Luk 23:38

A superscription also was written over Him

The superscription affixed to the cross of Christ

It was the custom of the Romans, that the equity of their proceedings might more clearly appear when they crucified any man, to publish the cause of his death in a table written in capital letters, and placed over the head of the crucified.

And that there might be, at least, a show and face of justice in Christs death, He also shall have His title or superscription. The worst and most unrighteous actions labour to cover and shroud themselves under pretentions of equity. Sin is so shameful a thing that it cares not to own its name. Christ shall have a table written for Him also.

1. The character or description of Christ contained in that writing: The King of the Jews.

2. The person who drew His character or title. Pilate, who was His judge, becomes now His herald to proclaim His glory.

3. The time when this honour was done Him. When at the lowest ebb; amid shame and reproach.

I. THE NATURE AND QUALITY OF CHRISTS TITLE OR INSCRIPTION.

1. An extraordinary title. Instead of proclaiming Christs crime, it vindicates His innocence.

2. Public. Written in three languages.

3. Honourable. Thus the cross became a throne of majesty.

4. A vindicating title.

5. A predicting and presaging title.

6. An immutable title.

II. WHAT HAND THE DIVINE PROVIDENCE HAD IN THIS BUSINESS.

1. In overruling the heart and hand of Pilate in the draught and style of it, and that contrary to his own inclination.

2. Herein the wisdom of Providence was gloriously displayed, in applying a present, proper, public remedy to the reproaches and blasphemies which Christ had then newly received in His name and honour. The superstitious Jews wound Him, and heathen Pilate prepares a plaster to heal Him: they reproach, he vindicates; they throw the dirt, he washes it off. Oh, the profound and inscrutable wisdom of Providence!

3. Moreover, Providence eminently appeared at this time, in keeping so timorous a person, a man of so base a spirit, that would not stick at anything to please the people, from receding or giving ground in the least to their importunities.

4. Herein also much of the wisdom of Providence appeared, in casting the ignominy of the death of Christ upon those very men who ought to bear it. Pilate was moved by Divine instinct at once to clear Christ and accuse them.

5. The Providence of God wonderfully discovered itself (as before was noted) in fixing this title to the cross of Christ, when there was so great a confluence of all sorts of people to take notice

Inference

1. Hence it fellows that the Providence of our God can and often doth overrule the counsels and actions of the worst of men to His own glory. He is never at a loss for means to promote and serve His own ends.

2. Hence likewise it follows, that the greatest services performed to Christ accidentally and undesignedly, shall never be accepted nor rewarded of God. Pilate did Christ an eminent piece of service. He did that for Christ that not one of His own disciples at that time durst do; and yet this service was not accepted of God, because he did it not designedly for His glory, but from the mere overrulings of Providence.

3. Would not Pilate recede from what he had written on Christs behalf? How shameful a thing is it for Christians to retract what they have said or done on Christs behalf?

4. Did Pilate affix such an honourable, vindicating title to the cross? Then the cross of Christ is a dignified cross. How did the martyrs glory in their sufferings for Christ? Calling their chains of iron, chains of gold; and their manacles, bracelets. I remember it is storied of Ludovicus Marsacus, a knight of France, that when he, with divers other Christians of an inferior rank and degree in the world, were condemned to die for religion, and the jailor had bound them with chains, but did not bind him, being a more honourable person than the rest, he was offended greatly by that omission, and said, Why do you not honour me with a chain for Christ also, and create me a knight of that illustrious order?

5. Did Pilate so stiffly assert and defend the honour of Christ? What doubt can then be made of the success of Christs interest, and the prosperity of His cause, when the very enemies thereof are made to serve it? Rather than Christ shall want honour, Pilate, the man that condemned Him, shall do Him honour. And as it fared with His person, just so with His interest also.

6. Did Pilate vindicate Christ in drawing up such a title to be affixed to His cross, then hence it follows that God will, sooner or later, clear up the innocence and integrity of His people who commit their cause to Him. (J. Flavel.)

Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell

Verse 38. A superscription] See Mt 27:37.

ln letters of Greek, and Latin and Hebrew] The inscription was written in all these languages, which were the most common, that all might see the reason why he was put to death. The inscription was written in Greek, on account of the Hellenistic Jews, who were then at Jerusalem because of the passover; it was written in Latin, that being the language of the government under which he was crucified; and it was written in Hebrew, that being the language of the place in which this deed of darkness was committed. But, by the good providence of God, the inscription itself exculpated him, and proved the Jews to be rebels against, and murderers of, their king. See Clarke on Mt 27:37. It is not to be wondered at that they wished Pilate to alter this inscription, Joh 19:21, as it was a record of their infamy.

Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible

And a superscription also was written,…. Containing the crime he was charged with, and accused of;

[See comments on Mt 27:37];

[See comments on Joh 19:19];

[See comments on Joh 19:20].

Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible

A superscription (). Mr 15:26 has “the superscription of his accusation” Mt 27:37, “his accusation,” Joh 19:19 “a title.” But they all refer to the charge written at the top on the cross giving, as was the custom, the accusation on which the criminal was condemned, with his name and residence. Put all the reports together and we have: This is Jesus of Nazareth the King of the Jews. This full title appeared in Latin for law, in Aramaic for the Jews, in Greek for everybody (Joh 19:20).

Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament

Superstition. See on Mr 14:26.

Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament

1) “And a superscription also was written over him,” (en de kai epigraphe ep’ auto) “Then there was also a writing (his charge of death) over him,” over His head, as He hung on the cross, as an insult. Each of the Gospel writers told of the charges in his own words, as a free-witness is required to do in court, Gal 3:13.

2) “In letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew,” (grammasin hellenikois kai hromaikos kau hebraikois) “in letters or script of Hebrew, Latin, and Greek.” The charges for which one was being put to death were said to be cried aloud by the one being led to execution, then written in three different languages, and placed above the cross of the dying, until they, were dead and taken from the cross.

3) “This is the king of the Jews.” (ho basileue ton loudaion outos) “This one is (exists as) the king of the Jews,” while Matthew, Mark, and John each recounted the death charge, because they were writing for different people, they witnessed the same thing, in different words, yet without any contradiction, demonstrating that the Word of God is “true from the beginning,” Psa 119:160.

a. Mat 27:33, “This is Jesus the king of the Jews,”

b. Mar 15:26 lists the accusation, “The King of the Jews.”

c. Joh 19:19 reads, “Jesus of Nazareth the king of the Jews.”

Latin was the official language.

Greek was the common language of usage.

Hebrew was the vernacular of the Jews in Judea.

Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary

(38) And a superscription.See Note on Mat. 27:38.

Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)

38. Letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew The Greek was the universal language of literature; the Latin was the language of the Roman empire; the Hebrew (being the Aramean or Chaldee-Syriac) was spoken vernacularly by the Jews. The rabbins say there are three most perfect languages: the Roman for battle, the Greek for conversation, the Syriac for prayers.

Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

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

And then in stark contrast to all that they were doing we are told of the proclamation above His cross. Written on a placard above His head were the words THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.’ But this was not in jest. We learn elsewhere that Pilate had done it deliberately in order to annoy the Jewish leaders, and when they objected had declared, ‘what I have written I have written’ (Joh 19:19-22). While he did not acknowledge Jesus, he at least acknowledged why He was there. The placing of such an accusation above the head of a condemned man was a regular practise, but never was one more important or more revealing than this.

Note how this verse is central in the chiasmus amidst all the mockery which is gathered on both sides, leading on finally to His recognition by the second evildoer. To Luke these words meant even more than they did to Pilate. Here was the truth for the world to see. This One Who hung here was the promised King Who would yet be set to rule over all creation and all who are in it. He was the One Whom the magi had sought, the world ruler of the last days (Mat 2:2).

Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett

Luk 23:38. And a superscription also There is no transposition necessary here; for St. Luke does not tell us when the superscription was written, so far was he from saying that it was written after Jesus was mocked. He only observes in general that there was a title placed over him; and by mentioning it together with the insults, insinuates, that it was one of them; and perhaps the Greek may with propriety be so rendered, as to introduce this verse, in explanation of that preceding. For a superscription was also written over him, &c. by which, as well as by common report, these soldiers were acquainted with his claim to the kingdom of Israel. St. John has in some measure marked the particular time when the title was written and affixed. See Ch. Joh 19:19.

Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke

“And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. (39) And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. (40) But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? (41) And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. (42) And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. (43) And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with me in paradise.”

Of the titles on the cross, I refer to Joh 19:19 . But, as Luke is the only Evangelist which hath recorded the abundant mercy shewn to the dying thief, I shall beg to make a short observation upon it here. Matthew and Mark are both express to shew, that those men which were crucified with Jesus, joined the rabble to insult Christ. And Luke saith, that one of them reproved his hardened companion; owned Christ for a Savior; found mercy from Christ; and received the assurance of being that day with him in Paradise. And, no doubt, the whole relation of the Evangelists is correct. Both thieves at the first, when nailed to the cross, joined the cry against our Lord, until one of them, struck by divine conviction, had his heart suddenly changed, and cried out for mercy. Jesus snatched him as from the very brink of hell, and as a trophy of his rich, free, and sovereign grace, took him with him to heaven. I beg the Reader not to pass away from the view of such wonderful love, until that he hath feasted his soul with the contemplation. Here was no merit, no pre-disposition, no service, no ordinance, no means, neither baptism nor the Lord’s supper; but, on the contrary, everything of demerit, a life of infamy, and within a short period all over, and dying under the hand of justice. And yet such an one the Son of God took with him at once to everlasting joy! What will any man call this? Was Christ, or was He not, in this instance, the whole of salvation? And is He not so in every other?

Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)

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

Ver. 38. Greek, Latin, and Hebrew ] This venerable eulogy and epitaph, set upon our Saviour’s cross, proclaimed him King of all religion, having reference to the Hebrews; of all wisdom, to the Greeks; of all power, to the Latins.

Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)

38. ] See on Mat 27:37 .

, over Him, on the projecting upright beam of the cross.

Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament

Luk 23:38 . , over Him, i.e. , above His head; or in reference to Him (Bleek). The is viewed by Lk. as also an insult, crowning the others ( ), to which answers its form as in W. and H [199] : . . = the King of the Jews this (crucified person).

[199] Westcott and Hort.

Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson

superscription. Not the same word as in Matthew and John. See App-163.

over. Greek. epi. App-104.

THIS IS, &c. See App-48for this type; and App-163for the words themselves.

Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics

38.] See on Mat 27:37.

, over Him, on the projecting upright beam of the cross.

Fuente: The Greek Testament

Luk 23:38. , now there wets also) The mention of His Kingship joins the 37th and 38th verses.-, in letters) There are still, to the present day, three languages in particular, to which they who learn and preach Christ are bound to devote their attention-Hebrew, Greek, and Latin.-, Hebraic, of Hebrew) In Joh 19:20, the Hebrew is placed first in order. Luke enumerates the languages in the order in which Pilate had arranged them.[261] That order was [if one is disposed to admit of conjecture.-Harm., p. 567] Greek, Latin, Hebrew. John arranges them according to the custom of the Hebrews, in the order of their nature and dignity. Both however adopt that order, in which Christ and His cross and kingdom were subsequently preached. The beginning was made in the Hebrew tongue: in the last times the Hebrews shall have the first place (the most prominent part to fill). The Roman tongue never occupied the first place; nor is it destined, after the destruction of Rome, to remain in great vigour.

[261] Townson, in his Harmony of the Gospels, shows the probability that Matthew gave the Hebrew inscription, as in other particulars his Gospel has most of an Hebraic character, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS. Mark, in accordance with the Latin or Roman aspect of his Gospel, probably gave the Latin inscription, THE KING OF THE JEWS; and so no foreign word is found in this, supposing that this is the Latin. Pilate would scorn to introduce any word from another tongue in the inscription written in the language of dominant Rome. The brevity, too, accords with the genius both of the Latin and of the Evangelists own style. Luke follows Mark with This is ( , verse 35), brought down from above, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. Thus the Greek is left for John, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS. But Bengels view, given in the note, Joh 19:19, that the words were the same in the three languages, is perhaps more probable. See his note.-E. and T.

Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament

Luk 23:3, Mat 27:11, Mat 27:37, Mar 15:18, Mar 15:26, Mar 15:32, Joh 19:3, Joh 19:19-22

Reciprocal: Mic 5:2 – that is Mat 2:2 – born Act 21:40 – Hebrew

Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

8

Superscription is explained at Mat 27:37.

Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary

Luk 23:38. And there was also a superscription over him. See notes under the text Luke mentions the title later than the other Evangelists; the sneer of the soldiers suggested the mention of Pilates mockery in writing this superscription.

Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament

Luk 23:38. A superscription also was written over him, &c. THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS No transposition is necessary here: for Luke does not tell us when the superscription was written, so far is he from saying that it was written after Jesus was mocked. He only observes in general that there was a title placed over him, and by mentioning it together with the insults, insinuates that it was one of them. The Evangelist John has marked the particular time when the title was written and affixed, Luk 19:9. See notes on Mat 27:37-38.

Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Verse 38

Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, because those three languages were spoken in Jerusalem at this time. Laws and public proclamations are often, in conquered countries, published in different languages. The Hebrew was the native language; the Latin that of the Romans, who were the masters of the country at that time. The Greek had been previously introduced into the Jewish regions, by the conquests of Alexander.

Fuente: Abbott’s Illustrated New Testament

23:38 {11} And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

(11) Pilate is unknowingly made a preacher of the kingdom of Christ.

Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes