What Are the Letters on a Crucifix?

A sign with the letters INRI is a standard characteristic of Catholic crucifixes; it was part of the cross on which Jesus hung. As a part of the history of the Catholic Church and Jesus's trial, death and resurrection, the initials are most familiar to members of the Catholic faith.

INRI

The letters at the top of the crucifix are INRI. Pontius Pilate had these written over Jesus's head as he hung on the cross.

Translation

The Latin title given to Jesus on the cross was Iesvs Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum (in the Latin Language, they use I instead of J, and V instead of U). This translates into English as "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews."

Bible Verse

From John 19:19-20: "Pilate also had an inscription written and put on the cross. It read, "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews." Many of the Jews read this inscription, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek."

Meaning

The religious leaders had already decided Jesus should be put to death. They took Jesus to Pontius Pilate and accused Jesus of treason. They claimed Jesus was representing himself as King of the Jews. At this time, Jews had an agreement with Rome for self-government. This made acting as a king to the Jews an act against Rome. When Jesus refused to deny the accusations, Pilate found Jesus guilty be default and ordered him crucified.

Titling

Once found guilty of a crime, the accused had their crime posted over their head on the cross. Since Jesus was found guilty of professing to be king of the Jews, this inscription has been included on crucifixes since that time.