Matthew 27:37

His accusation. John (ch. 19:20) states that the indictment was written in Hebrew (Aramaic), the common language of the people, in Greek, the language of learning and culture, and in Latin, the official language of the Roman Empire. He also states (v. 19) that the wording of the “title” was Pilate’s. The Jews protested (v. 21), apparently because the title seemed to be an insult to their nation. Pilate, in resentment against the pressure the Jewish leaders had brought to bear in the case—even to the point of threatening him—refused to alter it (v. 22).

King of the Jews. John (ch. 19:19) no doubt gives the “title” in full, whereas each of the synoptic writers gives an abbreviation (Matt. 27:37; Mark 15:26; Luke 23:38; see Additional Notes on Matt. 3, Note 2). The “title,” which was also an accusation, consisted of the condemned man’s name, place of residence, and offense. The Jews were irritated by the fact that this accusation constituted a Roman warning that any man who posed as a king of the Jews could expect a similar fate. This implied perpetual submission to Rome, a prospect most galling to the pride of the Jews.