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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Matthew 27:37 Above His head they posted the written charge against Him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/27-37.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/40_Mat_27_37.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 27:37 - The Crucifixion" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Above His head they posted the written charge against Him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/matthew/27-37.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/matthew/27-37.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/matthew/">Matthew</a> > <a href="/matthew/27.htm">Chapter 27</a> > Verse 37</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad17.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/matthew/27-36.htm" title="Matthew 27:36">◄</a> Matthew 27:37 <a href="/matthew/27-38.htm" title="Matthew 27:38">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/matthew/27.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/matthew/27.htm">New International Version</a> Above his head they placed the written charge against him: this is jesus, the king of the jews. <a href="/nlt/matthew/27.htm">New Living Translation</a> A sign was fastened above Jesus’ head, announcing the charge against him. It read: “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” <a href="/esv/matthew/27.htm">English Standard Version</a> And over his head they put the charge against him, which read, “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” <a href="/bsb/matthew/27.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Above His head they posted the written charge against Him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS. <a href="/blb/matthew/27.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And they put up over His head the written accusation against Him: this is Jesus, the King of the Jews. <a href="/kjv/matthew/27.htm">King James Bible</a> And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS. <a href="/nkjv/matthew/27.htm">New King James Version</a> And they put up over His head the accusation written against Him: THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS. <a href="/nasb_/matthew/27.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And above His head they put up the charge against Him which read, “THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.” <a href="/nasb/matthew/27.htm">NASB 1995</a> And above His head they put up the charge against Him which read, &#8220THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/matthew/27.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And they put up above His head the charge against Him which read, “THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.” <a href="/lsb/matthew/27.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And above His head they put up the charge against Him which read, “THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.” <a href="/amp/matthew/27.htm">Amplified Bible</a> And above His head they put the accusation against Him which read, “THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.” <a href="/csb/matthew/27.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Above his head they put up the charge against him in writing: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS. <a href="/hcsb/matthew/27.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Above His head they put up the charge against Him in writing: THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS. <a href="/asv/matthew/27.htm">American Standard Version</a> And they set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS. <a href="/cev/matthew/27.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Above his head they put a sign that told why he was nailed there. It read, "This is Jesus, the King of the Jews." <a href="/erv/matthew/27.htm">English Revised Version</a> And they set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS. <a href="/gwt/matthew/27.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> They placed a written accusation above his head. It read, "This is Jesus, the king of the Jews." <a href="/gnt/matthew/27.htm">Good News Translation</a> Above his head they put the written notice of the accusation against him: "This is Jesus, the King of the Jews." <a href="/isv/matthew/27.htm">International Standard Version</a> Above his head they placed the charge against him. It read, "This is Jesus, the king of the Jews." <a href="/msb/matthew/27.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Above His head they posted the written charge against Him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS. <a href="/net/matthew/27.htm">NET Bible</a> Above his head they put the charge against him, which read: "This is Jesus, the king of the Jews." <a href="/nheb/matthew/27.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> They set up over his head the accusation against him written, "THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS." <a href="/wbt/matthew/27.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS. <a href="/wey/matthew/27.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Over His head they placed a written statement of the charge against Him: THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS. <a href="/web/matthew/27.htm">World English Bible</a> They set up over his head the accusation against him written, “THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/27.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and they put up over His head, His accusation written: “THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS.” <a href="/blb/matthew/27.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And they put up over His head the written accusation against Him: this is Jesus, the King of the Jews. <a href="/ylt/matthew/27.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and they put up over his head, his accusation written, 'This is Jesus, the king of the Jews.' <a href="/slt/matthew/27.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And they set above his head his accusation, having been written: THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/27.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And they put over his head his cause written: THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/27.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And they set his accusation above his head, written as: THIS IS JESUS, KING OF THE JEWS. <a href="/nabre/matthew/27.htm">New American Bible</a> And they placed over his head the written charge against him: This is Jesus, the King of the Jews. <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/27.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Over his head they put the charge against him, which read, “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/27.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And they placed above his head in writing the reason for his death: THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/27.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And they placed over his head the cause of his death in writing: “This is Yeshua the King of the Judeans.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/27.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And they placed above his head the charge that was made against him, written: THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS. <a href="/godbey/matthew/27.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And they placed over His head, His accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS. <a href="/haweis/matthew/27.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And they placed over his head his accusation in writing, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS. <a href="/mace/matthew/27.htm">Mace New Testament</a> and they set an Inscription over his head, denoting the reason of his execution, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS. <a href="/wey/matthew/27.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Over His head they placed a written statement of the charge against Him: THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS. <a href="/worrell/matthew/27.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And they put over His head His accusation, "THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS." <a href="/worsley/matthew/27.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. <a href="/parallel/matthew/27-37.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=8824" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/matthew/27.htm">The Crucifixion</a> …36And sitting down, they kept watch over Him there. 37<a href="/greek/1883.htm" title="1883: epanō (Prep) -- From epi and ano; up above, i.e. Over or on.">Above</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">His</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2776.htm" title="2776: kephalēs (N-GFS) -- From the primary kapto; the head, literally or figuratively.">head</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/2007.htm" title="2007: epethēkan (V-AIA-3P) -- To put, place upon, lay on; I add, give in addition. From epi and tithemi; to impose.">they posted</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/1125.htm" title="1125: gegrammenēn (V-RPM/P-AFS) -- A primary verb; to grave, especially to write; figuratively, to describe.">written</a> <a href="/greek/156.htm" title="156: aitian (N-AFS) -- From the same as aiteo; a cause, i.e. reason, crime.">charge</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">against Him:</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: HOUTOS (DPro-NMS) -- This; he, she, it. ">THIS</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ESTIN (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">IS</a> <a href="/greek/2424.htm" title="2424: IĒSOUS (N-NMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.">JESUS,</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: HO (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">THE</a> <a href="/greek/935.htm" title="935: BASILEUS (N-NMS) -- A king, ruler, but in some passages clearly to be translated: emperor. Probably from basis; a sovereign.">KING</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: TŌN (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">OF THE</a> <a href="/greek/2453.htm" title="2453: IOUDAIŌN (Adj-GMP) -- Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah.">JEWS. </a> 38Two robbers were crucified with Him, one on His right hand and the other on His left.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/john/19-19.htm">John 19:19-22</a> Pilate also had a notice posted on the cross. It read: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. / Many of the Jews read this sign, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek. / So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but only that He said, ‘I am the King of the Jews.’” ... <a href="/mark/15-26.htm">Mark 15:26</a> And the charge inscribed against Him read: THE KING OF THE JEWS. <a href="/luke/23-38.htm">Luke 23:38</a> Above Him was posted an inscription: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. <a href="/psalms/2-6.htm">Psalm 2:6</a> “I have installed My King on Zion, upon My holy mountain.” <a href="/isaiah/9-6.htm">Isaiah 9:6-7</a> For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. / Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from that time and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this. <a href="/zechariah/9-9.htm">Zechariah 9:9</a> Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. <a href="/john/18-33.htm">John 18:33-37</a> Pilate went back into the Praetorium, summoned Jesus, and asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” / “Are you saying this on your own,” Jesus asked, “or did others tell you about Me?” / “Am I a Jew?” Pilate replied. “Your own people and chief priests handed You over to me. What have You done?” ... <a href="/john/1-49.htm">John 1:49</a> “Rabbi,” Nathanael answered, “You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” <a href="/matthew/2-2.htm">Matthew 2:2</a> asking, “Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” <a href="/john/12-13.htm">John 12:13-15</a> They took palm branches and went out to meet Him, shouting: “Hosanna!” “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the King of Israel!” / Finding a young donkey, Jesus sat on it, as it is written: / “Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion. See, your King is coming, seated on the colt of a donkey.” <a href="/1_timothy/6-13.htm">1 Timothy 6:13-15</a> I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who made the good confession in His testimony before Pontius Pilate: / Keep this commandment without stain or reproach until the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ, / which the blessed and only Sovereign One—the King of kings and Lord of lords—will bring about in His own time. <a href="/revelation/19-16.htm">Revelation 19:16</a> And He has a name written on His robe and on His thigh: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. <a href="/psalms/110-1.htm">Psalm 110:1-2</a> A Psalm of David. The LORD said to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.” / The LORD extends Your mighty scepter from Zion: “Rule in the midst of Your enemies.” <a href="/daniel/7-13.htm">Daniel 7:13-14</a> In my vision in the night I continued to watch, and I saw One like the Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence. / And He was given dominion, glory, and kingship, that the people of every nation and language should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed. <a href="/acts/2-36.htm">Acts 2:36</a> Therefore let all Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ!”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.his accusation.<a href="/mark/15-26.htm">Mark 15:26</a> And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS.<a href="/luke/23-38.htm">Luke 23:38</a> And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.<a href="/john/19-19.htm">John 19:19-22</a> And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/27-14.htm">Accusation</a> <a href="/matthew/27-14.htm">Charge</a> <a href="/matthew/27-23.htm">Crime</a> <a href="/matthew/27-33.htm">Head</a> <a href="/matthew/27-34.htm">JESUS</a> <a href="/matthew/27-29.htm">JEWS</a> <a href="/matthew/21-7.htm">Placed</a> <a href="/matthew/22-31.htm">Read</a> <a href="/matthew/19-22.htm">Statement</a> <a href="/matthew/19-7.htm">Writing</a> <a href="/matthew/26-31.htm">Written</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/mark/15-26.htm">Accusation</a> <a href="/mark/3-2.htm">Charge</a> <a href="/mark/15-14.htm">Crime</a> <a href="/mark/2-4.htm">Head</a> <a href="/matthew/27-46.htm">JESUS</a> <a href="/matthew/28-15.htm">JEWS</a> <a href="/matthew/27-60.htm">Placed</a> <a href="/mark/2-25.htm">Read</a> <a href="/mark/9-10.htm">Statement</a> <a href="/mark/10-4.htm">Writing</a> <a href="/mark/1-2.htm">Written</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 27</div>1. <a href="/matthew/27-1.htm">Jesus is delivered bound to Pilate.</a> 3. <a href="/matthew/27-3.htm">Judas hangs himself.</a> 19. <a href="/matthew/27-19.htm">Pilate, admonished of his wife,</a> 20. <a href="/matthew/27-20.htm">and being urged by the multitude, washes his hands, and releases Barabbas.</a> 27. <a href="/matthew/27-27.htm">Jesus is mocked and crowned with thorns;</a> 33. <a href="/matthew/27-33.htm">crucified;</a> 39. <a href="/matthew/27-39.htm">reviled;</a> 50. <a href="/matthew/27-50.htm">dies, and is buried;</a> 62. <a href="/matthew/27-62.htm">his tomb is sealed and watched.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/27.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/matthew/27.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Above His head The placement of the charge above Jesus' head is significant as it was customary for the crime of a crucified person to be displayed publicly. This was intended to serve as a deterrent to others. The location above His head also signifies the authority and kingship of Jesus, as a crown would be placed above a king's head.they posted the written charge against Him: The written charge was a common practice in Roman executions, where the crime was inscribed on a placard and displayed. This was known as the "titulus." The charge against Jesus was written in three languages: Hebrew, Latin, and Greek (<a href="/john/19-20.htm">John 19:20</a>), ensuring that all who passed by could read it. This reflects the universal nature of Jesus' kingship and the widespread impact of His crucifixion.THIS IS JESUS, The use of Jesus' name here is significant. "Jesus" means "The Lord saves," which is fitting given the salvific nature of His death. The inscription identifies Him personally, emphasizing His humanity and the personal nature of His sacrifice.THE KING OF THE JEWS. This title is both a declaration and an accusation. It fulfills Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah as a king from the line of David (<a href="/2_samuel/7-12.htm">2 Samuel 7:12-16</a>, <a href="/isaiah/9-6.htm">Isaiah 9:6-7</a>). The title was meant to mock Jesus, as the Jewish leaders rejected His claim to kingship. However, it ironically affirms His true identity as the King of Kings (<a href="/revelation/19-16.htm">Revelation 19:16</a>). The title also highlights the tension between Jesus' spiritual kingdom and the political expectations of a messianic deliverer.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> Central figure of the New Testament, the Messiah, and the Son of God. In this verse, He is being crucified. 2. <a href="/topical/r/roman_soldiers.htm">Roman Soldiers</a> They were responsible for carrying out the crucifixion and placing the sign above Jesus' head. 3. <a href="/topical/p/pontius_pilate.htm">Pontius Pilate</a> The Roman governor who authorized the crucifixion and ordered the inscription. 4. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a> The city where the crucifixion took place, significant in Jewish and Christian history. 5. <a href="/topical/g/golgotha.htm">Golgotha</a> The place of the skull, where Jesus was crucified.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_irony_of_the_inscription.htm">The Irony of the Inscription</a> The sign intended as a mockery by the Romans and Jewish leaders ironically proclaimed a profound truth. Jesus is indeed the King of the Jews, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies. <a href="/topical/j/jesus'_kingship.htm">Jesus' Kingship</a> Reflect on the nature of Jesus' kingship, which contrasts with worldly power. His kingdom is not of this world, emphasizing spiritual authority and servanthood. <a href="/topical/p/prophetic_fulfillment.htm">Prophetic Fulfillment</a> The inscription fulfills prophecies about the Messiah's suffering and kingship, reinforcing the reliability of Scripture. <a href="/topical/p/public_declaration.htm">Public Declaration</a> The public nature of the inscription serves as a declaration of Jesus' identity to all who witnessed the crucifixion, inviting reflection on His role as Savior. <a href="/topical/p/personal_reflection.htm">Personal Reflection</a> Consider what it means to acknowledge Jesus as King in your own life. How does His kingship influence your daily decisions and priorities?<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_27.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 27</a> <a href="/q/what_did_the_cross_inscription_say.htm">What was the wording on the cross in the Gospels? Matthew: "This is Jesus the King of the Jews," Mark: "The King of the Jews," Luke: "This is the King of the Jews," John: "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews."</a> <a href="/q/evidence_for_pilate's_'king_of_the_jews'.htm">Is there any historical evidence outside John 19:19 to confirm Pilate’s inscription of “King of the Jews”? </a> <a href="/q/what_does_inri_mean.htm">What is the meaning of the letters INRI?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_christ_as_king_mean.htm">What does it mean for Christ to be King?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/27.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(37) THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.--This was what was technically known as the titulus--the bill, or placard, showing who the condemned person was, and why he was punished. Each Gospel gives it in a slightly different form--Mark (<a href="/mark/15-26.htm" title="And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS.">Mark 15:26</a>), "The King of the Jews;" Luke (<a href="/luke/23-38.htm" title="And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.">Luke 23:38</a>), "This is the King of the Jews;" John (<a href="/john/19-19.htm" title="And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.">John 19:19</a>), "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews." The variations are, perhaps, in part, explicable on the assumption of corresponding differences in the Hebrew, Greek, and Latin forms of the inscription, which reproduced themselves in the reports upon which the Gospel narratives were based. But in part also they may reasonably be ascribed to the natural variations sure to arise even among eye-witnesses, and a fortiori among those who were not eye witnesses, as to the circumstantial details of events which they record in common. On grounds of ordinary likelihood St. John's record, as that of the only disciple whom we know to have been present at the crucifixion (<a href="/john/19-25.htm" title="Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.">John 19:25</a>), may claim to be the most accurate.There was, apparently, a kind of rough tenderness towards the Man whom he had condemned in the form which Pilate had ordered. He would at least recognise His claims to be in some sense a King. The priests obviously felt it to imply such a recognition, a declaration, as it were, to them and to the people that One who had a right to be their King, who was the only kind of King they were ever likely to have, had died the death of a malefactor, and therefore they clamoured for a change, which Pilate refused to make (<a href="/john/19-20.htm" title="This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was near to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin.">John 19:20</a>). . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/27.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 37. - Set up over his head his accusation written. This was the titulus. A wooden tablet smeared with gypsum, had on it, written in black letters, the charge on which the prisoner was condemned. This, which had been hung round the criminal's neck or carried before him on the way to execution, was now affixed to the upper portion of the cross over his head. THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS. The title had been prepared by Pilate (<a href="/john/19-19.htm">John 19:19, 22</a>), and was conceived in terms studiously offensive to the Jews, with whom he was deeply indignant. It was written in three languages, so that all of whatever nationality might read it - in Hebrew and in Latin and in Greek (for the order, see Westcott on <a href="/john/19-20.htm">John 19:20</a>); i.e. the national Aramaic, familiar to all Jews; the official Latin,understood by the soldiers and Romans; the current Greek, the dialect of Hellenistic Jews, and largely used by all classes. "These three languages gathered up the results of the religious, the social, the intellectual preparation for Christ, and in each witness was given to his office" (Westcott). The title is given by the four evangelists with some verbal variations, which are owing in part to the actual differences existing in the three versions of the inscription. They run thus: "'This is Jesus the King of the Jews" (Matthew); "The King of the Jews" (Mark); "This is the King of the Jews" (Luke); "Jesus of Nazareth the King of the Jews" (John). Of these titles, those given by Mark and Luke probably represent the Latin; that of Matthew, the Greek; while that of John was intended for the national population, who alone would understand the veiled sneer contained in the addition, "of Nazareth." The legend of the finding of the cross and its inscription is given by Butler, 'Lives of the Saints,' on 'The Invention of the Holy Cross.' A supposed fragment of the title is preserved at Rome, in the Church of the Holy Cross, and declared by a papal bull to be authentic. In this case infallibility has rather overstepped its limits. <a href="/commentaries/matthew/27-37.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Above ἐπάνω (epanō) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1883.htm">Strong's 1883: </a> From epi and ano; up above, i.e. Over or on. His αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. head κεφαλῆς (kephalēs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2776.htm">Strong's 2776: </a> From the primary kapto; the head, literally or figuratively. they posted ἐπέθηκαν (epethēkan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2007.htm">Strong's 2007: </a> To put, place upon, lay on; I add, give in addition. From epi and tithemi; to impose. the τὴν (tēn) Article - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. written γεγραμμένην (gegrammenēn) Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1125.htm">Strong's 1125: </a> A primary verb; to 'grave', especially to write; figuratively, to describe. charge αἰτίαν (aitian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_156.htm">Strong's 156: </a> From the same as aiteo; a cause, i.e. reason, crime. against Him: αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. This ΟΥΤΟΣ (HOUTOS) Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> This; he, she, it. is ΕΣΤΙΝ (ESTIN) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. Jesus, ΙΗΣΟΥΣ (IĒSOUS) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2424.htm">Strong's 2424: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites. the Ο (HO) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. King ΒΑΣΙΛΕΥΣ (BASILEUS) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> A king, ruler, but in some passages clearly to be translated: emperor. Probably from basis; a sovereign. of the ΤΩΝ (TŌN) Article - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Jews. ΙΟΥΔΑΙΩΝ (IOUDAIŌN) Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2453.htm">Strong's 2453: </a> Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/27-37.htm">Matthew 27:37 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/27-37.htm">Matthew 27:37 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/27-37.htm">Matthew 27:37 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/27-37.htm">Matthew 27:37 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/27-37.htm">Matthew 27:37 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/27-37.htm">Matthew 27:37 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/27-37.htm">Matthew 27:37 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/27-37.htm">Matthew 27:37 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/27-37.htm">Matthew 27:37 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/27-37.htm">Matthew 27:37 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/27-37.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 27:37 They set up over his head (Matt. 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