Definition: And Pilate wrote a title, and put [it] on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from John 19:19. It’s a really significant part of Jesus' final moments. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes what happened after Jesus was put on trial by the Roman authorities – specifically, the governor, Pontius Pilate. It tells us that Pilate wrote a title for Jesus. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And Pilate wrote a title…” : This means Pilate, who was in charge of overseeing the trial, decided to give Jesus a name and description. “…and put [it] on the cross.” : He then affixed this title – “JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS” - to the cross. What does it mean? This title is a combination of several things: Jesus: It’s simply acknowledging Jesus as the person being accused and punished. Nazareth: This refers to the town where Jesus was born. It's a place of significance in Jewish history, linked to the lineage of King David. King of the Jews: This is the most important part. It’s a powerful statement – it suggests that Jesus was considered the rightful ruler of the Jewish people, and that he was destined for a significant role in their destiny. Why is this important? This title was a deliberate attempt to give Jesus some significance and justification within Roman eyes. It highlighted his connection to the ancient Jewish tradition and suggested he held a position of importance and authority – which angered the Romans! It also shows that Pilate recognized Jesus' power and influence, even in the face of legal charges. In short: The verse tells us that Pilate gave Jesus a title that emphasized his Jewish identity and proclaimed him as the king of the Jews - a powerful statement intended to influence the judgment. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse further? For example, I could delve into: The context of the trial – why was Jesus put on trial? The symbolism behind the title "King of the Jews"?