingship on the cross, even in a way that seems contrary.
Psalm 2:6This Old Testament Psalm speaks of God setting His King on Zion, which is powerfully fulfilled and ironically proclaimed by the inscription over Jesus, the true King, on the cross.
1 Corinthians 1:23This verse talks about Christ crucified being a stumbling block and foolishness to many, which directly relates to how the proclaimed 'King of the Jews' on a cross would appear to the world.
cambridgeLuke 23:38: "And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS."
- a superscription ] A tilulus written in black letters on a board smeared with white gypsum , and therefore very conspicuous. To put such a board over the head of a crucified person was the ordinary custom. The jeers of the soldiers were aimed at the Jews in general quite as much as at the Divine Sufferer; and these jeers probably first opened the eyes of the…
clarkeLuke 23:38: "And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS."
A superscription - See Matthew 27:37 . In letters of Greek, and Latin and Hebrew - The inscription was written in all these languages, which were the most common, that all might see the reason why he was put to death. The inscription was written in Greek, on account of the Hellenistic Jews, who were then at Jerusalem because of the passover; it was written in La…
The text highlights that this inscription, declaring Jesus "King of the Jews," was written in Greek, Latin, and Hebrew. This multilingual proclamation wasn't just practical for the diverse crowd; it served as an unintended, powerful testimony across cultures that Jesus' kingship, though scorned by many, was being declared to the world.
As Jesus hangs on the cross, a mocking inscription is placed above him, intended as a final insult. This title, written in the three most prominent languages of the time – Greek, Latin, and Hebrew – declares, "This is the King of the Jews." Though meant as a taunt by Pilate and the Jewish leaders, it ultimately serves as a powerful, albeit unintended, testament to Jesus' true identity and kingship, even in his suffering.
As Jesus hangs on the cross, a mocking inscription is placed above him, intended as a final insult. This title, written in the three most prominent languages of the time – Greek, Latin, and Hebrew – declares, "This is the King of the Jews." Though meant as a taunt by Pilate and the Jewish leaders, it ultimately serves as a powerful, albeit unintended, testament to Jesus' true identity and kingship, even in his suffering.
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This title was deeply significant and loaded with meaning.
This title, displayed for all to see, was a bold, albeit unintended, confession of Jesus's messianic status.
Religious leaders and soldiers mock Jesus as he hangs on the cross, challenging his claims to be the King of the Jews and the Messiah. This mocking often includes challenging him to save himself if he truly holds divine authority.
c. 30-33 AD
Pilate's Title Over the Cross
Pontius Pilate orders an inscription placed over Jesus' head stating, 'This is the King of the Jews.' This was a common practice to announce the crime for which a person was being executed.
"There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.”" — The text highlights that this inscription, declaring Jesus "King of the Jews," was written in Greek, Latin, and Hebrew. This multilingual proclamation wasn't just practical for the diverse crowd; it…