What was Latin in the Bible?
Latin is mentioned in the Bible in the context of the inscription placed above Jesus Christ during His crucifixion. Specifically, the Bible references Latin in Luke 23:38 and John 19:20. These verses highlight the use of Latin, along with Hebrew and Greek, to proclaim Jesus as the “King of the Jews.” This inclusion is significant for its historical and theological implications.
Latin in the Crucifixion Narrative
Luke 23:38
In Luke 23:38, it is written, “There was a written notice above him, which read: this is the king of the jews.” The word used for Latin in this verse is derived from the Greek word Λατινιστί (Latinisti), indicating the language in which the notice was written. This notice was placed above Jesus on the cross, identifying Him in Latin as the King of the Jews.
John 19:20
John 19:20 states, “Many of the Jews read this sign, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek.” Here, the inclusion of Latin signifies the language of the Roman Empire, ensuring that a broad audience could understand the proclamation. The inscription’s trilingual nature emphasized the universal declaration of Jesus’ kingship.
Significance of Latin in the Biblical Context
The Roman Influence
Latin was the official language of the Roman Empire, the dominant political and military power during the time of Jesus. The use of Latin in the inscription above Jesus’ cross underscores the Roman authority over the region and highlights the political dimensions of Jesus’ crucifixion. Pilate’s decision to write the inscription in Latin, as well as in Hebrew and Greek, ensured that the message reached a wide audience, including Roman officials, Jewish residents, and Hellenistic (Greek-speaking) inhabitants.
Universal Proclamation
The trilingual inscription underscores the universal nature of Jesus’ message. By proclaiming Jesus as the King of the Jews in Latin, Greek, and Hebrew, the message was made accessible to different linguistic and cultural groups. This act symbolizes that Jesus’ kingship and the message of salvation transcend ethnic and linguistic barriers, emphasizing the inclusivity of the Gospel.
Lessons for the Modern Christian
The Universality of the Gospel
The use of Latin in the inscription on Jesus’ cross highlights the universality of His message. Modern Christians can learn from this that the Gospel is meant for all people, regardless of their language, culture, or background. This calls believers to embrace diversity within the body of Christ and to share the message of Jesus with everyone, reflecting the inclusive nature of the Gospel.
The Sovereignty of Jesus
The inscription declaring Jesus as the “King of the Jews” in Latin, along with Greek and Hebrew, emphasizes His sovereignty. This serves as a reminder to modern Christians of Jesus’ authority over all nations and peoples. Recognizing Jesus as King in their own lives means submitting to His lordship and acknowledging His rule over every aspect of life.
Connection to a Loving God
God’s Inclusive Love
The inclusion of multiple languages in the crucifixion narrative demonstrates God’s inclusive love. It shows that God’s message of salvation is not limited to a specific group but is available to all humanity. For modern Christians, this reflects the boundless nature of God’s love and His desire for all people to come to the knowledge of the truth and be saved (1 Timothy 2:4).
Assurance of God’s Sovereignty
The multilingual inscription serves as a testament to God’s sovereignty and His orchestration of events for His purposes. This reassures believers that God is in control, even in the midst of challenging and chaotic circumstances. It encourages Christians to trust in God’s plan and His ability to work all things together for good (Romans 8:28).
Connection to Jesus Christ
Jesus as the Universal King
The proclamation of Jesus as King in Latin, Greek, and Hebrew underscores His universal kingship. Jesus is not just the Messiah for the Jewish people but the Savior for the entire world. This affirms the central Christian belief that salvation through Jesus Christ is available to all who believe, regardless of their background.
The Fulfillment of Prophecy
The inscription above Jesus’ cross fulfills Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah being a light to the Gentiles (Isaiah 42:6, 49:6). By being proclaimed King in multiple languages, Jesus fulfills the prophetic vision of a Messiah who would bring salvation to the ends of the earth. This connection deepens the understanding of Jesus’ mission and His role in God’s redemptive plan.
Conclusion
The use of Latin in the crucifixion narrative, alongside Hebrew and Greek, holds significant theological and historical implications. It underscores the universal nature of Jesus’ kingship and the inclusive reach of the Gospel message. For modern Christians, this serves as a powerful reminder of the sovereignty of Jesus, the inclusive love of God, and the call to share the message of salvation with all people. The multilingual inscription above the cross highlights the fulfillment of prophecy and reinforces the central Christian belief in Jesus as the universal King and Savior.