Mark 15:26
What does Mark 15:26 mean?
A plain-English look at Mark 15:26 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Mark 15:26 means
An inscription stating “THE KING OF THE JEWS” is placed above Jesus. This superscription officially records the charge against him in ironic terms: what the soldiers intend as mockery also proclaims a truth. The title is both accusation and proclamation—political to Roman eyes, theological to Christian readers. It draws attention to the real issue at stake: Jesus’ kingship. That title in the public space forces passersby to confront, even insultingly, the reality of who Jesus is.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And the statement of his crime was put in writing on the cross, THE KING OF THE JEWS.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and the inscription of his accusation was written above--`The King of the Jews.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And the inscription of his cause was written over: THE KING OF THE JEWS.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And the superscription of what he was accused of was written up: The King of the Jews.
Context
This verse follows the start of crucifixion. The inscription appears as the cross is set up, and it becomes a focal point for the mockery of passersby and religious leaders who will deride him for claiming to destroy and rebuild the temple. It frames the taunts and misunderstandings that follow.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Zechariah 9:9
Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy king cometh unto thee; he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, even upon a colt the foal of an ass.
- Deuteronomy 23:5
Nevertheless Jehovah thy God would not hearken unto Balaam; but Jehovah thy God turned the curse into a blessing unto thee, because Jehovah thy God loved thee.
- Luke 23:37
and saying, If thou art the King of the Jews, save thyself.
- Matthew 2:2
Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we saw his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
- Matthew 27:37
And they set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
- Isaiah 46:10
declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done; saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure;
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