John 19:20

John 19:20 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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.

King James Version KJV

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.

American Standard Version ASV

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

Bible in Basic English BBE

The writing was seen by a number of the Jews, for the place where Jesus was put to death on the cross was near the town; and the writing was in Hebrew and Latin and Greek.

Free Bible Version FBV

Many people read the notice because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

This title then read many of the Iewes: for the place where Iesus was crucified, was neere to the citie: and it was written in Hebrewe, Greeke and Latine.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

this title, therefore, read many of the Jews, because the place was nigh to the city where Jesus was crucified, and it was having been written in Hebrew, in Greek, in Roman.

World English Bible WEB

Therefore many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

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

Translation for Translators T4T

Many Jews were able to read this sign, because the place where Jesus was nailed {where they nailed Jesus} to the cross was very close to Jerusalem, where many people had come for the celebration, and because it was written {they wrote it} in three languages: Hebrew, Latin, and Greek.

Plain English Version PEV

Pilate wanted everyone there to understand it, so he told that man to write it in the languages of the Jewish people, the Roman people, and the Greek people. And those crosses were near the Jewish city called Jerusalem, so a lot of Jewish people read that sign.

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Berean Amplified Bible — John 19:20

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

John 19:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK τουτον ουν τον τιτλον πολλοι ανεγνωσαν των ιουδαιων οτι εγγυς ην ο τοπος της πολεως οπου εσταυρωθη ο ιησους και ην γεγραμμενον εβραιστι ελληνιστι ρωμαιστι

τουτον ohutos G3778 this/he/she/it Dem-ASM

ουν oun G3767 therefore/then Conj

τον ho G3588 the/this/who Art-ASM

τιτλον titlos G5102 title Noun-ASM

πολλοι polus G4183 much Adj-NPM

ανεγνωσαν anaginōskō G314 to read Verb-2AAI-3P

των ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GPM

ιουδαιων Ioudaios G2453 Jew Adj-GPM

οτι hoti G3754 that/since: that Conj

εγγυς engus G1451 near Adv

ην eimi G1510 to be Verb-IAI-3S

ο ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSM

τοπος topos G5117 place Noun-NSM

της ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GSF

πολεως polis G4172 city Noun-GSF

οπου hopou G3699 where(-ever) Adv

εσταυρωθη stauroō G4717 to crucify Verb-API-3S

ο ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSM

ιησους Iēsous G2424 Joshua Noun-NSM

και kai G2532 and Conj

ην eimi G1510 to be Verb-IAI-3S

γεγραμμενον graphō G1125 to write Verb-RPP-NSN

εβραιστι Hebraisti G1447 Hebrew Adv

ελληνιστι Hellēnisti G1676 Greek Adv

ρωμαιστι Rhōmaisti G4515 in Latin Adv

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — John 19:20

τουτον ohutos G3778 "this/he/she/it" Dem-ASM

This refers to a specific person or thing, like when Jesus says 'this is my body' in Matthew 26:26 and Mark 14:22.

Definition: οὗτος, αὕτη, τοῦτο, genitive, τούτου, ταύτης, τούτου, [in LXX chiefly for זֹאת ,זֶה ;] demonstr. pron. (related to ἐκεῖνος as hic to ille), this; __1. as subst., this one, he; __(a) absol.: Mat.3:17, Mrk.9:7, Luk.7:44, 45, Jhn.1:15, Act.2:15, al.; expressing contempt (cl.), Mat.13:55, 56, Mrk.6:2, 3, Jhn.6:42, al.; εἰς τοῦτο, Mrk.1:38, Rom.14:9; μετὰ τοῦτο (ταῦτα; V. Westc. on Jhn.5:1), Jhn.2:12 11:7, al.; __(b) epanaleptic (referring to what precedes): Mat.5:19, Mrk.3:35, Luk.9:48, Jhn.6:46, Rom.7:10, al.; __(with) proleptic (referring to what follows): before ἵνα (Bl., §69, 6), Luk.1:43, Jhn.3:19 (and freq.) 15:8, Rom.14:9, al.; before ὅτι, Luk.10:11, Jhn.9:3o, Act.24:14, Rom.2:3, al.; ὅπως, Rom.9:17; ἐάν, Jhn.13:35; __(d) special idioms: τοῦτο μὲν . . . τ. δέ (cl), partly . . . partly. Heb.10:33; καὶ τοῦτο (τοῦτον, ταῦτα), and that (him) too, Rom.13:11, 1Co.2:2, Heb.11:12; τοῦτ᾽ ἐστιν, Mat.27:46. __2. As adj., with subst.; __(a) with art. __(α) before the art.: Mat.12:32, Mrk.9:29, Luk.7:44, Jhn.4:15, Rom.11:24, Rev.19:9, al.; __(β) after the noun: Mat.3:9, Mrk.12:16, Luk.11:31, Jhn.4:13, Act.6:13, Rom.15:28, 1Co.1:20, Rev.2:24, al.; __(b) with subst. anarth. (with predicative force; Bl., §49, 4): Luk.1:36 2:2 24:21, Jhn.2:11 4:54 21:14, 2Co.13:1. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1281 NT verses. KJV: he (it was that), hereof, it, she, such as, the same, these, they, this (man, same, woman), which, who See also: 1 Corinthians 1:12; 1 Peter 2:20; 1 Peter 1:11.

ουν oun G3767 "therefore/then" Conj

This word means therefore or then, showing a consequence. It appears in Matthew 3:10 and Romans 5:9 to connect ideas and events.

Definition: οὖν, particle expressing consequence or simple sequence (never standing first in a sentence), wherefore, therefore, then: Mat.3:10, Luk.3:9, Jhn.8:38, Act.1:21, Rom.5:9, al.; in exhortations, Mat.3:8, Luk.11:35, Act.3:19, Rom.6:12, al.; in questions, Mat.13:28, Mrk.15:12, Jhn.8:[5], Rom.6:1, al.; continuing a narrative or resuming it after a digression, Mat.1:17, Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:22 2:18 (and very frequently in this Gospel), Act.26:22, al.; ἄρα οὖν (see: ἄρα); ἐπεὶ οὖν, Heb.2:14; οὖν with ptcp. (= ἐπεὶ οὖν), Act.2:30, Rom.5:1, al.; ἐὰν οὖν (where οὖν rather in sense belongs to the apodosis), Mat.5:23, Luk.4:7, Jhn.6:62, Rom.2:26, al.; ὡς οὖν, Jhn.4:1, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 515 NT verses. KJV: and (so, truly), but, now (then), so (likewise then), then, therefore, verily, wherefore See also: 1 Corinthians 3:5; Acts 23:15; 1 Peter 2:1.

τον ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-ASM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

τιτλον titlos G5102 "title" Noun-ASM

This word refers to a title or inscription, as seen in John 19:19-20, where it describes the sign on Jesus' cross. It emphasizes the idea of a label or description. This term is used to describe a written notice or placard.

Definition: τίτλος, -ου, ὁ (Lat. titulus), [in Aq., Sm., Th.: Jer.21:4 * ;] a title, inscription: Jhn.19:19-20 (in Christian Inscr., epitaph, see MM. xxiv).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2 NT verses. KJV: title See also: John 19:19; John 19:20.

πολλοι polus G4183 "much" Adj-NPM

This word means much or many, and is used to describe things like large crowds, as in Mark 5:24, or a great amount of time, as in Matthew 25:19. It emphasizes the magnitude of something.

Definition: πολύς, πολλή, πολύ, [in LXX chiefly for רַב and cognate forms ;] __1. as adj., much, many, great, of number, space, degree, value, time, etc.: ἀριθμός, Act.11:21; ὄχλος, Mrk.5:24; θερισμός, Mat.9:37; χόρτος, Jhn.6:10; χρόνος, Mat.25:19; γογγυσμός, Jhn.7:12; πόνος, Col.4:13; δόξα, Mat.24:30; σιγή, Act.21:40; pl., προφῆται, Mat.13:17; ὄχλοι, Mat.4:25; δαιμόνια, Mrk.1:34; δυνάμεις, Mat.7:22, __2. As subst., pl. masc, πολλοί, many (persons): Mat.7:22, Mrk.2:2, al.; with genitive partit., Mat.3:7, Luk.1:16, al.; before ἐκ, Jhn.7:31, Act.17:12; with art., οἱ π., the many, Mat.24:12, Rom.12:5, 1Co.10:17, 33 2Co.2:17; opposite to ὁ εἶς (Lft., Notes, 291), Rom.5:15, 19; neut. pl., πολλά: Mat.13:3, Mrk.5:26, al.; accusative with adverbial force, Mrk.1:45, Rom.16:6 (Deiss., LAE, 317), 1Co.16:12, Jas.3:2, al.; neut. sing., πολύ: Luk.12:48; adverbially, Mrk.12:27, al.; πολλοῦ (genitive pret.), Mat.26:9; with compar. (Bl., §44, 5), π. σπουδαιότερον, 2Co.8:22; πολλῷ πλείους, Jhn.4:41. Compar., πλείων, neut., πλεῖον and πλέον (see WH, App., 151), pl., πλείονες, -ας, -α, contr., πλείους, -ω (cf. Mayser, 69), more, greater; __1. as adj.: Jhn.15:2, Act.18:2o, Heb.3:3; before παρά, Heb.11:4 (cf. Westc, in l. Was ΠΛΙΟΝΑ here a primitive error for ΗΔΙΟΝΑ ?); pi., Act.13:31, al.; with genitive compar., Mat.21:36; with num. (ἤ of comp. omitted), Act.4:22 24:11, al. __2. As subst., οἱ π., the greater number: Act.10:32 27:12, 1Co.10:5 15:6; also (Bl., §44, 3) others, more, the more: 2Co.2:6 4:15, Php.1:14; πλείονα, Luk.11:53; πλειον, πλέον, Mat.20:10, 2Ti.3:9; with genitive comp., Mk 12:43, Luk.21:3; π. Ἰωνᾶ ὧδε, Mat.12:41; adverbially, Act.4:17 20:9 24:4. __3. As adv., πλεῖον: before ἤ, Luk.9:13; with genitive comp., Mat.5:20; πλείω: with num., Mat.26:53. Superl., πλεῖστος, -η, -ον, __(a) prop., most: Mat.11:20 21:8; adverbially, τὸ π., 1Co.14:27; __(b) elative (M, Pr., 79), very great: ὄχλος π., Mrk.4:1. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 386 NT verses. KJV: abundant, + altogether, common, + far (passed, spent), (+ be of a) great (age, deal, -ly, while), long, many, much, oft(-en (-times)), plenteous, sore, straitly See also: 1 Corinthians 1:26; Acts 23:21; 1 Peter 1:3.

ανεγνωσαν anaginōskō G314 "to read" Verb-2AAI-3P

To read means to know or understand written words, as in Matthew and Acts where it talks about reading scriptures.

Definition: ἀνα-γινώσκω (Attic ἀναγιγν-), [in LXX chiefly for קָרָא ;] __1. to know certainly, know again, recognize. __2. Of written characters, to read: Mat.24:15, Mrk.13:14, Act.15:31 23:34, Eph.3:4; with accusative of thing(s), Mat.22:31, Mrk.12:10 Luk.6:3, Jhn.19:20, Act.8:30, 32, 2Co.1:13, Rev.1:3; with accusative of person(s), Ἠσαίαν τ. προφήτην, Act.8:28, 30; before ἐν, Mat.12:5 21:42, Mrk.12:26 (so. ἐν τ. νόμῳ), Luk.10:26; before ὅτι, Mat.19:4 21:16; τί ἐποίησε, Mat.12:3, Mrk.2:25; pass. 2Co.3:2; of reading aloud (MM, VGT, see word), Luk.4:16, Act.13:27 15:21, 2Co.3:15, Col.4:16, 1Th.5:27 (M, Th., in l).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 29 NT verses. KJV: read See also: 1 Thessalonians 5:27; Luke 4:16; Revelation 1:3.

των ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GPM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

ιουδαιων Ioudaios G2453 "Jew" Adj-GPM

This word means a person from Judah or a Jew, used in Acts 10:28 and John 4:9 to describe people of Jewish descent. It is also used to describe the land of Judah, as in Matthew 2:6.

Definition: Ἰουδαῖος, -αία, -αῖον (Ἰούδας), Jewish: ἀνήρ, Act.10:28 22:3; ἄνθρωπος, Act.21:39; ψευδοπροφήτης, 13:6; ἀσχιερεύς, 19:14; γυνή, 16:1 24:24; γῆ, Jhn.3:22; χώρα, Mrk.1:5. Substantively, __(a) Ἰουδαῖος, ὁ, a Jew: Jhn.4:9, Act.18:24, Rom.2:28; pl., Rev.2:9 3:9; οἱ Ἰ., Mat.2:2, Mrk.7:3, Jhn.2:6, al.; Ἰ. τε καὶ Ἕλληνες, Act.14:1, al.; κ. προσήλυτοι, Act.2:10; ἔθνη τε κ. Ἰ., Act.14:5; οἱ κατὰ τὰ ἔθνη, Act.21:21; of Jewish Christians, Gal.2:13; of the ruling class who opposed Jesus, Jhn.1:19 2:18 5:10 11:8 13:33, al.; __(b) Ἰουδαία, -ας, ἡ (sc. γῆ, χώρα, cf. Jhn.3:22, Mrk.1:5), (Heb. יְהוּדָה), Judæa: Mat.2:1, Luk.1:5, Jhn.4:3, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 188 NT verses. KJV: Jew(-ess), of Judæa See also: 1 Corinthians 1:22; John 2:13; Revelation 2:9.

οτι hoti G3754 "that/since: that" Conj

This Greek word means 'that' or 'because', used to introduce a reason or explanation. It appears in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 3:9 and Romans 8:38. It helps to show cause and effect in sentences.

Definition: ὅτι, conjc. (prop. neut. of ὅστις). __I. As conjc, introducing an objective clause, that; __1. after verbs of seeing, knowing, thinking, saying, feeling: Mat.3:9 6:32 11:25, Mrk.3:28, Luk.2:49, Jhn.2:22, Act.4:13, Rom.1:13 8:38 10:9, Php.4:15, Jas.2:24, al.; elliptically, Jhn.6:46, Php.3:12, al. __2. After εἶναι (γίνεσθαι): defining a demonstr. or of person(s) pron., Jhn.3:19 16:19, Rom.9:6, 1Jn.3:16 al.; with pron. interrog., Mat.8:27, Mrk.4:41, Luk.4:36, Jhn.4:22 al.; id. elliptically, Luk.2:49, Act.5:4, 9, al.; __3. Untranslatable, before direct discourse (ὅτι recitantis): Mat.7:23, Mrk.2:16, Luk.1:61, Jhn.1:20, Act.15:1, Heb.11:18, al. (on the pleonastic ὡς ὅτι, see: ὡς). __II. As causal particle, for that, because: Mat.5:4-12, Luk.6:20, 21, J0 1:30 5:27, Act.1:5, 1Jn.4:18, Rev.3:10, al. mult.; διὰ τοῦτο ὅτι, Jhn.8:47 10:17, al.; answering a question (διὰ τί), Rom.9:32, al.; οὐκ ὅτι . . . ἀλλ᾽ ὅτι, Jhn.6:26 12:6. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1185 NT verses. KJV: as concerning that, as though, because (that), for (that), how (that), (in) that, though, why See also: 1 Corinthians 1:5; 1 John 5:2; 1 Peter 1:12.

εγγυς engus G1451 "near" Adv

Near or close to something, whether it's a place or a time, as in Jesus being near to those who need Him

Definition: ἐγγύς, adv., [in LXX chiefly for קָרוֹב ;] near; __1. of place: Jhn.19:20, 42; as prep. with genitive (M, Pr., 99), Luk.19:11, Jhn.3:23 6:19, 23 11:18, 54, Act.1:12; with dative, Act.9:38 27:8; superl., ἔγγιστα, Mrk.6:36, WH, mg.; metaphorically, ֹοἱ ἐ., opposite to οἱ μακράν, Eph.2:17; ἐ. γίνεσθαι, Eph.2:13; ἐ. σου τὸ ῥῆμα, Rom.10:8 (LXX). __2. Of time: Mat.24:32 26:18, Mrk.13:28, 29 Luk.21:30, 31 Jhn.2:13 6:4 7:2 11:55, Rev.1:3 22:10; ὁ κύριος ἐ., Php.4:5; before ἐπὶ θύραις, Mat.24:33; compar., ἐγγύτερον (neut. of adj. -ος, used adverbially), Rom.13:11 (cf. R, txt.); as prep. with genitive, ἐ. κατάρας, Heb.6:8; ἀφανισμοῦ, Heb.8:13 (cf. Cremer, 223).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 30 NT verses. KJV: from , at hand, near, nigh (at hand, unto), ready See also: Acts 1:12; John 11:55; Hebrews 6:8.

ην eimi G1510 "to be" Verb-IAI-3S

To be or exist, a basic verb used to describe something or someone, like God saying 'I am' in John 8:58.

Definition: εἰμί, with various uses and significations, like the English verb to be. __I. As substantive verb. __1. Of persons and things, to be, exist: Act.17:28, Jhn.1:1, 8:58, 17:5, al; ὁ ὢν καὶ ὁ ἦν (for past ptcp.), Rev.1:4, 8, 4:8, 11:17, 16:5 (see Swete, Ap., 5; M, Pr., 228); τὰ (μὴ) ὄντα, Rom.4:17, 1Co.1:28. __2. Of times, events, etc., to be, happen, take place: Mat.24:3, Mrk.14:2, 15:42, Luk.21:23, Jhn.4:6, 23, 5:10, al. __3. to be present, be in a place, have come: Mat.2:13, 15, Mrk.1:45, 5:21, 15:40, Luk.1:80, 5:29, Jhn.7:30, al.; before εἰς, Mrk.2:1; before ἐκ, (ἐξ), Mat.1:20, 21:25, Mrk.11:30, Jhn.3:31, al. __4. Impers., ἔστι, ἦν, etc.; __(a) there is (Fr. il y a), was, etc.: Mat.16:28, Luk.16:19, Jhn.3:1, 5:2, Rom.3:10, al.; with dative (of the possessor; Bl., §37, 3), Mat.16:22, Luk.1:7, Jhn.18.10, Rom.9:2, al.; ἔστιν ὅς, ὅστις (chiefly in pl), Mat.16:28, 19:2, Mrk.9:1, al.; __(b) with inf., = ἔξεστιν (which see), it is possible: Heb.9:5, 1Co.11:20, RV (but see ICC, in l.). __II. As copula uniting subject and predicate. __1. Expressing simply identity or equivalence: Mat.5:13, 14:15, Luk.1:18, 19, Jhn.1:1, 4:19, Rev.3:9, al. mult. __2. Explicative, as in parable, figure, type, etc.: Mat.13:19, 1Co.9:2, 10:4, 11:25, Gal.4:24, Rev.17:15, al.; ταῦτ᾽ ἔστιν, Mat.27:46, Mrk.7:2, Rom.7:18 al.; ὅ ἐστιν, Mrk.3:17, Col.1:24, Heb.7:2, al.; akin to this is the sacramental usage: Mat.26:26-28, Mrk.14:22, 24, Luk.22:19, 1Co.11:24 (see ICC on Mk, I Co, ll. with; DB, iii, 148 f.). __3. C. genitive: qual., etc., Mrk.5:42, Luk.3:23, 1Co.14:33, Heb.12:11, al.; part., 1Ti.1:20, 2Ti.1:15; poss., Mat.5:3, 10, Mrk.12:7, Luk.4:7; of service or partisanship, Rom.8:9, 1Co.1:12, 2Co.10:7, 2Ti.2:19. __4. C. dative (BL, §37, 3): Act.1:8, 9:15, Rom.4:12, 1Co.1:18, 2:14, Rev.21:7, al. __5. C. ptcp., as a periphrasis for the simple verb (Bl., §62, 1, 2; M, Pr., 225 ff.); __(a) with ptcp. pf. (cl.): Mat.10:30, Luk.9:32, Jhn.3:24, Act.21:35, 1Co.15:19, al; __(b) with ptcp. pr. (esp. in impf., as in Heb. and Aram.; Dalman, Words, 35 f.), Mat.7:29, Mrk.1:22, Luk.4:31, 14:1, Act.1:10, al. mult., id. for imper. (M, Pr., 180f., 182f.), with ellipsis of εἰμί, Rom.12:9, 10, Heb.13:5, al.; __(with) with ptcp. aor. (cl), Luk.23:9. __6. Seq. εἰς (cf. Heb. הָיָה לְ), a vernac. usage (M, Pr., 71): Mat.19:5, Mrk.10:8, Heb.8:10, al. __7. C. adv.: Mat.19:20, Mrk.4:26, Luk.18:11, al. __8. Ellipses; __(a) of the copula (Bl., §30, 3): Mat.8:29, 24:32, Jhn.21:22, 23, Heb.6:4, al.; __(b) of the predicate: ἐγώ εἰμί, Mat.14:27, Mrk.6:50, al.; absol. (cf. Deu.32:39; אֲנִי הוּא), Mrk.13:6, Jhn.4:26, al. (cf. ἄπ-, ἔν-, πάρ-, συμ-πάρ-, σύν-ειμι). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2123 NT verses. KJV: am, have been, X it is I, was See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 13:2; 1 Peter 1:6.

ο ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

τοπος topos G5117 "place" Noun-NSM

The Greek word for place or location, used in the Bible to describe a specific spot or area, such as a home or a tract of land, as seen in Matthew 24:15 and Luke 10:1. It can also refer to a condition or opportunity. In Acts 12:17, it describes a specific location where Peter went.

Definition: τόπος, -ου, ὁ, [in LXX chiefly for מָקוֹם ;] place: Luk.4:37 10:1, 32 Jhn.5:13 6:10, Act.12:17, 1Co.1:2, al.; τ. ἅγιος (cf. Isa.60:13), Mat.24:15; ἔρημος, Mat.14:13, al.; πεδινός, Luk.6:17; ἄνυδρος (pl.), Mat.12:43, Luk.11:24; κατὰ τόπος (BV, in divers places), Mat.24:7, Mrk.13:8; τραχεῖς τ., Act.27:29; τ. διθάλασσος (which see), ib. 41; ἑτοιμάζειν τ., Jhn.14:2, 3; ἔχειν, Rev.12:6; διδόναι, Luk.14:9; with genitive defin., τ. βασάνου, Luk.16:28; τ. καταπαύσεως, Act.7:49; κρανίου, Mat.27:33, Mrk.15:22, Jhn.19:17; before οὗ, Rom.9:26; ὅπου, Mat.28:6, Mrk.16:6, Jhn.4:20 6:23 10:40 11:30 19:41; ἐν ᾧ, Jhn.11:6; ἐφ ̓ ᾧ, Act.7:33; of a place which a person or thing occupies, Rev.2:5 6:14 12:8; τ. μαχαίρας, Mat.26:52; ὁ ἴδιος τ., Act.1:25; of a place in a book, Luk.4:17 (cf. Clem. Rom., I Co., 8, 4). Metaphorical, of condition, station, occasion, opportunity or power: Act.25:16, Rom.12:19 15:23, Eph.4:27 (cf. Sir.38:12). SYN.: χώρα (extensive), region; χωρίον (enclosed), a piece of ground. τ. is "a portion of space viewed in reference to its occupancy, or as appropriated to a thing " (Grimm-Thayer, see word). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 89 NT verses. KJV: coast, licence, place, X plain, quarter, + rock, room, where See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; Luke 4:37; Hebrews 8:7.

της ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GSF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

πολεως polis G4172 "city" Noun-GSF

In the Bible, a city refers to a town with walls, like Jerusalem in Matthew 2:23. It can also mean the people who live there, as in Matthew 10:5. Jesus often visited cities during his ministry.

Definition: πόλις, -εως, ὁ, [in LXX chiefly and very frequently for עִיר ;] a city: Mat.2:23, Mrk.1:45, Luk.4:29, Jhn.4:8, al. mult.; opposite to κῶμαι (κ. καὶ ἀγροί), Mat.9:35 10:11, Mrk.6:56, Luk.8:1 13:22; with nom. propr. in appos. (cl.), Act.11:5 16:14; with id. in genitive appos. (BL, §35, 5), Act.8:5, 2Pe.2:6; genitive, of the region, Luk.1:26 4:31, Jhn.4:5; of the inhabitants, Mat.10:5, 23 Luk.23:51, Act.19:35, 2Co.11:32; with genitive of person(s), of one's residence or native place, Mat.22:7, Luk.2:4, 11 4:29 10:11, Jhn.1:45, Act.16:20, Rev.16:9; of Jerusalem: ἡ ἁγία π., Mat.4:5 27:53, Rev.11:2; ἡ ἠγαπημένη, Rev.20:19; π. τοῦ μεγάλου, Mt 5 ̈35 (cf. Ps 47 (48):2); of the heavenly city in the Apocalyptic visions, Rev.3:12 21:2, 10 14ff. 22:14, 19. By meton., of the inhabitants of a city: Mat.8:34 12:25 21:10, Mrk.1:33, Act.14:21 21:30. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 154 NT verses. KJV: city See also: 2 Corinthians 11:26; Luke 9:10; Hebrews 11:10.

οπου hopou G3699 "where(-ever)" Adv

This word asks about the location or place of something, like in Matthew 25:24 and John 3:8. It is used to describe where events occur, and is often translated as 'where' or 'in what place'.

Definition: ὅπου adv. of place, correlat. of ποῦ (which see), where. __I. Prop., of place, __1. where; __(a) in relative sentences, with indic: Mat.25:24, 26, Mrk.2:4 4:5, 15 5:40 13:14, Jhn.3:8 6:62 7:34, 36 11:32 14:3 17:24 20:19, Rom.15:20, Rev.2:13; after nouns of place, for relat. prepositional phrase (ἐν ᾧ., etc.), Mat.6:19-20 13:5 26:57 28:6, Mrk.6:55 9:48 Luk.12:33, Jhn.1:28 4:20, 46 6:23 7:42 10:40 11:30 12:1 18:1, 20 19:18, 20 19:41 20:12, Act.17:1, Rev.2:13 11:8 20:10; before ἐκεῖ., Mat.6:21, Luk.12:34 17:37 Jhn.12:26; id. pleonast. (= Heb. שָׁם . . . אֲשֶׁר; Aram. תַּמָּן . . דּ; of. Gen.13:3), ὅ. . . . ἐκεῖ, Rev.12:6, 14; ὅ. . . . ἐπ᾽ αὐτῶν, Rev.17:9; ὅ. ἄν, wherever (M, Pr., 168), with imperfect indic., Mrk.6:56; with Pres. subjc., Mat.24:28; ὅ. ἐάν, Mat.26:13, Mrk.6:10 9:18 14:9, 14 a; __(b) in quaest. indir., with aor. subjc.: Mrk.14:14 b, Luk.22:11. __2. In late writers (sometimes also in cl.; Bl., § 25, 2), with verbs of motion, = ὅποι, whither: with indic., Jhn.8:21-22 13:33, 36 14:4 21:18, Heb.6:20, Jas.3:4; ὅ. ἄν, whithersoever, with present ind., Rev.14:4; subjc., Luk.9:57; ὅ. ἐάν, Mat.8:19. __II. Without strict local sense, __1. of time or condition: Col.3:11, Heb.9:16 10:18, Jas.3:16, 2Pe.2:11. __2. Of cause or reason (AV, whereas): 1Co.3:3.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 76 NT verses. KJV: in what place, where(-as, -soever), whither (+ soever) See also: 1 Corinthians 3:3; Luke 9:57; Hebrews 6:20.

εσταυρωθη stauroō G4717 "to crucify" Verb-API-3S

To crucify means to impale on a cross, as seen in the crucifixion of Jesus in Matthew 20:19 and Mark 15:16. It can also mean to subdue selfishness. The apostles were crucified for their faith.

Definition: σταυρόω, -ῶ (σταυρός), [in LXX: Est.7:9 (תָּלָה), Est.8:13 * ;] __1. to fence with pales, impalisade (Thuc.). __2. In late writers (Polyb., FlJ; but ἀνασταυρόω is more common) to crucify: with accusative of person(s), Mat.20:19 23:34 26:2 27:22 ff. Mat.28:5, Mrk.15:16 ff. Mrk.16:6, Luk.23:21, 23 23:33 24:7, 20, Jhn.19:6 ff., Act.2:36 4:10, 1Co.1:13 1:23 2:2 2:8, 2Co.13:4, Gal.3:1, Rev.11:8; metaphorically, Gal.5:24 6:14.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 42 NT verses. KJV: crucify See also: 1 Corinthians 1:13; Luke 24:7; Revelation 11:8.

ο ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

ιησους Iēsous G2424 "Joshua" Noun-NSM

Jesus is the Greek name for Joshua, which means God is salvation. It is used to refer to Jesus Christ, the son of God, as well as other Israelites with the same name. The name Jesus appears over 900 times in the New Testament.

Definition: Ἰωσή, see: Ἰωσῆς - -ῆ (Rec. -ή Luk.3:29; AV, Jose; see: Ἰησοῦς, 3), and -ῆτος (Mk, ll with), ὁ, Joses; __1. brother of our Lord: Mrk.6:3, Mat.13:55 (Rec., see: Ἰωσήφ). __2. Son of Mary: Mat.27:56 (-σήφ), WH, txt), Mrk.15:40, 47 __3. see: Βαρνάβας.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 932 NT verses. KJV: Jesus See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:1; 1 Peter 1:1.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

ην eimi G1510 "to be" Verb-IAI-3S

To be or exist, a basic verb used to describe something or someone, like God saying 'I am' in John 8:58.

Usage: Occurs in 2123 NT verses. KJV: am, have been, X it is I, was See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 13:2; 1 Peter 1:6.

γεγραμμενον graphō G1125 "to write" Verb-RPP-NSN

This verb means to write or record something, like in John 8:6 where Jesus writes on the ground. It can also mean to describe or express something in writing, as seen in Luke 1:63 and Galatians 6:11.

Definition: γράφω, [in LXX chiefly for כּתב ]; __1. to scrape, graze (Hom.), and later (Hdt.) to sketch, draw. __2. to write; __(a) of forming or tracing letters on writing material: Jhn.8:[6], Gal.6:11, 2Th.3:17; __(b) to express in writing, commit to writing, record: Luk.1:63, Jhn.19:21, 22 Rev.1:11, 19 al.; of scripture as a standing authority (Deiss., BS, 112ff.), γέγραπται, it stands written (Luther), Mat.4:4, Mrk.7:6, Luk.4:8, Rom.1:17, 1Co.1:31, al.; id. before ἐν, Mrk.1:2, Act.1:20, al.; with accusative, to write of: Jhn.1:46, Rom.10:5; before περί, Mat.26:24, Mrk.14:21, Jhn.5:46; al.; with dative (WM, §31, 4), Luk.18:31; id. before ἵνα (M, Pr., 207f.), Mrk.12:19, Luk.20:28; κατὰ τ. γεγραμμένον, 2Co.4:13; γεγραμμένον ἐστί, Jhn.2:17; ἐγράφη, Rom.4:24; ἐπ᾽ αὐτῷ γεγραμμένα, Jhn.12:16; __(with) of writing directions or information, with dative of person(s): Rom.15:15, 2Co.7:12, al.; __(d) of that which contains the record or message: βιβλίον, Mrk.10:4, Jhn.21:25, Rev.5:1; τίτλον, Jhn.19:19; ἐπιστολήν, Act.23:25; ἐντολήν, Mrk.10:5 (cf. ἀπο-, ἐγ-, ἐπι-, κατα-, προ-). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 183 NT verses. KJV: describe, write(-ing, -ten) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:19; Luke 1:63; 1 Peter 1:16.

εβραιστι Hebraisti G1447 "Hebrew" Adv

This term means speaking in Hebrew or Aramaic, the common language of the Jewish people. It appears in John 5:2 and 19:13, describing the language used by Jesus and others.

Definition: Ἑβραϊστί (WH, Ἐβ-), adv., [in LXX: Si prol. 13 * ;] in Hebrew: Rev.9:11; elsewhere, in Aramaic (see supr.): Jhn.5:2 19:13, 17, 20 20:16, Rev.16:16.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 6 NT verses. KJV: in (the) Hebrew (tongue) See also: John 5:2; John 19:20; Revelation 9:11.

ελληνιστι Hellēnisti G1676 "Greek" Adv

Speaking or writing in the Greek language, as seen in John 19:20 and Acts 21:37. This refers to using the Greek language.

Definition: Ἑλληνιστί adv., in Greek: Jhn.19:20; Ἑ. (sc. λαλεῖν) γινώσκεις, Act.21:37 (cf. Field, Notes, 135).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2 NT verses. KJV: Greek See also: Acts 21:37; John 19:20.

ρωμαιστι Rhōmaisti G4515 "in Latin" Adv

In Latin means speaking or writing in the Latin language, as in John 19:20. It refers to the Latin tongue.

Definition: Ῥωμαϊστί adv., in Latin: Jhn.19:20.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: Latin See also: John 19:20.

Study Notes — John 19:20

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
John 19:20 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on John 19:20
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on John 19:20
Matthew Poole's Commentary on John 19:20
Trapp's Commentary on John 19:20
Ellicott's Commentary on John 19:20
Adam Clarke's Commentary on John 19:20
Cambridge Bible on John 19:20
Whedon's Commentary on John 19:20
Sermons on John 19:20

Context — The Crucifixion

18There they crucified Him, and with Him two others, one on each side, with Jesus in the middle. 19Pilate also had a notice posted on the cross. It read: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS.

20Many 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.

21So 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.’” 22Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Acts 26:14	We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice say to me in Hebrew, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’
2	Revelation 16:16	And they assembled the kings in the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.
3	Acts 22:2	When they heard him speak to them in Hebrew, they became even more silent. Then Paul declared,
4	John 19:13	When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat on the judgment seat at a place called the Stone Pavement, which in Hebrew is Gabbatha.
5	Acts 21:40	Having received permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the crowd. A great hush came over the crowd, and he addressed them in Hebrew:
6	Acts 21:37	As they were about to take Paul into the barracks, he asked the commander, “May I say something to you?” “Do you speak Greek?” he replied.
7	John 5:2	Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool with five covered colonnades, which in Hebrew is called Bethesda.
8	Revelation 9:11	They were ruled by a king, the angel of the Abyss. His name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek it is Apollyon.
9	Hebrews 13:12	And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate, to sanctify the people by His own blood.

John 19:20 Summary

[The verse John 19:20 tells us that the sign on the cross, which said 'Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews', was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek, so that many people could read and understand it. This was a way of proclaiming the message of salvation to people from all over the world, as Jesus said in Matthew 28:19. The sign was a declaration of Jesus' identity and purpose, and it was a call to all people to come to Him for salvation, as stated in John 3:16. By reading and understanding the sign, we can come to know Jesus and experience the love and forgiveness that He offers.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was the sign on the cross written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek?

The sign was written in these languages because they were the primary languages spoken in the region at the time, allowing many people to read and understand the message, as stated in John 19:20. This was a fulfillment of the prophecy in Psalm 22:27, where it says that all the ends of the earth will turn to the Lord.

What was the significance of the location where Jesus was crucified?

The location of Jesus' crucifixion, near the city, allowed many people to see the sign and read its message, as mentioned in John 19:20. This was a fulfillment of the plan of God to make the message of salvation known to all people, as stated in Isaiah 45:22.

Why did the chief priests of the Jews object to the sign on the cross?

The chief priests objected to the sign because it declared Jesus as the King of the Jews, which they refused to acknowledge, as seen in John 19:21. This was a reflection of their hardness of heart and refusal to believe in Jesus, as stated in Matthew 27:41-42.

What does the sign on the cross represent in the broader context of Jesus' ministry?

The sign on the cross represents the universal call to salvation, as it was written in multiple languages and was seen by many people, as stated in John 19:20. This is in line with Jesus' statement in John 12:32, where He says that He will draw all people to Himself when He is lifted up.

Reflection Questions

What does it mean for me to 'read the sign' of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection in my own life, and how can I apply its message to my daily walk with God?
How can I, like the sign on the cross, be a witness to the message of salvation in my own community and to those around me?
What are some ways that I can, like Pilate, stand firm in my proclamation of the truth of Jesus Christ, even in the face of opposition or criticism?
How can I, like the crowd that read the sign, be open to the message of the gospel and allow it to transform my life and my relationships?

Gill's Exposition on John 19:20

This title then read many of the Jews,.... Who were in great numbers, at the place of execution, rejoicing at his crucifixion, and insulting him as he hung on the cross: for the place where Jesus was

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on John 19:20

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.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on John 19:20

The place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city; as all their places of execution were, within two furlongs, or thereabouts. It was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin; it was written in all three languages, that not the Jews only, but all such strangers as were come up to the feast, might understand it.

Trapp's Commentary on John 19:20

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. Ver. 20. In Hebrew, Greek, and Latin] In Hebrew, for the Jews who gloried in the law; in Greek, for the Grecians who gloried in wisdom; in Latin, for the Romans who most gloried in dominion and power. As if Pilate should have said, This is the King of all religion, having reference to the Hebrews; of all wisdom, to the Greeks; of all power, to the Romans. The Holy Ghost would also hereby commend unto us the dignity and study of these three languages, to be retained for ever in the Church of Christ.

Ellicott's Commentary on John 19:20

(20) This and the following verses are peculiar to St. John, and furnish another instance of his exact knowledge of what took place at Jerusalem. Many of the Jews.—That is, of the hierarchical party, as generally in this Gospel. (Comp. Note on John 1:19.) It has been sometimes understood here of the people generally, because the inscription was written in the three languages; but the last clause of the verse furnishes the reason for the action of the chief priests in the next verse. It would be better to punctuate the verses thus: “This title therefore read many of the Jews, because the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city. And it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin. Therefore said the chief priests . . .” Nigh to the city.—Comp. Note on Matthew 27:33. Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin.—“Hebrew,” i.e., the current Syro-Chaldaic, was the language of the people generally. The precise form which occurs here is used in the New Testament only by St. John (John 5:2; John 19:13; John 19:17; John 19:20; John 20:16; Revelation 9:11; Revelation 16:16). “Greek” was the most widely-known language of the time. “Latin” was the official language of the Roman Empire.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on John 19:20

Verse 20. Hebrew, - Greek, - Latin.] See Clarke on Lu 23:38. On Matthew 27:37, I have given this title in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin, as mentioned by this evangelist. The reader, however, will not be displeased to find the same title repeated here in a character which was written in the fourth century, and is probably nearly resembling that used in the earliest ages of Christianity. The Greek and Latin character, which is inserted here, is an exact fac-simile of that in the Codex Bezae, cut and cast at the expense of the University of Cambridge, for Dr. Kipling's edition of that most venerable MS. which contains the Greek text of the four evangelists and Acts; and the Latin text of the same, as it existed before the time of St. Jerome. Having examined the MS. myself, I can say that these types are a very faithful representation of the original. In Hebrew, εβραιστι. יסוע נצריא מלכא דיהודיא In Greek, ελληνιστι. ΙΗΣΟΥΣΟΝΑΖΩΡΕΟΣΟΒΑΣΙΛΕΥΣΤΩΝΙΟΥΔΑΙΩΝ In Latin, ρωμαιστι. IEHSUS NAZARENUS REX IUDAEORUM

Cambridge Bible on John 19:20

20. nigh to the city] Pictures are often misleading in placing the city a mile or two in the background of the Crucifixion. S. John’s exact topographical knowledge comes out again here.in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin] The better texts give, In Hebrew and in Latin and in Greek. The national and the official languages would naturally be placed before Greek,—and for different reasons either Hebrew or Latin might be placed first. In Luke 23:38 the order is Greek, Latin, Hebrew; but the clause is of very doubtful authority. In any case the three representative languages of the world at that time, the languages of religion, of empire, and of intellect, were employed. Thus did they ‘tell it out among the heathen that the Lord is king,’ or (according to a remarkable reading of the LXX. in Psalms 96:10) ‘that the Lord feigned from the tree.’ (See on John 20:16.)

Whedon's Commentary on John 19:20

20. Read many of the Jews—The nearness to the city, mentioned in the next words, and the variety of languages in which it was written, gave a wide notoriety to the inscription.

Sermons on John 19:20

	Sermon	Description
	The Conversion of Saul of Tarsus by C.H. Spurgeon	The sermon transcript discusses the personal question that Jesus Christ asked Saul, "Why persecuteest thou me?" The preacher emphasizes that although he addresses the congregation
	The Vision of Paul by Stephen Kaung	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the transformation of Saul, who later became known as Paul, and his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. Saul was initially persecut
	Inexhaustable Emptying by Dana Congdon	Dana Congdon emphasizes the importance of remaining faithful to the heavenly vision throughout the various stages of life and ministry, using the examples of Paul and Isaiah. He hi
	Not Disobedient to the Heavenly Vision by Joshua Daniel	This sermon emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's heavenly vision, highlighting the ongoing revelation of God and the need for follow-through, obedience, and fruitfulness
	Persecution by Oswald Chambers	Oswald Chambers preaches about persecution and the challenges faced by Christians who stand firm in their faith, using the example of Stephen who faced false accusations and persec
	Blessed Are the Meek by Anton Bosch	Anton Bosch preaches on the importance of meekness in Christianity, contrasting it with the aggressive nature often emphasized in modern beliefs. Meekness, as exemplified by Jesus,
	What Is a Christian? - Part 2 by T. Austin-Sparks	T. Austin-Sparks explores the essence of being a Christian through the transformative experience of Saul of Tarsus, emphasizing that true Christianity is deeply personal and rooted