### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Rhōmaïstí**, represented by `{{G4515}}`, is an adverb meaning to speak or write in the **Latin** language. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in scripture, yet its singular use is in a pivotal moment of the biblical narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{G4515}}` is in [[John 19:20]], which describes the **title** `{{G5102}}` placed above **Jesus** `{{G2424}}` on the cross. The verse states that **many** `{{G4183}}` of the **Jews** `{{G2453}}` **read** `{{G314}}` this inscription because the **place** `{{G5117}}` where **Jesus** **was crucified** `{{G4717}}` **was** `{{G2258}}` **nigh** `{{G1451}}` to the **city** `{{G4172}}`. This public declaration **was** `{{G2258}}` **written** `{{G1125}}` in three languages: **Hebrew** `{{G1447}}`, **Greek** `{{G1676}}`, and **Latin** `{{G4515}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context of this multilingual inscription:
* `{{G1447}}` **Hebraïstí** (in Hebrew): This adverb identifies the language of the Jewish people and is used alongside **Latin** and **Greek** in the inscription on the cross [[John 19:20]]. It is also used to specify the names of places, such as Golgotha [[John 19:17]].
* `{{G1676}}` **Hellēnistí** (in Greek): This adverb denotes the common language of the era, ensuring the **title** `{{G5102}}` was broadly understood. It appears with **Latin** and **Hebrew** in [[John 19:20]] and is also used when Paul is asked if he can speak **Greek** [[Acts 21:37]].
* `{{G5102}}` **títlos** (title): This noun, of Latin origin, refers to the placard itself that was **written** `{{G1125}}` by Pilate and placed on the cross [[John 19:19]].
* `{{G1125}}` **gráphō** (to write): This verb describes the action of creating the trilingual **title** `{{G5102}}`. It is frequently used to refer to the authority of scripture, as in the phrase "it is **written**" [[Matthew 4:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G4515}}` is tied to its unique context on the cross.
* **Universal Declaration:** The inscription being **written** `{{G1125}}` in **Hebrew** `{{G1447}}`, **Greek** `{{G1676}}`, and **Latin** `{{G4515}}` signifies a proclamation intended for all peoples: the religious world (Hebrew), the cultural world (Greek), and the political and legal world (Latin) [[John 19:20]].
* **Official Proclamation:** The use of **Latin** `{{G4515}}`, the official language of the Roman Empire, emphasizes that the **title** `{{G5102}}` identifying **Jesus** `{{G2424}}` as king was an official, public declaration from the governing authority [[John 19:19]].
* **Public Witness:** By being inscribed in these languages, the declaration of who **Jesus** **was** `{{G2258}}` was made accessible to the **many** `{{G4183}}` **Jews** `{{G2453}}` and others present near the **city** `{{G4172}}`, fulfilling a public witness at the very moment of His crucifixion [[John 19:20]].
### Summary
In summary, while **Rhōmaïstí** `{{G4515}}` is found only once, its role is crucial. It identifies **Latin** as one of the three languages used for the **title** `{{G5102}}` on the cross, establishing the event's significance for the entire world. Paired with **Hebrew** `{{G1447}}` and **Greek** `{{G1676}}`, it transforms a simple placard into a declaration with legal, cultural, and religious weight, showing how even the rarest of biblical words can carry profound meaning.
TRV