Matthew 27:37
New International Version
Above his head they placed the written charge against him: this is jesus, the king of the jews.

New Living Translation
A sign was fastened above Jesus’ head, announcing the charge against him. It read: “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.”

English Standard Version
And over his head they put the charge against him, which read, “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.”

Berean Standard Bible
Above His head they posted the written charge against Him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS.

Berean Literal Bible
And they put up over His head the written accusation against Him: this is Jesus, the King of the Jews.

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

New King James Version
And they put up over His head the accusation written against Him: THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

New American Standard Bible
And above His head they put up the charge against Him which read, “THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.”

NASB 1995
And above His head they put up the charge against Him which read, “THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.”

NASB 1977
And they put up above His head the charge against Him which read, “THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.”

Legacy Standard Bible
And above His head they put up the charge against Him which read, “THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.”

Amplified Bible
And above His head they put the accusation against Him which read, “THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.”

Christian Standard Bible
Above his head they put up the charge against him in writing: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Above His head they put up the charge against Him in writing: THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

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

Contemporary English Version
Above his head they put a sign that told why he was nailed there. It read, "This is Jesus, the King of the Jews."

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

GOD'S WORD® Translation
They placed a written accusation above his head. It read, "This is Jesus, the king of the Jews."

Good News Translation
Above his head they put the written notice of the accusation against him: "This is Jesus, the King of the Jews."

International Standard Version
Above his head they placed the charge against him. It read, "This is Jesus, the king of the Jews."

Majority Standard Bible
Above His head they posted the written charge against Him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS.

NET Bible
Above his head they put the charge against him, which read: "This is Jesus, the king of the Jews."

New Heart English Bible
They set up over his head the accusation against him written, "THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS."

Webster's Bible Translation
And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

Weymouth New Testament
Over His head they placed a written statement of the charge against Him: THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

World English Bible
They set up over his head the accusation against him written, “THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and they put up over His head, His accusation written: “THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS.”

Berean Literal Bible
And they put up over His head the written accusation against Him: this is Jesus, the King of the Jews.

Young's Literal Translation
and they put up over his head, his accusation written, 'This is Jesus, the king of the Jews.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And they set above his head his accusation, having been written: THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And they put over his head his cause written: THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And they set his accusation above his head, written as: THIS IS JESUS, KING OF THE JEWS.

New American Bible
And they placed over his head the written charge against him: This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.

New Revised Standard Version
Over his head they put the charge against him, which read, “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And they placed above his head in writing the reason for his death: THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And they placed over his head the cause of his death in writing: “This is Yeshua the King of the Judeans.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And they placed above his head the charge that was made against him, written: THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

Godbey New Testament
And they placed over His head, His accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

Haweis New Testament
And they placed over his head his accusation in writing, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

Mace New Testament
and they set an Inscription over his head, denoting the reason of his execution, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

Weymouth New Testament
Over His head they placed a written statement of the charge against Him: THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

Worrell New Testament
And they put over His head His accusation, "THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS."

Worsley New Testament
THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Crucifixion
36And sitting down, they kept watch over Him there. 37Above His head they posted the written charge against Him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS. 38Two robbers were crucified with Him, one on His right hand and the other on His left.…

Cross References
John 19:19-22
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.’” ...

Mark 15:26
And the charge inscribed against Him read: THE KING OF THE JEWS.

Luke 23:38
Above Him was posted an inscription: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

Psalm 2:6
“I have installed My King on Zion, upon My holy mountain.”

Isaiah 9:6-7
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.

Zechariah 9:9
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.

John 18:33-37
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?” ...

John 1:49
“Rabbi,” Nathanael answered, “You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”

Matthew 2:2
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.”

John 12:13-15
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.”

1 Timothy 6:13-15
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.

Revelation 19:16
And He has a name written on His robe and on His thigh: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

Psalm 110:1-2
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.”

Daniel 7:13-14
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.

Acts 2:36
Therefore let all Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ!”


Treasury of Scripture

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

his accusation.

Mark 15:26
And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS.

Luke 23:38
And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

John 19:19-22
And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS…

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Accusation Charge Crime Head JESUS JEWS Placed Read Statement Writing Written
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Accusation Charge Crime Head JESUS JEWS Placed Read Statement Writing Written
Matthew 27
1. Jesus is delivered bound to Pilate.
3. Judas hangs himself.
19. Pilate, admonished of his wife,
20. and being urged by the multitude, washes his hands, and releases Barabbas.
27. Jesus is mocked and crowned with thorns;
33. crucified;
39. reviled;
50. dies, and is buried;
62. his tomb is sealed and watched.














Above His head
This phrase indicates the physical placement of the charge, which was customary in Roman crucifixions. The sign was placed above the condemned to publicly declare the crime for which they were being executed. Historically, this was a method to deter others from committing similar offenses. Theologically, it signifies the public nature of Jesus' crucifixion, fulfilling the prophecy of being "lifted up" (John 3:14).

they posted
The act of posting the charge was a Roman legal custom. The Greek word used here, "ἐπέθηκαν" (epethēkan), implies an official act, underscoring the legal proceedings that led to Jesus' crucifixion. This highlights the Roman involvement and the fulfillment of Jesus' prediction of being handed over to the Gentiles (Matthew 20:19).

the written charge
The "written charge" or "titulus" was a formal declaration of the crime. In this context, it was meant to mock Jesus, yet it inadvertently proclaimed a profound truth. The charge was written in three languages (John 19:20), ensuring that all could read it, symbolizing the universal nature of Jesus' kingship.

against Him
This phrase emphasizes the accusatory nature of the inscription. It was intended to justify the crucifixion in the eyes of the public. However, from a theological perspective, it highlights the irony that the charge "against" Jesus was, in fact, a declaration of His true identity and mission.

THIS IS JESUS
The use of "THIS IS" in the inscription serves as a direct identification of the person being crucified. The name "Jesus" (Greek: Ἰησοῦς, Iēsous) is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Yeshua, meaning "Yahweh is salvation." This underscores the salvific purpose of Jesus' death, as He embodies the fulfillment of God's promise of salvation.

THE KING OF THE JEWS
This title, "THE KING OF THE JEWS," was meant to be a sarcastic jibe at Jesus' claim to kingship. However, it is deeply significant, as it acknowledges Jesus' messianic role. Theologically, it affirms Jesus as the promised descendant of David, the rightful King who fulfills Old Testament prophecies (2 Samuel 7:12-16). Historically, this title was a point of contention, as it challenged both Jewish and Roman authorities, yet it ultimately reveals the truth of Jesus' divine kingship and His kingdom not of this world (John 18:36).

(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 (Mark 15:26), "The King of the Jews;" Luke (Luke 23:38), "This is the King of the Jews;" John (John 19:19), "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 (John 19:25), 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 (John 19:20). . . .

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 (John 19:19, 22), 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 John 19:20); 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.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Above
ἐπάνω (epanō)
Preposition
Strong's 1883: From epi and ano; up above, i.e. Over or on.

His
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: 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
Strong's 2776: From the primary kapto; the head, literally or figuratively.

they posted
ἐπέθηκαν (epethēkan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2007: To put, place upon, lay on; I add, give in addition. From epi and tithemi; to impose.

the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: 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
Strong's 1125: A primary verb; to 'grave', especially to write; figuratively, to describe.

charge
αἰτίαν (aitian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 156: From the same as aiteo; a cause, i.e. reason, crime.

against Him:
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: 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
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

is
ΕΣΤΙΝ (ESTIN)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: 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
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.

the
Ο (HO)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: 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
Strong's 935: 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
Strong's 3588: 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
Strong's 2453: Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah.


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NT Gospels: Matthew 27:37 They set up over his head (Matt. Mat Mt)
Matthew 27:36
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