What exact inscription was placed above Jesus on the cross?

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Multiple Choice

What exact inscription was placed above Jesus on the cross?

The exact inscription communicates both who Jesus is and what charge is being stated. In the Gospel of John, the sign over the cross reads “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” This pairing of a name with a definite title is why that wording fits best: it identifies Jesus by his hometown and proclaims his kingship in one complete phrase. Pilate had the sign placed to declare the charge in a visible way, and John preserves the precise wording, including the definite article before King of the Jews. Other gospel accounts report shorter or slightly different phrasings, such as indicating only the charge or omitting the geographical identifier, which is why those alternatives don’t match the exact inscription.

The exact inscription communicates both who Jesus is and what charge is being stated. In the Gospel of John, the sign over the cross reads “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” This pairing of a name with a definite title is why that wording fits best: it identifies Jesus by his hometown and proclaims his kingship in one complete phrase.

Pilate had the sign placed to declare the charge in a visible way, and John preserves the precise wording, including the definite article before King of the Jews. Other gospel accounts report shorter or slightly different phrasings, such as indicating only the charge or omitting the geographical identifier, which is why those alternatives don’t match the exact inscription.

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