Luke 23:38

KJV

And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And there was a notice over him which read,

THIS IS

THE KING OF THE JEWS

Berean Standard Bible

Above Him was posted an inscription: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

American Standard Version

And there was also a superscription over him, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 23:38 details the inscription placed above Jesus' head on the cross, proclaiming in three languages—Greek, Latin, and Hebrew—the charge, "THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS." This seemingly simple statement, intended by Roman authorities as a political accusation or mockery, inadvertently served as a profound, divinely orchestrated declaration of Jesus' true identity and universal kingship, even in the midst of His ultimate humiliation and suffering.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Luke's detailed account of Jesus' crucifixion, following His trial before Pontius Pilate and Herod, the crowd's demand for His death, and the journey to Golgotha. Immediately preceding this verse, Jesus has been crucified between two criminals, and He has prayed for His persecutors. The inscription serves as the official charge for His execution, a common Roman practice. In Luke's narrative, this detail emphasizes the political nature of the accusation against Jesus, even as it subtly underscores His true spiritual authority. The subsequent verses describe the mockery of the rulers and soldiers, and the interaction with the two criminals, further highlighting the stark contrast between human contempt and divine truth.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Roman crucifixion was a brutal form of capital punishment, designed to be both agonizing and publicly humiliating. A common practice was to affix a *titulus* (a placard or sign) to the cross, stating the condemned person's crime. This served as a public deterrent and a formal justification for the execution. Pilate, as the Roman governor, held the authority to issue such a decree. The choice of three languages—Greek, Latin, and Hebrew (likely Aramaic, the vernacular Hebrew of the time)—was highly strategic. Greek was the lingua franca of the Eastern Roman Empire, understood by most of the diverse crowd in Jerusalem. Latin was the official language of Roman authority and law. Hebrew was the local language of Judea, understood by the Jewish population and pilgrims gathered for Passover. This multilingual display ensured the message was accessible to virtually everyone present, from Roman officials to local residents and international visitors.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 23:38 contributes significantly to several key themes within the Gospel of Luke and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the **Kingship of Christ**. Despite being executed as a criminal, the inscription ironically proclaims Jesus' true identity as the "King of the Jews," a title that carries profound messianic significance throughout Luke's Gospel, from the angel's announcement of His birth as one who "will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever" ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - The Angel Gabriel's Prophecy to Mary")) to His declaration before Pilate that He is indeed a king ([Luke 23:3](/luke/23-3 "Luke 23:3 - Jesus' Affirmation of Kingship to Pilate")). Secondly, the use of three languages highlights the **Universal Proclamation** of Jesus' message. Even in His death, the truth of His identity is declared to all peoples, foreshadowing the global reach of the Gospel as commanded in [Luke 24:47](/luke/24-47 "Luke 24:47 - The Proclamation of Repentance and Forgiveness to All Nations"). Thirdly, this verse exemplifies **Divine Irony and Sovereignty**. Pilate, a representative of human authority, unwittingly serves God's purposes by proclaiming Jesus' royal status, demonstrating that even human actions intended for evil or mockery can be used by God to reveal His truth and advance His plan of salvation. This echoes the theme of God working through unexpected means, as seen in the entire passion narrative.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **superscription (Greek, _epigraphḗ_):** From *epigraphō*, meaning "to write upon." This term refers to an inscription or a title, specifically the *titulus* or placard placed on the cross of a condemned person, stating their crime. In this context, it is the official charge under which Jesus was crucified, yet it carries a deeper, ironic theological significance.
* **written (Greek, _gráphō_):** A primary verb meaning "to grave" or "to write." It denotes the act of inscribing or recording. The passive voice ("was written") emphasizes that this inscription was an official act, dictated by Roman authority, yet ultimately fulfilling a divine purpose.
* **King (Greek, _basileús_):** From *basis* (foundation of power), denoting a sovereign. This word signifies a ruler, monarch, or one who holds royal authority. Its use in the inscription, "THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS," is central to the verse's meaning, highlighting the profound irony of Jesus' crucifixion as a "king" and underscoring His true, albeit unrecognized, reign.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And a superscription also was written over him":** This clause establishes the official Roman practice of publicly stating the crime of the condemned. The "superscription" (or *titulus*) was a standard part of crucifixion, serving as a legal declaration and a public deterrent. The fact that it "was written" emphasizes the formal, authoritative nature of this act by Pontius Pilate.
* **"in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew,":** This detail is crucial for understanding the universal scope of the proclamation. The three languages represent the dominant cultural, political, and local linguistic spheres of the time. Greek (Koine) was the common language of commerce and communication across the Roman East; Latin was the language of Roman law and imperial authority; and Hebrew (likely Aramaic, the local dialect) was the language of the Jewish people. This ensured that virtually anyone present at the crucifixion, regardless of their origin, could understand the charge.
* **"THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS."**: This is the content of the superscription, intended by Pilate as a political accusation or even a subtle dig at the Jewish leadership who demanded Jesus' death. For the Jewish leaders, it was a blasphemous and politically dangerous claim. However, from a divine perspective, it was a profound, albeit ironic, declaration of Jesus' true identity as the long-awaited Messiah, the rightful sovereign of Israel, and ultimately, the King of all creation.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 23:38 is rich with **Irony**. The Roman authorities, intending to mock or condemn Jesus, unwittingly proclaim His true identity as "the King of the Jews." This is a profound example of divine irony, where human actions, even those driven by malice or political expediency, serve God's overarching redemptive plan. The inscription, meant to humiliate, becomes a testament to Jesus' royal status. Furthermore, the verse employs **Symbolism** through the use of three languages. These languages symbolize the universal reach of the Gospel message and the truth of Christ's kingship, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers. The very act of public display also functions as a **Proclamation**, albeit an unintended one, making a statement about Jesus' identity to all who witnessed the crucifixion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 23:38 stands as a powerful testament to God's sovereignty, demonstrating how even the most heinous acts of human injustice can be woven into His divine tapestry of redemption. The inscription, intended as a mark of shame and a political accusation, becomes an ironic, yet true, declaration of Jesus' ultimate authority and kingship. It underscores that despite appearances of defeat, Jesus was, and is, the rightful sovereign, whose reign is not of this world but encompasses all creation. This public, multilingual proclamation at the very moment of His apparent weakness foreshadows the universal scope of His kingdom and the global reach of the Gospel, which would soon be preached to all nations.

* [Matthew 27:37](/matthew/27-37 "Matthew 27:37 - The Inscription on Jesus' Cross")
* [John 19:19-22](/john/19-19-22 "John 19:19-22 - Pilate's Inscription and the Jewish Leaders' Protest")
* [Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - Jesus as King of Kings and Lord of Lords")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 23:38 invites us to look beyond superficial appearances and human judgments to discern God's deeper truth. In a world where truth is often distorted, mocked, or suppressed, this verse reminds us that God's truth about Jesus' identity and reign cannot be ultimately silenced. It encourages believers to recognize Christ's kingship even in the most challenging and seemingly defeated circumstances of life. Just as the inscription, despite its context of execution, declared a profound truth to a diverse audience, so too are we called to proclaim Christ's sovereignty in our own lives and to the world, recognizing that His message transcends all barriers. This passage also reminds us of God's incredible ability to use human actions, even those intended for evil, to accomplish His divine purposes, fostering a deep trust in His unfailing sovereignty.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the irony of the inscription "THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS" challenge my understanding of power and kingship?**
* **In what ways do I see God's truth prevailing, even when it is mocked or opposed in the world today?**
* **Considering the three languages, how does this verse inspire me to share the universal message of Christ's kingship with people from diverse backgrounds?**

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

Answer: The inscription was written in Greek, Latin, and Hebrew (likely Aramaic) to ensure that the message was understood by the widest possible audience present at the crucifixion. Greek was the common language of trade and communication throughout the Roman East. Latin was the official language of the Roman Empire and its legal system, signifying Roman authority. Hebrew (Aramaic) was the local language spoken by the Jewish population in Judea. This multilingual display ensured that Roman officials, local residents, and international pilgrims gathered for Passover could all read and understand the charge against Jesus, further emphasizing the public nature of His execution.

**What was Pilate's intention in writing "THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS"?**

Answer: Pilate's precise intention is debated, but it appears to have been a complex mix of political expediency, defiance, and possibly a subtle mockery of the Jewish leaders who had pressured him to condemn Jesus. By stating "THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS," Pilate was likely making a political statement that Jesus was being executed for sedition against Rome, a claim that the Jewish leaders had pressed. However, when the Jewish leaders protested the wording, asking him to change it to "He said, 'I am King of the Jews,'" Pilate famously retorted, "What I have written I have written" ([John 19:21-22](/john/19-21-22 "John 19:21-22 - Pilate's Refusal to Change the Inscription")). This suggests a stubborn resolve or even a subtle jab at the Jewish authorities, highlighting their rejection of their own "king." Regardless of Pilate's human motives, the inscription ultimately served a divine purpose, declaring Jesus' true identity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 23:38, with its ironic declaration of "THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS," finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment not in the shame of the cross, but in the ultimate triumph of Jesus' resurrection and ascension. The inscription, intended as a charge for a criminal, inadvertently proclaimed the very truth that would be vindicated by God Himself. The cross, though an instrument of Roman torture, became the throne from which the true King of Glory would inaugurate His eternal reign. This "King," who seemed utterly defeated, would soon conquer death ([Luke 24:6-7](/luke/24-6-7 "Luke 24:6-7 - The Angel's Proclamation of Jesus' Resurrection")), ascend to the right hand of God ([Luke 24:50-51](/luke/24-50-51 "Luke 24:50-51 - Jesus' Ascension into Heaven")), and be crowned "King of kings and Lord of lords" ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Jesus as King of Kings and Lord of Lords")). The multilingual sign, visible to all, foreshadowed the universal scope of His kingdom, a kingdom not bound by ethnic or linguistic barriers, but one into which people from "every tribe and language and people and nation" would be redeemed by His blood ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "The Redeemed from Every Tribe and Nation")). Thus, Luke 23:38, at the nadir of Christ's earthly humiliation, paradoxically serves as an early, divinely orchestrated proclamation of His sovereign authority and the global reach of His redemptive work.

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

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.