What title did the Roman inscription above Jesus’ cross identify him as?

The Roman inscription above Jesus’ cross identified him as “King of the Jews.”

All four canonical Gospels refer to a charge or sign placed over Jesus during the crucifixion. The wording varies slightly: Matthew, Mark, and Luke give forms of “The King of the Jews,” while John gives “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” John also says the inscription was written in Hebrew or Aramaic, Latin, and Greek, allowing different groups to read it.

The familiar abbreviation INRI comes from the Latin phrase Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum, meaning “Jesus the Nazarene, King of the Jews.” In the narrative, the title functions as the political accusation presented by Roman authority, while Christians later interpreted it as a profound statement about Jesus’ identity. “King of the Jews” should not be confused with “King of Israel,” another title used in Gospel scenes, or with the separate messianic title “Son of David.”