Bible Dictionary
SUPERSCRIPTION
A superscription is an inscription identifying the authority of a coin or stating an accusation. At Jesus’ crucifixion, it was the written charge fixed to the cross, declaring Him “King of the Jews.”
Definition
A superscription is an inscription or title. It may identify the person in whose honor a coin was issued or state the charge against a condemned person.
Biblical Usage
At Jesus’ crucifixion, a superscription was fixed to the cross according to Roman custom, giving the ground of His condemnation and identifying Him as King of the Jews. The four Gospels describe it with differing fullness and wording.
Historical Background
Roman practice placed an inscription bearing the accusation on the cross of a criminal. The Gospel accounts use the terms accusation, superscription, and title.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>su-per-skrip'-shun (epigraphe):</p><p>(1) The legend on a coin designating the person in whose honor or by whose authority it is issued (Mt 22:20; Mr 12:16; Lu 20:24).</p><p>(2) The accusation on the cross of Jesus (Mr 15:26; Lu 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" (he epigraphe tes aitias autou) (15:26). Matthew calls it more briefly "his accusation" (ten aitian autou) (27:38), while Luke styles it merely "a superscription" (epigraphe) (23:38). In the Fourth Gospel it is called a "title" (titlon) (Joh 19:19). The text of the superscription is given by the four evangelists in varying terms and with various degrees of fullness.</p><p>Russell Benjamin Miller</p>