Matthew 27:37
What does Matthew 27:37 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 27:37 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 27:37 means
An inscription is set above Jesus’ head reading, ‘THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.’ The title, placed as the formal charge, is both accusation and theological statement. For the soldiers it is mockery; for Pilate it is an official notice. But it also proclaims Jesus’ identity publicly. The capitalized phrasing emphasizes the irony: the world scorns him, yet the inscription affirms the reality of his kingship—an essential theological claim that will be vindicated by resurrection and the gospel.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And they set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And they set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And they put up over his head the statement of his crime in writing, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and they put up over his head, his accusation written, `This is Jesus, the king of the Jews.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And they put over his head his cause written: THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And they set up over his head his accusation written: This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.
Context
This verse follows the soldiers’ watching (v. 36) and situates the crucifixion within official Roman signage and legal charge. The inscription provides a focal point for the taunts of passersby and religious leaders (vv. 39–44) and anchors the passion in the contested question of Jesus’ identity.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 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.
- Luke 23:38
And there was also a superscription over him, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
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