Frequently asked questions and answers:

Question 226: Why was the inscription used on the cross “The King of the Jews”?

Answer:

From the fact that the evangelists give as three different forms for the inscription over the cross it has been argued that they were not accurate in their portrayal of things and events. There is however nothing here to disturb anyone. Matthew 27:37 has it, "This is Yeshua the King of the Jews," using probably the Greek form; Mark 25:26, "The King of the Jews" and Luke 23:38, "This is the King of the Jews," availed themselves of the Roman form and John 19:19, "Yeshua the Nazarene, the King of the Jews," probably employed the Hebrew form. Since the four accounts of the inscription do not differ in import the exact language of the insulting designation is of little or no consequence.