Luke 23:44-46
The Death of Jesus
It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, while the sun’s light failed, and the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” Having said this, he breathed his last.
About the Picture
Crucifix by Rhenish 12th Century, Mosan 12th Century
Used with permission from Peter Huestis, Museum Specialist
Full Image
The Co-Pilot explanation of the Latin IHC. NAZA / RENVS. REX. / IVDEORVM
IHC / IHS
- A Christogram — an abbreviation of Jesus’ name.
- Derived from the first three Greek letters of “Jesus”: ΙΗΣ (Iēsous).
- In Latin script this becomes IHS or IHC (the C representing the Greek sigma).
NAZA
- Short for Nazarenus — “of Nazareth.”
RENV / REX
- Rex = “King.”
- Renus/Renvs is a medieval or stylistic contraction of Rex Nazarenus or part of the longer phrase.
- On many medieval crucifixes, engravers broke the words across lines, producing forms like RENVS . REX.
IVDEORVM
- Latin for “of the Jews.”
- In classical Latin spelling: Iudaeorum.
- Latin uses I for J and V for U, so it appears as IVDEORVM.
Putting the fragments together: INRI
IHC. NAZA / RENVS . REX. / IVDEORVM
→ Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum
→ “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.”
This is the same inscription referred to in the Gospels (John 19:19–22), traditionally abbreviated as INRI.
Interactive Map
A guided overview of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, showing what is believed to be the rock of Calvary on which Jesus was crucified. No endorsement of “Every Christian Must See” implied. Note the small wooden ladder above the entrance that can’t be moved as the religious leaders that manage the Church can’t agree who manages that space.
