Luke 23:38 - An inscription was also written over him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew: “THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.”
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What does "Luke 23:38" mean?
This verse from Luke 23:38 describes the sign that was placed above Jesus while he was crucified. It was written in three languages: Greek, Latin, and Hebrew (or Aramaic). Let's break down the meaning and significance:
The inscription: "THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS"
This was the charge against Jesus. It was the reason the Romans, under Pontius Pilate, had condemned him to death. He was accused of sedition, of claiming to be a king and therefore challenging Roman authority.
The languages: Greek, Latin, and Hebrew (or Aramaic)
Greek: The common language (lingua franca) of the Eastern Mediterranean. It was the language of trade, culture, and communication for many in the region, including educated people.
Latin: The official language of the Roman Empire. It was the language of law, administration, and the Roman army.
Hebrew (or Aramaic): The language of the Jewish people in Palestine. Aramaic was more commonly spoken by Jews in that era than pure Hebrew.
Significance of the languages:
To ensure widespread understanding: By writing the inscription in these three languages, the Romans ensured that virtually everyone in Jerusalem, regardless of their background or origin, could understand the reason for Jesus's crucifixion.
Public humiliation: The Romans intended this to be a public display of Jesus's alleged crime and a warning to anyone else who might consider challenging Roman authority. It was designed to mock him.
Ironic Truth: While intended as a derogatory taunt, the inscription contained an ironic truth. Christians believe that Jesus is the King of the Jews, but in a spiritual and Messianic sense, not in a political or earthly one that threatened Rome. The Gospels highlight this irony, suggesting that even in his execution, Jesus's kingship was being proclaimed, albeit mockingly.
In summary: The verse describes the inscription that was placed above Jesus on the cross, identifying him as "THE KING OF THE JEWS." The inscription was written in three languages to ensure that everyone could understand the reason for his execution. While intended as a public humiliation and a warning against sedition, the inscription carries an ironic truth for Christians, who believe that Jesus is indeed the King of the Jews, the Messiah.
Luke 23:38 - An inscription was also written over him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew: “THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.”
What does "Luke 23:38" mean?
This verse from Luke 23:38 describes the sign that was placed above Jesus while he was crucified. It was written in three languages: Greek, Latin, and Hebrew (or Aramaic). Let's break down the meaning and significance:
The inscription: "THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS"
This was the charge against Jesus. It was the reason the Romans, under Pontius Pilate, had condemned him to death. He was accused of sedition, of claiming to be a king and therefore challenging Roman authority.
The languages: Greek, Latin, and Hebrew (or Aramaic)
Greek: The common language (lingua franca) of the Eastern Mediterranean. It was the language of trade, culture, and communication for many in the region, including educated people.
Latin: The official language of the Roman Empire. It was the language of law, administration, and the Roman army.
Hebrew (or Aramaic): The language of the Jewish people in Palestine. Aramaic was more commonly spoken by Jews in that era than pure Hebrew.
Significance of the languages:
To ensure widespread understanding: By writing the inscription in these three languages, the Romans ensured that virtually everyone in Jerusalem, regardless of their background or origin, could understand the reason for Jesus's crucifixion.
Public humiliation: The Romans intended this to be a public display of Jesus's alleged crime and a warning to anyone else who might consider challenging Roman authority. It was designed to mock him.
Ironic Truth: While intended as a derogatory taunt, the inscription contained an ironic truth. Christians believe that Jesus is the King of the Jews, but in a spiritual and Messianic sense, not in a political or earthly one that threatened Rome. The Gospels highlight this irony, suggesting that even in his execution, Jesus's kingship was being proclaimed, albeit mockingly.
In summary: The verse describes the inscription that was placed above Jesus on the cross, identifying him as "THE KING OF THE JEWS." The inscription was written in three languages to ensure that everyone could understand the reason for his execution. While intended as a public humiliation and a warning against sedition, the inscription carries an ironic truth for Christians, who believe that Jesus is indeed the King of the Jews, the Messiah.