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Book of John - Chapter 19 - Verse 20

19:20
This 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.

Meaning

When we look at the significance of the verse "This 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," we see that it emphasizes the universality of Jesus' sacrifice and the message of salvation. The fact that the title was written in three languages - Hebrew, Greek, and Latin - indicates that it was meant to reach a wide audience, reflecting the diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds of the people present at the crucifixion. This multilingual display underscores the inclusive nature of Jesus' redemptive work, which is meant for all people, regardless of their ethnic or linguistic identity. It also serves as a symbolic reminder that Jesus' death on the cross was a pivotal moment in history that transcended boundaries and reached across civilizations. By being written in multiple languages, the title of Jesus' crucifixion conveys a powerful message of unity, diversity, and the universal significance of his sacrifice for humanity.

Theological Overview

One possible theological interpretation of this verse is that the mention of three languages - Hebrew, Greek, and Latin - in which the title declaring Jesus as "the King of the Jews" was written emphasizes the universal significance of Christ's crucifixion. The use of multiple languages suggests that the message of Jesus's sacrifice is intended for all people, regardless of their linguistic or cultural background. This could be seen as a foreshadowing of the Great Commission, where Jesus instructs his disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Additionally, the proximity of the crucifixion site to the city further highlights the public nature of Jesus's death, as well as the fulfillment of prophecies foretelling the suffering of the Messiah. Overall, this verse underscores the inclusivity of Christ's sacrifice and the importance of spreading the gospel to all corners of the world.

American Standard Version

This 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.
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