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.

JOHN 19:20KJV
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John 19:20 (KJV)

What does John 19:20 mean?

John 19:20 describes how many Jewish people read the sign placed on Jesus’ cross because the crucifixion site was close to the city, and the sign was written in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin. This detail shows that the message about Jesus’ identity was made visible and understandable to a wide and diverse audience.

The verse is set during Jesus’ crucifixion, with John reporting what happened as Jesus was executed outside Jerusalem. The sign, ordered by the Roman governor Pilate, declared Jesus’ supposed crime. By noting the three languages—Hebrew (the local language), Greek (the common language of the eastern Roman Empire), and Latin (the official Roman language)—John highlights how the statement about Jesus reached people from different backgrounds gathered in Jerusalem for Passover.

The Greek behind John 19:20

  • "τίτλος" (títlos): This word means "title" or "inscription." In this context, it refers to the written charge placed above Jesus’ head, a common Roman practice to state the reason for execution.
  • "ἀνέγνωσαν" (anegnōsan): This verb means "read." The use of this word shows that the sign was not just a formality but was actually noticed and read by many people present.
  • "Ἑβραϊστί" (Hebraisti), "Ἑλληνιστί" (Hellēnisti), "Ῥωμαϊστί" (Rhōmaisti): These words mean "in Hebrew," "in Greek," and "in Latin." Listing all three emphasizes the broad reach of the message, making sure that locals, pilgrims, and Roman officials could all understand the charge against Jesus.

Why John 19:20 matters

  • John 19:20 clarifies that Jesus’ crucifixion was a public event, witnessed by many, not something hidden or secret.
  • The use of three languages underlines the universal significance of Jesus’ death, suggesting that the message about him was meant for all people, not just one group.
  • This detail connects to the following verses, where Jewish leaders object to the wording of the sign, showing the tension over Jesus’ identity and how it was presented to the world.

Where else these words appear

“title” Greek G5102 · used in 2 verses

  • 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.

“Greek” Greek G1676 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 21:37 And as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said unto the chief captain, May I speak unto thee? Who said, Canst thou speak Greek?

“Hebrew” Greek G1447 · used in 6 verses

  • John 5:2 Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.
  • John 19:13 When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha.
  • Revelation 9:11 And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon.

“read” Greek G314 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 12:3 But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him;
  • Mark 12:26 And as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?
  • Acts 15:31 Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.