What does the word INRI on the cross of the Lord Jesus mean?

QUESTION: May I understand, what do the words above the cross of the Lord Jesus (I.N.R.I)/INRI mean?, I have always seen in the pictures of the Cross, but I do not find it anywhere in the Bible?

ANSWER: When we read the book of John chapter 19 verses 19-20 the Bible says.

“And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was Jesus Of Nazareth The King Of The Jews.

²⁰This 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”.

As we read, On the cross of the Lord Jesus, Pilate wrote a title which explains who he was. Now the words “JESUS the Nazarene, the King of the Jews”… in Latin (or, Roman), it reads … “Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum.” Or shortly I.N.R.I…

Now most of the denominations, especially Catholic, Anglican and Lutheran, like to use that word INRI to represent the words written on the cross of Jesus.

But the fact is that on the cross, the words were not written in short, but they were written in the same way as it was in all three languages, so that everyone who passed by could read it, and that’s why the Pharisees told Pilate, “Do not write, that this is the King of the Jews; but write that he calls himself, the king of the Jews” … You see? it implies that the texts were completely read and not that it was written in short.

But despite all of this, examining the cross in shape, color or texture..investigating it whether it was too long, or too short, or that it was a plus sign, or that it stood as a pillar, or that its writing was written in blue or yellow ink, all that are all less important because they don’t contribute to our salvation? Because even in the same Word JESUS THE NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS, if you read another gospel you will see it says only the KING OF JEWS (Mark 15:26), and another part says THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS (Luke 23:38). Therefore if you translate in Latin (Roman) you will find it quite different from the INRI acronym.

Now that is to teach us that what we need to know is that Christ was crucified on a tree, and that His crucifixion brought about the sinful remission of our lives. This is the essence of the cross, and that anyone who believes in Jesus Christ will receive the remission of his/her sins and the redemption of his/her life, so we should not look at the cross, and glorify it until it has led others to the point of worshiping it and fear it, which is a great abomination in the sight of God. God.

Be blessed

Related Articles: