And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
And {G1161} a superscription {G1923} also {G2532} was {G2258} written {G1125} over {G1909} him {G846} in letters {G1121} of Greek {G1673}, and {G2532} Latin {G4513}, and {G2532} Hebrew {G1444}, THIS {G3778} IS {G2076} THE KING {G935} OF THE JEWS {G2453}.
And there was a notice over him which read,
THIS IS
THE KING OF THE JEWS
Above Him was posted an inscription: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
And there was also a superscription over him, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
-
Matthew 27:37
And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS. -
Mark 15:26
And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS. -
John 19:19
¶ And Pilate wrote a title, and put [it] on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS. -
John 19:22
Pilate answered, What I have written I have written. -
Luke 23:3
And Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him and said, Thou sayest [it]. -
Mark 15:32
Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him. -
Matthew 27:11
¶ And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest.
Context of Luke 23:38
Luke 23:38 appears amidst the narrative of Jesus' crucifixion. Following His condemnation by Pontius Pilate and the journey to Golgotha, Jesus is crucified alongside two criminals. This verse specifically details the inscription placed above His head on the cross. This was a common Roman practice to display the condemned person's crime, serving as a public deterrent and a formal charge. The other Gospels also record this significant detail, with slight variations in wording but identical meaning (Matthew 27:37, Mark 15:26, and John 19:19). Pilate's decision to write "THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS" was controversial, as Jewish leaders protested its wording, but Pilate famously refused to change it (John 19:21-22).
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The term "superscription" refers to the *titulus* (Latin), a placard or sign that stated the charge against the condemned. The use of three languages was strategic:
This multi-lingual display ensured that the message, "THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS," was accessible to virtually everyone at the crucifixion site, from Roman officials to local residents and pilgrims.
Practical Application
Luke 23:38 offers several enduring lessons for believers today: