Bible Strands
Matthew 27:37
Above His head they posted the written charge against Him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Roman soldiers post a written charge above Jesus' head while they keep watch over Him during the execution. The inscription names Him as the accused king, placed there in the moment just before two robbers are crucified alongside Him.
The words — The verb ἐπέθηκαν (epethēkan) means "they put up," describing the soldiers' action of placing the charge. It is positioned ἐπάνω (epanō) "over" the κεφαλῆς (kephalēs) "head" of αὐτοῦ (autou) "Him."
The thread — This inscription runs through the parallel crucifixion accounts at Mark 15:26, Luke 23:38, and John 19:19, each recording the same charge inscribed above Jesus on the cross.
Why it lands — The text states that an official accusation of kingship is publicly displayed over a condemned criminal. It requires the reader to acknowledge that the written charge itself defines the location and identity of the crucified figure.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
Cross-references
- John 19:19 Pilate also had a notice posted on the cross. It read: JESUS OF NAZARETH, 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.