John 19:20

This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, [and] Greek, [and] Latin.

This {G5126} title {G5102} then {G3767} read {G314} many {G4183} of the Jews {G2453}: for {G3754} the place {G5117} where {G3699} Jesus {G2424} was crucified {G4717} was {G2258} nigh {G1451} to the city {G4172}: and {G2532} it was {G2258} written {G1125} in Hebrew {G1447}, and Greek {G1676}, and Latin {G4515}.

Many of the Judeans read this notice, because the place where Yeshua was put on the stake was close to the city; and it had been written in Hebrew, in Latin and in Greek.

Many of the Jews read this sign, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek.

This title therefore read many of the Jews, for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city; and it was written in Hebrew, and in Latin, and in Greek.

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Commentary

John 19:20 describes the widespread public reading of the inscription placed above Jesus on the cross, emphasizing the unique circumstances surrounding this declaration.

Context

This verse immediately follows Pilate’s order for the title to be written and affixed to the cross. The inscription, "JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS," was controversial among the Jewish religious leaders, who wanted it changed. However, Pilate famously refused their request, stating, "What I have written I have written." The crucifixion site, often identified as Golgotha (the place of the skull), was located just outside Jerusalem's city walls but "nigh to the city." This proximity ensured that many people, particularly those entering or leaving the city during the busy Passover season, would see and read the title.

Key Themes

  • Universal Proclamation: The inscription's presence in three languages ensured that a diverse audience, representing different facets of society, could understand Jesus's declared identity.
  • Divine Sovereignty: Despite Pilate's political motivations and the Jewish leaders' objections, God providentially used this secular authority to publicly declare Jesus's true identity as the King.
  • Publicity of Christ's Death: The location "nigh to the city" meant that Jesus's crucifixion was not a hidden event but a public spectacle, witnessed by many, underscoring the reality and significance of His sacrifice.

Linguistic Insights

The writing of the title in three languages was highly significant:

  • Hebrew (or Aramaic): This was the sacred language of the Jewish people, their scriptures, and daily life. It represented the religious and traditional authority.
  • Greek: As the common lingua franca (Koine Greek) of the Roman Empire in the East, this language was understood by merchants, travelers, and many intellectuals. It symbolized the cultural and philosophical world.
  • Latin: This was the official language of the Roman Empire, representing political power, law, and military authority.

Together, these three languages symbolically covered the entire known world of that time – the religious, the cultural, and the political spheres – ensuring that the message of Jesus's kingship was declared to all people, regardless of their background or position.

Practical Application

John 19:20 reminds us that the truth about Jesus Christ is meant to be universally proclaimed. Just as His identity as King was declared in multiple languages to a diverse crowd at His crucifixion, so too is the Gospel message intended for "every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people" (Revelation 14:6). It underscores God's ability to use even secular authorities and seemingly mundane circumstances to fulfill His divine purposes and make His truth known to the world.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • John 5:2

    Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep [market] a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.

  • Acts 22:2

    (And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence: and he saith,)

  • Revelation 16:16

    And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.

  • Acts 26:14

    And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? [it is] hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

  • Acts 21:40

    And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto [them] in the Hebrew tongue, saying,

  • John 19:13

    When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha.

  • Acts 21:37

    And as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said unto the chief captain, May I speak unto thee? Who said, Canst thou speak Greek?
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