King James Version

What Does John 19:20 Mean?

John 19:20 in the King James Version says “This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written ... — study this verse from John chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin.

John 19:20 · KJV


Context

18

Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one , and Jesus in the midst.

19

And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.

20

This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin.

21

Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews.

22

Pilate answered, What I have written I have written.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This title then read many of the Jews (τοῦτον οὖν τὸν τίτλον πολλοὶ ἀνέγνωσαν τῶν Ἰουδαίων/touton oun ton titlon polloi anegnōsan tōn Ioudaiōn)—the cross stood near a major road during Passover, when Jerusalem swelled with pilgrims. Thousands saw the proclamation. The place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city emphasizes maximum visibility—this was no obscure execution.

It was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin (ἦν γεγραμμένον Ἑβραϊστί, Ῥωμαϊστί, Ἑλληνιστί/ēn gegrammenon Hebraisti, Rhōmaisti, Hellēnisti)—the three great languages of the ancient world. Hebrew (or Aramaic), the language of religion and God's covenant people. Greek, the language of philosophy and culture. Latin, the language of law and empire. The gospel would go forth in all three (Acts 2). Christ's kingship is proclaimed to Jew and Gentile, religious and secular, East and West. The cross is not provincial but cosmic; the King rules all nations.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Multilingual inscriptions were common in cosmopolitan Jerusalem, which hosted Jews from across the Roman Empire and beyond. Hebrew/Aramaic for locals, Greek for the educated and Hellenized Jews, Latin for Roman officials and soldiers. Passover brought Jews from every nation (Acts 2:5-11), many of whom would witness the crucifixion and later hear resurrection testimony. God orchestrated maximum witness.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the trilingual inscription reveal about the universal scope of Christ's kingship?
  2. How does the public, visible nature of the crucifixion refute later claims that Jesus didn't actually die?
  3. In what ways is the gospel message for 'all peoples, tribes, and tongues' foreshadowed here?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
τοῦτον1 of 25

This

G5126

this (person, as objective of verb or preposition)

οὖν2 of 25

then

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

τὸν3 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τίτλον4 of 25

title

G5102

a titulus or "title" (placard)

πολλοὶ5 of 25

many

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

ἀνέγνωσαν6 of 25

read

G314

to know again, i.e., (by extension) to read

τῶν7 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰουδαίων8 of 25

of the Jews

G2453

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

ὅτι9 of 25

for

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐγγὺς10 of 25

nigh

G1451

near (literally or figuratively, of place or time)

ἦν11 of 25

it was

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

τῆς12 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πόλεως13 of 25

to the city

G4172

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

14 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τόπος15 of 25

the place

G5117

a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas g5561 is a large but participle locality), i.e., location (as a position, home, tract, etc

ὅπου16 of 25

where

G3699

what(-ever) where, i.e., at whichever spot

ἐσταυρώθη17 of 25

was crucified

G4717

to impale on the cross; figuratively, to extinguish (subdue) passion or selfishness

18 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰησοῦς·19 of 25

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

καὶ20 of 25

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἦν21 of 25

it was

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

γεγραμμένον22 of 25

written

G1125

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

Ἑβραϊστί23 of 25

in Hebrew

G1447

hebraistically or in the jewish (chaldee) language

Ἑλληνιστί24 of 25

and Greek

G1676

hellenistically, i.e., in the grecian language

Ῥωμαϊστί25 of 25

and Latin

G4515

romaistically, i.e., in the latin language


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 19:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to John 19:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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