← G5101 G5103 →

τίτλος

títlos

G5102 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

An inscription, label, or placard (typically attached to something) that conveys identification, authorship, or explanation; especially a formal written notice or summary placed prominently—such as a sign designating an accusation, authorship, or content. In Roman judicial and public contexts, refers specifically to a written placard announcing a criminal charge and affixed for public notice, such as the sign placed above a crucified person’s head denoting the crime for which they were executed.

Semantic Range

inscription; written placard or label; formal announcement or notice (especially of a charge or authorship); rubric or heading (in later contexts)

Root / Etymology

From the Latin 'titulus', meaning 'title', 'label', or 'inscription' (borrowed directly into Greek with the spelling adjustment for Greek phonology). The Greek τίτλος is a loanword, not a native Hellenic derivation.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In koine Greek, τίτλος is rare outside of contexts referring explicitly to Roman or Latin practices. In the New Testament (notably John 19:19-22), it refers to the placard Pilate affixed to the cross of Jesus, stating the official charge. In the Septuagint and other early Jewish Greek writings, the term is virtually absent, reflecting its Latin and administrative origins. In classical Greek, native terms like ἐπιγραφή (epigraphē, 'inscription') or γραφή ('writing') were more common for inscriptions or written notices, but τίτλος enters Greek usage in the context of contact with Roman official procedures. Later, τίτλος also came to mean rubric, chapter heading, or superscription in manuscript traditions, but that sense develops after the New Testament period. Standard English translations render τίτλος with 'title' or 'inscription,' but these may lack the judicial or official nuance present in Roman usage.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

of Latin origin; a titulus or "title" (placard):--title.

Root Family

τίτλος (titlos) — inscription, label, placard, title

Root uncertain inscription, label, placard, title

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G5102-01 τίτλον titlon N ACC M SG title written placard placard 2

Occurrences in Scripture

2 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G5102-01 John 19:19 τίτλον titlon N ACC M SG title written placard placard
G5102-01 John 19:20 τίτλον titlon N ACC M SG title written placard written placard
← G5101 Greek Lexicon G5103 →