Matthew 27:37

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
ἐπέθηκαν
set up
to impose (in a friendly or hostile sense)
#3
ἐπάνω
over
up above, i.e., over or on (of place, amount, rank, etc.)
#4
τῆς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
κεφαλῆς
head
the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively
#6
αὐτοῦ
his
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
#7
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
αἰτίαν
accusation
a cause (as if asked for), i.e., (logical) reason (motive, matter), (legal) crime (alleged or proved)
#9
αὐτοῦ
his
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
#10
γεγραμμένην·
written
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
#11
Οὗτός
THIS
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#12
ἐστιν
IS
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#13
Ἰησοῦς
JESUS
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
βασιλεὺς
THE KING
a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)
#16
τῶν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
Ἰουδαίων
OF THE JEWS
judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of Jewish biographical literature presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of Scripture shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Matthew Understanding a worldview expecting divine intervention through a promised Messiah helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

People

Study Resources