ἐπιγραφή
an inscription, title
Definition
ἐπιγραφή refers to an inscription, title, or label that is written or engraved upon something. In the New Testament, it consistently denotes an official inscription, particularly the titulus or charge placed above Jesus on the cross (Mark 15:26, Luke 23:38). It also refers to the inscription on a Roman denarius coin, identifying Caesar's authority (Matthew 22:20, Mark 12:16, Luke 20:24). The word carries the sense of a public, authoritative declaration meant to be read and understood.
Biblical Usage
This noun is used five times in the Synoptic Gospels. In three instances, it describes the inscription on Roman coins during debates about taxes and authority (Matt. 22:20, Mark 12:16, Luke 20:24). In the other two, it specifies the written notice of Jesus's crucifixion charge, posted above him on the cross (Mark 15:26, Luke 23:38). Its usage is always tied to objects (coins, a cross) bearing an official, public text.
Etymology
Derived from the preposition ἐπί (epi, meaning 'upon' or 'over') and the root γραφή (graphē, meaning 'writing' or 'that which is written'). It literally means 'a writing upon' something. It is a compound noun that clearly conveys the idea of an inscription placed on a surface.
Semantic Range
Theologically, ἐπιγραφή highlights the theme of public proclamation and identity. On the coin, it declares Caesar's lordship, setting up Jesus's famous distinction between earthly and divine authority (Mark 12:17). On the cross, the inscription proclaims Jesus's identity as 'the King of the Jews' (Mark 15:26). This was an unintended but profound public declaration of Christ's true kingship, even in his execution, showing God's sovereignty over human actions.
In the Roman world, inscriptions on coins were propaganda, asserting the emperor's authority and dominion. The titulus on a cross was a standard Roman practice, stating the criminal's charge publicly as a warning. Understanding this cultural context makes the irony profound: Pilate's inscription, meant to mock, became a truthful, kingly proclamation to all who passed by.
γράμμα (gramma, G1121) — emphasizes the written characters or letter itself, more technical. τίτλος (titlos, G5102) — the Latin loanword used in John's Gospel (19:19-20) for the same 'title' on the cross, showing direct Roman context.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Dodson Greek-English Lexicon, a concise public-domain resource suitable for introductory word study. Brief glosses are supplemented by STEPBible TBESG data (CC BY 4.0). For advanced research, standard scholarly references include BDAG (Danker, 3rd ed.) and LSJ.
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