Inri Crucifix Pendants

What Does the INRI Sign Mean?

The “INRI” initials stand for Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum. This Latin phrase means “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews” in English. Signs like this were typically placed on crosses above the victim during public crucifixion to describe the alleged criminal act that led to such a punishment. The idea was to further shame those who were being crucified.

The description written on the INRI sign above Jesus may have sounded fitting for who He is, but it was actually meant to mock Him. The Jewish people had waited generations for God to send a Messiah to save them. However, by the time Jesus arrived, many Jewish leaders believed the Messiah would set them free in the earthly realm from the Roman occupation that had taken their homeland captive. They had also spent years perverting God’s teachings to fit their own human agenda and expected the Messiah to fit their twisted view of God’s prophecies.

Initially, many Jewish people and leaders accepted Jesus as the Messiah, or even as a prolific rabbi. However, His teachings soon alienated Him from the corrupted Sadducees and Pharisees who led the Jewish people. They accused Him of blasphemy after He failed to fit their corrupted religious expectations and eventually had Him turned over to the Roman authorities for punishment.

Jesus was given to Roman authorities just one week after the Jewish people welcomed Him into Jerusalem as their King. Jesus had already referred to Himself as King of the Jews, which angered Jewish leaders. So, the Roman authorities believed the INRI sign would be a fitting way to mock Him based on His teachings. It was meant to contrast with His graphic, humiliating death. They also mocked Him to His face as a King after placing the crown of thorns on His head before the crucifixion.

"And they put up over His head the accusation written against Him: THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS" (Matthew 27:37).

Why is INRI included on Crucifix Pendants?

Since the sign was intended to mock Jesus, it may seem odd that His followers would want to include it in their cross jewelry and pendants. But there’s more to this sentiment.

Throughout the Bible, God frequently takes something meant for evil and uses it for good. His people did the same thing with the INRI sign by including it in their crucifixes and jewelry. As it turns out, something meant to mock Jesus actually describes Him accurately: He really is the King of Jews - and everyone else, for that matter.

The INRI sign included with cross pendants is now used as an acknowledgement of who Jesus actually is after a failed attempt to mock Him. Christians use INRI crucifix pendants to proudly proclaim Christ as their King.

Apples of Gold Jewelry offers a vast selection of INRI pendants. They are among the most exquisite, detailed pendant collections we offer. These are just a few of the dozens of INRI pendant designs available from Apples of Gold. We invite you to browse our selection to find the perfect pendant for you!

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