Mark 15:26
And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αἰτίας
accusation
G156
αἰτίας
accusation
Strong's:
G156
Word #:
6 of 12
a cause (as if asked for), i.e., (logical) reason (motive, matter), (legal) crime (alleged or proved)
αὐτοῦ
of his
G846
αὐτοῦ
of his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 12
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Ὁ
G3588
Ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλεὺς
THE KING
G935
βασιλεὺς
THE KING
Strong's:
G935
Word #:
10 of 12
a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)
Cross References
Matthew 27:37And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.Zechariah 9:9Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.Matthew 2:2Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
Historical Context
The titulus was typically carried before the condemned during the procession, then affixed above the cross. It served both as legal documentation and public deterrent, warning others against similar crimes. Pilate's trilingual inscription ensured maximum readership among Jerusalem's diverse Passover crowd—Palestinian Jews (Hebrew/Aramaic), Romans (Latin), and Greek-speaking Gentiles from across the Empire. The location 'over' the cross placed it at eye level for passersby on the road outside Jerusalem's walls.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's sovereignty over Pilate's inscription encourage you when human authorities oppose gospel truth?
- What does Jesus' enthronement on a cross (rather than a palace) reveal about the nature of His kingdom?
- In what ways do you need to recognize and submit to Jesus' kingship over the specific areas of your life you've withheld?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS—The Greek epigraphē tēs aitias (ἐπιγραφὴ τῆς αἰτίας, inscription of the charge) refers to the titulus, the placard stating the crime. Roman law required crucifixion victims to display their offense publicly. Pilate's inscription, written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek (John 19:20), proclaimed HO BASILEUS TŌN IOUDAIŌN (Ὁ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΥΣ ΤΩΝ ΙΟΥΔΑΙΩΝ).
Pilate meant it as mockery of Jewish messianic hopes, but wrote theological truth: Jesus IS the King of the Jews—and of all nations. The chief priests protested (John 19:21), wanting 'He said he was King,' but Pilate refused alteration: 'What I have written I have written.' God sovereignly overruled Pilate's hand to proclaim Christ's kingship in the three universal languages of that era. This 'accusation' was actually coronation: the cross became His throne, the title His glory.