John 19:20
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.
Original Language Analysis
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πολλοὶ
many
G4183
πολλοὶ
many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
5 of 25
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὅτι
for
G3754
ὅτι
for
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
9 of 25
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πόλεως
to the city
G4172
πόλεως
to the city
Strong's:
G4172
Word #:
13 of 25
a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τόπος
the place
G5117
τόπος
the place
Strong's:
G5117
Word #:
15 of 25
a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas g5561 is a large but participle locality), i.e., location (as a position, home, tract, etc
ἐσταυρώθη
was crucified
G4717
ἐσταυρώθη
was crucified
Strong's:
G4717
Word #:
17 of 25
to impale on the cross; figuratively, to extinguish (subdue) passion or selfishness
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς·
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς·
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
19 of 25
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
20 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
γεγραμμένον
written
G1125
γεγραμμένον
written
Strong's:
G1125
Word #:
22 of 25
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
Ἑβραϊστί
in Hebrew
G1447
Ἑβραϊστί
in Hebrew
Strong's:
G1447
Word #:
23 of 25
hebraistically or in the jewish (chaldee) language
Historical Context
Multilingual inscriptions were common in cosmopolitan Jerusalem, which hosted Jews from across the Roman Empire and beyond. Hebrew/Aramaic for locals, Greek for the educated and Hellenized Jews, Latin for Roman officials and soldiers. Passover brought Jews from every nation (Acts 2:5-11), many of whom would witness the crucifixion and later hear resurrection testimony. God orchestrated maximum witness.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the trilingual inscription reveal about the universal scope of Christ's kingship?
- How does the public, visible nature of the crucifixion refute later claims that Jesus didn't actually die?
- In what ways is the gospel message for 'all peoples, tribes, and tongues' foreshadowed here?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This title then read many of the Jews (τοῦτον οὖν τὸν τίτλον πολλοὶ ἀνέγνωσαν τῶν Ἰουδαίων/touton oun ton titlon polloi anegnōsan tōn Ioudaiōn)—the cross stood near a major road during Passover, when Jerusalem swelled with pilgrims. Thousands saw the proclamation. The place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city emphasizes maximum visibility—this was no obscure execution.
It was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin (ἦν γεγραμμένον Ἑβραϊστί, Ῥωμαϊστί, Ἑλληνιστί/ēn gegrammenon Hebraisti, Rhōmaisti, Hellēnisti)—the three great languages of the ancient world. Hebrew (or Aramaic), the language of religion and God's covenant people. Greek, the language of philosophy and culture. Latin, the language of law and empire. The gospel would go forth in all three (Acts 2). Christ's kingship is proclaimed to Jew and Gentile, religious and secular, East and West. The cross is not provincial but cosmic; the King rules all nations.