Devine Scripture

Luke 23:38

What does Luke 23:38 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 23:38 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 23:38 means

The inscription over Jesus reads, “THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.” Rome customarily posted the charge above the condemned. Pilate’s wording, while intended as a political statement, acts as a providential confession. The world crucifies its King, yet proclaims His title above His head. The sign clarifies why He is executed: not for crime, but for His claim to kingship. It also invites readers to decide whether they will mock or believe. On the cross, the identity of Jesus is set before all: He is King, and His kingdom comes not by the sword, but by the sacrifice of Himself.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And there was also a superscription over him, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And there was also a superscription over him, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And these words were put in writing over him, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And there was also a superscription written over him, in letters of Greek, and Roman, and Hebrew, `This is the King of the Jews.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And there was also a superscription written over him in letters of Greek and Latin and Hebrew THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And there was also an inscription [written] over him in Greek, and Roman, and Hebrew letters: This is the King of the Jews.

Context

Following the soldiers’ jeers, Luke notes the written charge. The title will frame the dialogue with the criminals, one of whom hurls abuse, demanding salvation on his terms, while the other discerns a true kingdom beyond the shame. The sign stands as a silent witness while the living witnesses around the cross speak in belief or unbelief. Next, the first criminal will rail at Jesus, repeating the theme of self-saving, and the second will respond with fear of God and confession of innocence.

v.37and saying, If thou art the King of the Jews, save thyself.

v.38This passage

v.39And one of the malefactors that were hanged railed on him, saying, Art not thou the Christ? save thyself and us.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Matthew 27:11

    Now Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest.

  • Mark 15:32

    Let the Christ, the King of Israel, now come down from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reproached him.

  • John 19:3

    and they came unto him, and said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they struck him with their hands.

  • Mark 15:26

    And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS.

  • John 19:19

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

  • Mark 15:18

    and they began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews!

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