Why did Pontius Pilate put INRI?

Since according to the rules of the Roman Empire, calling oneself king was grounds for treason, Pontius Pilate ordered that the initials INRI be inscribed on Jesus’ tomb after the crucifixion. In Latin, INRI stood for Jesus’ name and his title of King of the Jews.

What language did Pilate speak to Jesus?

Aramaic
Pilate begins in Aramaic and Jesus answers in Latin. This greatly surprises Pilate, who continues the conversation in Latin.

Why did Pilate write on the cross?

The phrase appears in the Bible in John 19:20–22. When Jesus was sent to be crucified, Pilate wrote the sign to be hung above Jesus on the cross. The Jewish priests voiced their objections of this to Pilate, stating that Jesus had only claimed the title and they did not recognise Him as such.

Did Pilate accuse Jesus of being King of the Jews?

The Jews realised this, and protested to Pilate, “Don’t just write ‘King of the Jews’ but write that he claimed to be King of the Jews.” But Pilate refused. “What I have written, I have written” (John 19:21-22). Pilate had found no guilt in Jesus (John 19:6). This was why the “accusation” he wrote was really no accusation at all.

What did Pilate write on the Cross of Jesus?

Pilate wrote the inscription and had it nailed to the top of the cross of Jesus. John 19:19 Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS. This greatly angered the chief priests of the Jews, who demanded of Pilate….

Why do the chief priests ask Pilate to write a denial?

The chief priests appear to be protesting at what Pilate has written, presumably because it appears to be affirming what they wish to deny. They ask him write instead that ‘he said, I am King of the Jews’ – notably they do not ask him to remove the title altogether, or to write a denial.

What is the meaning of INRI on the crucifix?

The inscription Pilate had written is depicted on crucifixes with the abbreviation INRI. This refers to the Latin translation of Pilate’s charge, Iesus Nazarenus, Rex Iudaeorum (Jesus the Nazarene, King of the Jews). On occasion the first letter is rendered as a “J” instead of an “I,” but the Latin is still the same.