John 19:20

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 19:20 details the widespread public dissemination of the inscription placed on Jesus's cross, emphasizing that its strategic placement near Jerusalem and its composition in three major languages ensured a broad readership among the Jewish populace and beyond. This act, though intended by Pilate as a legal declaration, providentially served as a universal proclamation of Jesus's identity as King.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows [Pilate's resolute decision to write and affix the title](/john/19-19 "John 19:19 - Pilate's Inscription on the Cross") to the cross, despite the chief priests' vehement objections. The preceding verses in [John 19](/john/19 "John 19 - The Crucifixion of Jesus") detail Jesus's trial before Pilate, Pilate's attempts to release Him, and the Jewish leaders' insistence on His crucifixion. The inscription itself, "JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS," was a point of contention, with the Jewish authorities desiring it changed to reflect a claim made by Jesus, rather than a factual declaration. Pilate's unyielding response, "What I have written I have written," underscores his finality and perhaps his subtle defiance of the Jewish leaders, setting the stage for the public reading described in verse 20. The narrative then proceeds to describe the division of Jesus's garments and the presence of His mother and beloved disciple at the cross.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Crucifixion was a common form of Roman execution, designed not only to inflict suffering but also to serve as a public deterrent. It was customary for the condemned's crime to be displayed on a titulus (a placard or sign) above their head. The location of Golgotha, "the place of the skull," was traditionally just outside the city walls of Jerusalem, as Jewish law prohibited executions within the city. However, its proximity to a main road or gate meant that it was highly visible to a large number of people, especially during the Passover festival when Jerusalem was teeming with pilgrims from across the Roman Empire and beyond. The use of Hebrew (or Aramaic, the common spoken language), Greek (the *lingua franca* of the Eastern Roman Empire), and Latin (the official language of Roman authority) was a pragmatic choice to ensure that the message was intelligible to the diverse populace of Jerusalem, which included native Jews, Hellenistic Jews, Roman officials, and various Gentile travelers.
* **Key Themes:** John 19:20 powerfully contributes to several key themes within the Gospel of John. Firstly, it highlights the **universal proclamation of Jesus's kingship**. Despite the Jewish leaders' rejection and Pilate's political maneuvering, the inscription, visible and readable in multiple languages, declared Jesus's true identity to all who passed by. This resonates with John's emphasis on Jesus as the [King of Israel](/john/1-49 "John 1:49 - Nathanael's Confession of Jesus as King") and the [King of the Jews](/john/18-37 "John 18:37 - Jesus's Kingship Before Pilate"). Secondly, the verse underscores **divine sovereignty** at play, even through secular and opposing forces. Pilate's actions, driven by his own motives, inadvertently fulfilled God's purpose of publicly identifying Jesus as the Messiah. Finally, it emphasizes the **publicity and reality of Christ's sacrifice**. The crucifixion was not a hidden event but a public spectacle, witnessed by many, reinforcing the historical truth and profound significance of Jesus's death for the [salvation of the world](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **read (Greek, _anaginṓskō'_):** This verb means "to know again" or, by extension, "to read." In this context, it signifies the act of deciphering and comprehending the written text. The use of this word emphasizes that the inscription was not merely displayed but actively processed and understood by "many of the Jews," indicating a deliberate engagement with the message.
* **nigh (Greek, _engýs'_):** Meaning "near" or "at hand," this adverb describes the physical proximity of the crucifixion site to the city. This detail is crucial as it explains *why* "many of the Jews" were able to read the title. The strategic placement ensured maximum visibility and accessibility for the diverse crowds entering and exiting Jerusalem, especially during the Passover festival.
* **written (Greek, _gráphō'_):** This primary verb means "to grave" or "to write." Here, it refers to the act of inscribing the title on the placard. The passive voice ("it was written") highlights that the inscription was an established fact, a completed action, and emphasizes the authority behind its creation and display, ultimately pointing to Pilate's decree.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This title then read many of the Jews":** This clause highlights the immediate impact of Pilate's inscription. The "title" (G5102, _títlos_) refers to the placard above Jesus's head. The phrase "many of the Jews" (G4183, _polýs_ G2453, _Ioudaîos_) indicates a significant portion of the local populace, who were present and actively engaged in reading the declaration. The use of "then" (G3767, _oûn_) suggests a consequence or continuation of the previous action (Pilate writing the title).
* **"for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city":** This explanatory clause (introduced by "for," G3754, _hóti_) provides the reason for the widespread reading. The "place" (G5117, _tópos_) of crucifixion, Golgotha, was strategically located "nigh" (G1451, _engýs_) or very close to Jerusalem. This proximity ensured that the inscription was easily accessible and visible to the throngs of people, including pilgrims, who were entering or leaving the city.
* **"and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin."** This final clause details the trilingual nature of the inscription. "It was written" (G2258, _ēn_ G1125, _gráphō_) emphasizes the deliberate choice of languages. "Hebrew" (G1447, _Hebraïstí_) refers to the local Aramaic dialect, understood by native Jews; "Greek" (G1676, _Hellēnistí_) was the common language of commerce and culture throughout the Roman East; and "Latin" (G4515, _Rhōmaïstí_) was the official language of Roman authority. This trilingual inscription ensured that the message of Jesus's kingship transcended linguistic and cultural barriers.

#### Literary Devices
John employs several **literary devices** in this verse to amplify its meaning. The most prominent is **Symbolism**, where the three languages (Hebrew, Greek, Latin) symbolize the three dominant spheres of influence in the ancient world: Hebrew representing the religious and traditional authority of Judaism, Greek representing the cultural and intellectual world, and Latin representing the political and military power of Rome. By having the title written in all three, John subtly conveys that Jesus's kingship is proclaimed to and transcends all these realms. There is also an element of **Irony**, as Pilate, a Roman governor, inadvertently becomes an instrument of divine proclamation, declaring Jesus's true identity as King, a truth he likely did not fully grasp or intend to affirm in a theological sense. Furthermore, the strategic location "nigh to the city" serves as a **Foreshadowing** of the universal scope of the Gospel message, which would eventually go out from Jerusalem to all nations, echoing the command to make disciples of all peoples.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 19:20 powerfully illustrates the sovereign hand of God at work, even amidst human machinations and political maneuvering. Pilate's decision to write the title and his stubborn refusal to alter it, though driven by his own political motives and perhaps a measure of disdain for the Jewish leaders, ultimately served God's divine purpose. This seemingly mundane detail ensured that the declaration of Jesus's kingship was made publicly and universally accessible, transcending the immediate Jewish context and foreshadowing the global reach of the Gospel. It underscores that God can use any means—even the actions of those who oppose Him—to fulfill His redemptive plan and proclaim the truth about His Son. The multi-lingual inscription is a testament to the fact that Jesus's identity and mission are not confined to one people or culture but are for all humanity.

* [Psalm 22:27](/psalms/22-27 "Psalm 22:27 - All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord")
* [Isaiah 45:22](/isaiah/45-22 "Isaiah 45:22 - Look to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth!")
* [Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - A great multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 19:20 invites us to consider how God's truth is often proclaimed in unexpected ways and through unlikely channels. Just as Pilate, an unwitting agent, declared Jesus's kingship to a diverse crowd, so too does God continue to use ordinary circumstances and people to spread the message of Christ. This verse challenges us to recognize the pervasive nature of God's sovereignty, seeing His hand even in secular or seemingly mundane events. It also calls us to consider our own role in the universal proclamation of the Gospel. If a Roman placard could declare Jesus's identity across linguistic barriers, how much more should we, as His followers, be committed to sharing the good news with all people, using every available means? The truth of Christ's kingship and His atoning sacrifice is not a secret to be guarded but a message to be broadcast widely, transcending our comfort zones and cultural divides, just as it did at the cross.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the universal proclamation of Jesus's kingship in John 19:20 challenge my own understanding of evangelism and missions?**
* **In what ways might God be using "unlikely" or secular channels in the world today to make His truth known?**
* **What barriers (linguistic, cultural, social) might I need to overcome to more effectively share the message of Christ's kingship with those around me?**

### FAQ
**Why was the title written in three languages?**

Answer: The title was written in Hebrew (or Aramaic), Greek, and Latin to ensure that the message was understood by the diverse population present in Jerusalem during the Passover festival. Hebrew was the local language of the Jews, Greek was the common *lingua franca* throughout the Eastern Roman Empire, and Latin was the official language of Roman authority. This trilingual inscription ensured that the declaration of Jesus's identity as "The King of the Jews" was accessible to native Jews, Hellenistic Jews, Roman officials, and various international pilgrims, symbolically proclaiming His kingship to the religious, cultural, and political spheres of the known world.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 19:20, with its trilingual inscription proclaiming Jesus as "The King of the Jews," finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the universal scope of Christ's redemptive work and His ultimate reign. The inscription, displayed at the very moment of His atoning sacrifice, foreshadows the global reach of the Gospel, which would break down every barrier of language, culture, and nationality. Just as the title was readable by "many of the Jews" and beyond, so too is the good news of Christ's death and resurrection intended for "every nation, tribe, people, and language," as envisioned in [Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - The Multitude from Every Nation"). The seemingly mundane act of a Roman governor, driven by his own political agenda, became a divine declaration that the crucified One is indeed the sovereign King, a truth that would eventually be preached to "all the world" ([Mark 16:15](/mark/16-15 "Mark 16:15 - The Great Commission")). This verse powerfully points to Jesus as the one whose kingdom is not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus's Kingdom Is Not of This World")) but whose authority extends over all creation, drawing all people to Himself through His sacrifice on the cross ([John 12:32](/john/12-32 "John 12:32 - Jesus Lifted Up to Draw All People")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI 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?