And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

LUKE 23:38KJV
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Luke 23:38 (KJV)

What does Luke 23:38 mean?

Luke 23:38 describes how a sign was placed above Jesus during his crucifixion, written in Greek, Latin, and Hebrew, stating, "THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS." This sign identified the charge against Jesus for everyone present, regardless of their language.

The verse is set during the crucifixion of Jesus, with Roman authorities displaying the reason for his execution. By listing the inscription in three major languages—Greek (the common language), Latin (the official Roman language), and Hebrew (the language of the Jewish people)—the statement was made clear to all who passed by, emphasizing the public and universal nature of the accusation.

The Greek behind Luke 23:38

  • ἐπιγραφή (epigraphē, "superscription"): This word refers to an official written notice or inscription, often used for legal or public announcements. Here, it highlights the formal and public declaration of Jesus' supposed crime.
  • γράμμασιν (grammasin, "letters"): The use of this word underscores that the message was physically written out, not just spoken, making it visible and undeniable to all.
  • Ἕλληνι (Hellēni, "Greek"), Ῥωμαϊκῇ (Rōmaikē, "Latin"), Ἑβραϊκῇ (Hebraikē, "Hebrew"): Naming these three languages shows intentional communication to every major group present in Jerusalem, underlining the wide reach and significance of the message.

Why Luke 23:38 matters

  • Luke 23:38 clarifies that the title "King of the Jews" was not just a private accusation but was proclaimed publicly in a way everyone could understand, making the charge against Jesus a matter of public record.
  • The use of three languages connects the event to the broader world, showing that Jesus' crucifixion was not just a local or isolated event but had significance for all people under Roman rule.
  • This verse helps explain why the crowds and religious leaders reacted so strongly, as the sign challenged both Roman authority and Jewish expectations about the Messiah.

Where else these words appear

“Greek” Greek G1673 · used in 2 verses

  • 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.

“superscription” Greek G1923 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 22:20 And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription?
  • Mark 12:16 And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar's.
  • Mark 15:26 And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS.

“letters” Greek G1121 · used in 14 verses

  • Luke 16:6 And he said, An hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty.
  • Acts 26:24 And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.
  • Romans 7:6 But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.

“KING” Greek G935 · used in 107 verses

  • Matthew 1:6 And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias;
  • Luke 10:24 For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.
  • Acts 26:7 Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.