Matthew 27:37

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Above his head they placed the written notice stating the charge against him, THIS IS YESHUA THE KING OF THE JEWS

Berean Standard Bible:

Above His head they posted the written charge against Him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS.

American Standard Version:

And they set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And^{G2532} set up^{G2007} over^{G1883} his^{G846} head^{G2776} his^{G846} accusation^{G156} written^{G1125}, THIS^{G3778} IS^{G2076} JESUS^{G2424} THE KING^{G935} OF THE JEWS^{G2453}.

Cross-References (KJV):

Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:

BibleHub.com BibleRef.com

Commentary for Matthew 27:37

Matthew 27:37, "And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS," is a verse that captures a pivotal moment in the narrative of Jesus Christ's crucifixion. This verse is part of the broader passion narrative found in the Gospel of Matthew, which details the events leading up to and including Jesus' death.

The historical context of this verse is set during the Roman occupation of Judea. At the time, the title "King of the Jews" carried political connotations and was seen as a direct challenge to Roman authority, as it implied sovereignty and rule over the Jewish people—a role that Rome had usurped. The inscription on the cross, likely written in three languages (Hebrew, Latin, and Greek), not only served to mock Jesus but also to warn others of the fate awaiting those who challenged Roman rule.

The themes present in this verse include the nature of kingship, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the concept of irony. The accusation of Jesus being the "King of the Jews" is laden with irony; while the Roman soldiers and Jewish leaders intended it as a form of derision, the Gospel writers saw it as a profound truth and a fulfillment of messianic prophecies. For Christians, this title affirms Jesus' identity as the promised Messiah, whose kingdom, however, is spiritual rather than political. The verse also highlights the theme of misunderstanding, as both the Jewish leaders and the Romans failed to recognize Jesus' kingship as one of a different order, one that transcends earthly power structures.

In summary, Matthew 27:37 encapsulates the climax of the tension between Jesus' messianic identity and the political powers of his time. It underscores the irony of the situation, where the true identity of Jesus as the King of the Jews is publicly displayed in a manner meant to humiliate and discredit him. This verse is often interpreted by Christians as a powerful testament to Jesus' mission and his acceptance of suffering as part of the divine plan for humanity's redemption.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G2532
   There are 5212 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: καί
   Transliteration: kaí
   Pronunciation: kahee
   Description: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
   
2. Strong's Number: G2007
   There are 41 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἐπιτίθημι
   Transliteration: epitíthēmi
   Pronunciation: ep-ee-tith'-ay-mee
   Description: from ἐπί and τίθημι; to impose (in a friendly or hostile sense):--add unto, lade, lay upon, put (up) on, set on (up), + surname, X wound.
   
3. Strong's Number: G1883
   There are 18 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἐπάνω
   Transliteration: epánō
   Pronunciation: ep-an'-o
   Description: from ἐπί and ἄνω; up above, i.e. over or on (of place, amount, rank, etc.):--above, more than, (up-)on, over.
   
4. Strong's Number: G846
   There are 3776 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: αὐτός
   Transliteration: autós
   Pronunciation: ow-tos'
   Description: from the particle (perhaps akin to the base of ἀήρ through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative ἑαυτοῦ) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons:--her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which. Compare αὑτοῦ.
   
5. Strong's Number: G2776
   There are 68 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: κεφαλή
   Transliteration: kephalḗ
   Pronunciation: kef-al-ay'
   Description: from the primary (in the sense of seizing); the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively:--head.
   
6. Strong's Number: G156
   There are 400 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: αἰτία
   Transliteration: aitía
   Pronunciation: ahee-tee'-a
   Description: from the same as αἰτέω; a cause (as if asked for), i.e. (logical) reason (motive, matter), (legal) crime (alleged or proved):--accusation, case, cause, crime, fault, (wh-)ere(-fore).
   
7. Strong's Number: G1125
   There are 197 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: γράφω
   Transliteration: gráphō
   Pronunciation: graf'-o
   Description: a primary verb; to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe:--describe, write(-ing, -ten).
   
8. Strong's Number: G3778
   There are 344 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: οὗτος
   Transliteration: hoûtos
   Pronunciation: how'-tahee
   Description: from the article ὁ and αὐτός; the he (she or it), i.e. this or that (often with article repeated):--he (it was that), hereof, it, she, such as, the same, these, they, this (man, same, woman), which, who.
   
9. Strong's Number: G2076
   There are 812 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἐστί
   Transliteration: estí
   Pronunciation: es-tee'
   Description: third person singular present indicative of εἰμί; he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are:--are, be(-long), call, X can(-not), come, consisteth, X dure for a while, + follow, X have, (that) is (to say), make, meaneth, X must needs, + profit, + remaineth, + wrestle.
   
10. Strong's Number: G2424
    There are 935 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: Ἰησοῦς
    Transliteration: Iēsoûs
    Pronunciation: ee-ay-sooce'
    Description: of Hebrew origin (יְהוֹשׁוּעַ); Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites:--Jesus.
    
11. Strong's Number: G935
    There are 107 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: βασιλεύς
    Transliteration: basileús
    Pronunciation: bas-il-yooce'
    Description: probably from βάσις (through the notion of a foundation of power); a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively):--king.
    
12. Strong's Number: G2453
    There are 187 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: Ἰουδαῖος
    Transliteration: Ioudaîos
    Pronunciation: ee-oo-dah'-yos
    Description: from Ἰουδά (in the sense of Ἰούδας as a country); Judæan, i.e. belonging to Jehudah:--Jew(-ess), of Judæa.