Luke 23:38 Meaning and Explanation
“And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Over his head hangs the written charge, in Greek, Latin, and Hebrew: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
What Does Luke 23:38 Mean?
Rome posted each victim's crime above him. The placard over Jesus names no theft or murder — only a title. Written in the three great tongues of the age — the languages of culture, of empire, and of covenant — it could be read by every passerby from every nation at the feast.
Meant as irony, the inscription becomes the first proclamation of the crucified King published to all nations in every major language at once. The world's powers announced, in spite of themselves, exactly who he is. The cross has been preaching in every tongue since — and the title holds: he reigns from that tree.
Frequently Asked Questions About Luke 23:38
What does Luke 23:38 mean?
Over his head hangs the written charge, in Greek, Latin, and Hebrew: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.