Lectionary Calendar
Friday, May 3rd, 2024
the Fifth Week after Easter
Bible Encyclopedias
Superscription
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
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sū́ - pẽr - skrip´shun ( ἐπιγραφή , epigraphḗ ): (1) The legend on a coin designating the person in whose honor or by whose authority it is issued ( Matthew 22:20; Mark 12:16; Luke 20:24 ). (2) The accusation on the cross of Jesus (Mark 15:26; Luke 23:38 ). According to Roman custom an inscription bearing the charge or ground of a criminal's condemnation was fixed to the cross on which he was crucified. The use of such an inscription at the crucifixion of Jesus is mentioned by all four evangelists. The fullest description is that of Mark, "the superscription of his accusation" (ή ἐπιγραφὴ τῆς αἰτίας ἀυτοῦ , hē epigraphḗ tḗs aitı́as autoú ) (Mark 15:26 ). Matthew calls it more briefly "his accusation" (τὴν αἰτίαν αὐτοῦ , tḗn aitı́an autoú ) (Matthew 27:38 ), while Luke styles it merely "a superscription" (epigraphē ) (Luke 23:38 ). In the Fourth Gospel it is called a "title" (τίτλον , tı́tlon ) (John 19:19 ). The text of the superscription is given by the four evangelists in varying terms and with various degrees of fullness.
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Bibliography Information
Orr, James, M.A., D.D. General Editor. Entry for 'Superscription'. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. https://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/eng/isb/s/superscription.html. 1915.
