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John 19:20

Made Simple — Modern English Translation

Translated by Verse Made Simple Editorial
KJV ORIGINAL
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.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE

A lot of Jewish people ended up reading this sign because Jesus was crucified close to the city where everyone could see it. And they made sure to write it in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin, basically all the languages people spoke there.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

They put Jesus' sign where everyone walking by could read it, no matter what language they spoke.

📚 Historical Context

In the Gospel of John, this verse describes the sign placed on Jesus' cross by the Roman authorities, which read "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews," and was intended to mock Him while serving as a public declaration. This event occurred at Golgotha, a site just outside Jerusalem, during the crucifixion under Pontius Pilate, making it visible to a large crowd of Jews and others in the bustling city. The use of Hebrew, Greek, and Latin on the sign reflected the multilingual society of first-century Judea under Roman rule, ensuring the message reached diverse groups.

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