abbreviation

INRI

eye-en-ar-EYE

INRI (abbreviation) means the four letters shown on the board above Christ's head in depictions of the crucifixion, standing for the Latin inscription meaning 'Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews'. Example: “A small scroll bearing INRI is nailed above the figure's head.”

abbreviation

The four letters shown on the board above Christ's head in depictions of the crucifixion, standing for the Latin inscription meaning 'Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews'.

"A small scroll bearing INRI is nailed above the figure's head."

"Almost every crucifix in the church carries the letters INRI."

How to use INRI

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe Latin initials written above Jesus on the cross.

When to use it

Religious and art-historical contexts; almost always printed in capitals.

Memory tip

Do not confuse INRI with IHS, another common church monogram, which comes from the first letters of the name Jesus in Greek.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

IHS Chi-Rho

Common pairings

INRI inscription the letters INRI INRI above the cross

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

A small scroll bearing _____ is nailed above the figure's head.

Etymology

An initialism of the Latin Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum, 'Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews'.

Origin: Latin

Frequently asked questions

What does INRI stand for?

It stands for Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum, Latin for 'Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews'. Latin used I where later Latin and English use J, which is why there is no J in the initialism.

Why is INRI written on the cross?

The Gospels record that Pilate had a notice of the charge fixed above the cross, written in Hebrew, Latin and Greek. Christian art has represented that notice with the Latin initials ever since, usually painted on a small board or scroll.

What is the meaning of INRI?

"INRI" (abbreviation) means the four letters shown on the board above Christ's head in depictions of the crucifixion, standing for the Latin inscription meaning 'Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews'.

How do you use INRI in a sentence?

Example: "A small scroll bearing INRI is nailed above the figure's head."