Lexical Summary Rhómaisti: In the Roman language; in Latin Original Word: Ῥωμαϊστί Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Latin. Adverb from a presumed derivative of Rhome; Romaistically, i.e. In the Latin language -- Latin. see GREEK Rhome NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originadverb from Rhómaios Definition in Latin NASB Translation Latin (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4515: ῬωμαϊστίῬωμαϊστί, adverb, in the Roman fashion or language, in Latin: John 19:20. (Epictetus diss. 1, 17, 16; Plutarch, Appian, others.) Topical Lexicon Location within Scripture The sole New Testament occurrence is John 19:20, where the evangelist notes that the placard fixed to the cross of Jesus was written “in Aramaic, Latin, and Greek.” Linguistic Context Ῥωμαϊστί denotes speech in the Latin tongue, the official language of Rome’s administration and military. While Greek served as the lingua franca of the eastern Mediterranean, Latin carried the weight of Roman legal authority. The inclusion of Ῥωμαϊστί underscores the multicultural environment of first-century Jerusalem, where three major languages coexisted: local Semitic, imperial Latin, and international Greek. Historical Background By the first century, Judea was a province under direct Roman rule. Official edicts, military commands, and judicial proceedings were typically rendered in Latin. Although Greek remained dominant among the populace, Latin signified the governing power’s presence. Pontius Pilate, a Roman prefect, would naturally authorize inscriptions in Latin to authenticate legal decisions, such as the condemnation of a criminal. The Tri-Lingual Inscription and Christ’s Kingship John 19:19-22 highlights Pilate’s declaration: “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” The inscription’s Latin form granted it imperial legitimacy. Its simultaneous presentation in Aramaic and Greek ensured local and international readability, but the Latin portion bore Rome’s official sanction. Ironically, the language of the empire proclaimed the kingship of the One whose kingdom “is not of this world” (John 18:36). Thus, even in execution, Christ’s sovereignty was acknowledged before every cultural group present. Implications for Early Church Mission Luke records that Pentecost pilgrims heard the apostles “declaring the wonders of God” in their own tongues (Acts 2:11). Although Latin is not explicitly listed there, Roman citizens and soldiers were within earshot of the gospel from the beginning (Acts 10:1; Acts 27:1). The single New Testament use of Ῥωμαϊστί foreshadows the gospel’s eventual penetration into Rome, culminating in Paul’s arrival “at last” (Romans 1:15). Latin-speaking believers would later produce translations such as the Vetus Latina and the Vulgate, ensuring Scripture’s longevity in the West. Doctrinal and Devotional Reflections 1. Universality of the Gospel – The presence of Latin beside Aramaic and Greek during the crucifixion signals God’s intent to speak to every people group. Related Passages John 18:36; John 19:19-22; Acts 2:5-11; Acts 28:30-31; Romans 1:14-15; Revelation 5:9 Forms and Transliterations Ρωμαιστι Ῥωμαϊστί Rhomaisti Rhomaïstí Rhōmaisti Rhōmaïstí Romaisti RōmaistiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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