John 19:20
What does John 19:20 mean?
A plain-English look at John 19:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 19:20 means
The inscription Pilate wrote was read by many Jews because the crucifixion site was near the city, making it public and accessible. Furthermore, it was written in three languages—Hebrew (for the local Jews), Latin (for the Roman authorities), and Greek (for the wider Hellenistic populace). This multilingual presentation ensured that the message—"JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS"—was broadcast widely, universally proclaiming Jesus' identity even in the midst of His execution, far beyond Pilate's or the chief priests' intent.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000This 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611This 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901This 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The 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.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862this 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.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752This 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.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890This title therefore many of the Jews read, for the place of the city where Jesus was crucified was near; and it was written in Hebrew, Greek, Latin.
Context
This verse emphasizes the wide reach of Pilate's inscription, explaining why many read it due to its location and multilingual format. It directly follows the description of Pilate's writing of the title. This widespread reading sets up the immediate objection from the chief priests, who understood the profound implications of such a public declaration and sought to change its wording, as detailed in the subsequent verses.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 26:14
And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice saying unto me in the Hebrew language, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the goad.
- Hebrews 13:12
Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people through his own blood, suffered without the gate.
- John 5:2
Now there is in Jerusalem by the sheepgatea pool, which is called in Hebrew Bethesda, having five porches.
- Acts 21:37
And as Paul was about to be brought into the castle, he saith unto the chief captain, May I say something unto thee? And he said, Dost thou know Greek?
- Acts 21:40
And when he had given him leave, Paul, standing on the stairs, beckoned with the hand unto the people; and when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew language, saying,
- Revelation 9:11
They have over them as king the angel of the abyss: his name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in the Greek tongue he hath the name Apollyon.
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