INRI is an abbreviation of the Latin phrase IESVS NAZARENVS REX IVDAEORVM (Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum), which translates to English as: "Jesus the Nazarene, the King of the Jews" (or, in more natural English, "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews").

Many crucifixes and other depictions of the crucifixion include a stylized plaque or parchment, called a titulus or title, bearing the letters INRI, occasionally carved directly into the cross, and usually just above the figure of Jesus.

In the Gospel of John (19:19–20) the inscription is explained:

Pilate also had an inscription written and put on the cross. It read, "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews". Many of the Jews read this inscription, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek.

Some Eastern Orthodox Churches use the Greek letters INBI based on the Greek text of the inscription on the cross, Ἰησοῦς ὁ Ναζωραῖος ὁ Bασιλεὺς τῶν Ἰουδαίων. Many Orthodox depictions, however, change the title to ὁ Bασιλεὺς τοῦ κόσμου (the King of the World), not implying that this was really what was written, but that it is what should have been written.

As Pilate was loath to crucify Jesus without justification, he used the standing Roman treaty with the

Some believe that the justification for his crucifixion was his claim to an illegitimate title. However, John 19:21–22 KJV, alludes that Pilate rejected the charge that Jesus was crucified because he falsely claimed to be king and instead stated that Jesus was crucified because he was the King of the Jews. Thus, some Christians claim that Pilate was personally convinced that Jesus was the Jewish Messiah. The consequence of this is taken to the logical extreme by the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, which regards Pilate as a saint (commemorated on June 25) based on a tradition of his conversion to Christianity and martyrdom by crucifixion. Most historians outside the Ethiopian church have rejected this tradition as spurious.

Conspiracy theories regarding the Society of Jesus — the Jesuits — accused them of harboring the secret meaning of Iustum Necare Reges Impios, interpreted to mean sanctioning the murder of impious kings or tyrants who opposed the Roman Catholic Church.

See Jewish Messiah and Jewish eschatology for related concepts in Judaism. INRI INRI Inri INRI INRI INRI INRI INRI INRI INRI