Matthew 27:37

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 27:37 records the inscription placed above Jesus' head on the cross, a customary Roman practice to declare the condemned's crime. This seemingly straightforward act, orchestrated by Pontius Pilate, served as the official charge against Jesus: "THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS." Yet, beneath the surface of a political accusation, this declaration unwittingly proclaimed a profound theological truth about Jesus' true identity and sovereign authority, revealing God's overarching plan even amidst human malice and political maneuvering.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Matthew's passion narrative, specifically detailing the events leading up to and during Jesus' crucifixion. It follows Jesus' condemnation by Pontius Pilate and the subsequent mocking by the Roman soldiers, who had already derisively hailed Him as "King of the Jews" ([Matthew 27:29](/matthew/27-29 "Matthew 27:29 - Soldiers Mock Jesus")). The placement of the inscription immediately precedes the actual nailing of Jesus to the cross, setting the stage for the ultimate act of atonement. It also serves as a direct parallel to the accounts in the other Gospels, highlighting its significance in the early Christian tradition.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Roman crucifixion was a brutal form of capital punishment, designed not only to execute but also to publicly humiliate and deter. A key element of this practice was the *titulus* (or *titlum*), a placard stating the condemned's name and crime, displayed prominently for all to see. In Jerusalem, a city with a volatile mix of Roman occupation and fervent Jewish religious and nationalistic sentiment, the title "King of the Jews" was highly charged. For the Romans, it signified sedition against Caesar; for many Jews, it evoked the long-awaited Davidic Messiah who would restore Israel's sovereignty. Pilate's decision to use this specific phrase, despite objections from the Jewish religious leaders ([John 19:21](/john/19-21 "John 19:21 - Jewish Leaders Object to the Inscription")), underscored his authority and perhaps his subtle disdain for the Jewish leadership's internal squabbles.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 27:37 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Gospel of Matthew and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Jesus' Kingship**, presented here in a paradoxical context of humiliation and suffering, yet affirmed by an unlikely source. This contrasts sharply with earthly notions of power, aligning instead with Jesus' earlier declaration that His kingdom is not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")). Another crucial theme is **Divine Sovereignty**, as Pilate, a pagan Roman governor, unwittingly becomes an instrument in God's plan, proclaiming Jesus' true identity. This highlights God's ability to work through human actions, even those intended for malice or political expediency, to fulfill His divine purposes. The verse also underscores the theme of **Truth Revealed in Humiliation**, where the ultimate truth about Jesus' identity is declared at the very moment of His greatest suffering.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **accusation (Greek, _aitía'_):** From the same root as "to ask," this term signifies a cause or reason, particularly in a legal context, referring to a crime alleged or proved. In this verse, it denotes the specific charge leveled against Jesus by the Roman authorities, intended to justify his execution, namely, that he claimed to be a king in opposition to Caesar.
* **written (Greek, _gráphō'_):** A primary verb meaning "to grave" or "to write." Here, it refers to the act of inscribing the charge onto the *titulus*. The permanence of the written word emphasizes the public and official nature of the accusation, intended for all to see and understand, ensuring the message was widely disseminated to the diverse crowd present.
* **King (Greek, _basileús'_):** Derived from a root suggesting a "foundation of power," this word denotes a sovereign ruler. While the Romans understood it as a political threat to Caesar, for the Jews, it evoked the long-awaited Davidic Messiah who would restore Israel. The inscription ironically proclaims Jesus' true, albeit spiritual, kingship, fulfilling ancient prophecies.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And set up over his head":** This phrase describes the Roman custom of affixing a *titulus* or placard above the condemned person's head on the cross. This was not merely for identification but served as a public declaration of the crime, acting as a deterrent and a statement of Roman justice. The act of "setting up" implies a deliberate, official placement.
* **"his accusation written":** This specifies that the placard contained the formal charge against Jesus. It wasn't a general statement but the specific legal ground for his execution. The fact that it was "written" underscores its official nature and permanence, intended to be read by all who passed by.
* **"THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.":** This is the precise wording of the inscription, laden with profound irony and theological significance. For the Romans, it was a charge of sedition, presenting Jesus as a political rebel. For the Jewish religious leaders, it was blasphemous and offensive, as they did not accept Jesus as their King. Yet, for believers, it was an unwitting declaration of Jesus' true identity as the long-awaited Messiah and sovereign ruler, whose kingdom transcends earthly boundaries.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 27:37 is rich in **Irony**. The Roman authorities, intending to humiliate Jesus and justify His execution as a political rebel, unwittingly proclaim His true identity as "THE KING OF THE JEWS." This statement, meant as an accusation of sedition, becomes a profound theological truth, demonstrating God's ability to use the actions of His adversaries to fulfill His divine purposes. The inscription also employs **Symbolism**, as the cross itself, with this title affixed, becomes a paradoxical throne from which Jesus reigns, not through earthly power, but through self-sacrificial love. Furthermore, the very public nature of the inscription, as noted by John, who states it was written in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin ([John 19:20](/john/19-20 "John 19:20 - Inscription in Three Languages")), highlights the **Universal Scope** of Jesus' kingship, making the declaration accessible to all peoples.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully encapsulates the paradoxical nature of Jesus' kingship. While the world, represented by Roman authority and Jewish religious leadership, sought to diminish and destroy Him through public humiliation, God used their very actions to declare His ultimate sovereignty. Jesus' "throne" was a cross, and His "crown" was made of thorns, yet it was precisely through this act of self-giving love and apparent defeat that His true, eternal kingdom was established. The inscription serves as a divine counter-narrative to human attempts to control or deny God's truth, affirming that Jesus is indeed the Christ, the anointed King, whose reign is not of this world's political or military might, but of spiritual authority and redemptive power.

* [John 19:19-22](/john/19-19-22 "John 19:19-22 - Pilate's Inscription and the Jewish Leaders' Objection")
* [Philippians 2:8-11](/philippians/2-8-11 "Philippians 2:8-11 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")
* [Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 27:37 offers a profound invitation to reflect on the nature of true power and authority. In a world that often equates kingship with earthly might, wealth, or political influence, this verse presents Jesus as a King whose reign is established through humility, suffering, and self-sacrifice. It reminds us that God's ways are often contrary to human expectations, and His truth can emerge even from the most unlikely and hostile circumstances. For believers, this means acknowledging Jesus' kingship not just in word, but in every aspect of our lives, allowing His reign to transform our priorities, values, and actions. It encourages us to trust in God's sovereign plan, even when circumstances seem chaotic or unjust, knowing that He can use human intentions—whether good or ill—to accomplish His ultimate purposes. This verse challenges us to see beyond superficial appearances and recognize the deeper, divine realities at play in the world and in our personal journeys.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the inscription "THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS" challenge or affirm your understanding of Jesus' kingship?**
* **In what ways do you see God's sovereignty at work in situations where human intentions seem to oppose His will?**
* **How can we, like the inscription, unwittingly or intentionally proclaim Jesus' true identity in our daily lives, even in challenging environments?**

### FAQ
**Why did Pilate insist on this specific inscription, despite the Jewish leaders' objections?**

Answer: Pilate's motives were likely complex. While the Jewish leaders wanted the inscription changed to "He said, 'I am King of the Jews'" to distance themselves from the implied acceptance of Jesus' claim, Pilate refused ([John 19:21-22](/john/19-21-22 "John 19:21-22 - Pilate's Refusal to Change the Inscription")). This refusal could have stemmed from several reasons: a desire to assert Roman authority over the Jewish populace, a subtle mockery of the Jewish leaders who delivered Jesus to him, or perhaps a cynical indifference to their theological squabbles, viewing Jesus merely as a political agitator. Regardless of his personal intent, his decision served God's sovereign purpose.

**What is the theological significance of Jesus being called "King of the Jews" at His crucifixion?**

Answer: The title "King of the Jews" carries immense theological weight. For the Romans, it was a charge of sedition, implying a challenge to Caesar's rule. For many Jews, it invoked the long-awaited Davidic Messiah who would deliver Israel from oppression. However, Jesus' kingship was not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")). Being proclaimed "King of the Jews" at His crucifixion ironically affirmed His true identity as the Messiah, not through earthly power or military conquest, but through self-sacrificial love and obedience to God's will. His death on the cross was, in essence, His enthronement, establishing a spiritual kingdom that transcends all earthly boundaries and encompasses all who believe.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 27:37 stands as a powerful testament to the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The inscription, "THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS," though intended as an accusation and a mockery, ultimately serves as a divine declaration of Jesus' true identity and sovereign authority. This moment, at the pinnacle of His humiliation, paradoxically reveals His ultimate exaltation. Jesus, the one condemned by earthly powers, is simultaneously revealed as the true King, not only of the Jews but of all creation. His "throne" on the cross, marked by this declaration, foreshadows His ultimate reign as the [King of Kings and Lord of Lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"). Through His death, the very act that the world intended for His defeat, Jesus established His eternal kingdom, demonstrating that His power is perfected in weakness and His reign is founded on sacrificial love. This profound irony underscores the New Testament's message that God's wisdom often confounds human understanding, turning the world's instruments of shame into declarations of divine glory, and inviting all to acknowledge the one who, in His deepest humility, proved to be the [resurrected Lord](/romans/14-9 "Romans 14:9 - Christ Died and Lived to Be Lord") over all.

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

Luke 23:38

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