How Is It Written? Mark 9:12, Heavenly Writ, and the King of the Jews Inscription

Abstract

Scholars offer various scriptural precedents for how the Son of Man’s suffering is “written” according to Mark 9:12. This article proposes that Jesus’ suffering is written in heaven, and that it appears, ultimately, as the “King of the Jews” inscription (15:26). The use of γέγραπται in 9:12 does not preclude future application, so that Mark’s grammar allows for past writing to remerge during the Passion. The language that appears alongside the “King of the Jews” inscription in Mk 15:26–29 recalls earlier Markan references to Scripture, which imbues the title with authority on par with, but independent from, Israel’s Scriptures. Mark’s use of “King of the Jews” evokes Jesus’ prediction of maltreatment insofar as the phrase’s contexts either echo Mk 9:11–13 or draw on the Septuagint’s descriptions of suffering Judean kings. Thus, Mark’s inscription witnesses to the suffering written in heaven, and also explains why the Son of Man must suffer as King of the Jews.