Temple Warning Inscription

1st Century BCE–1st Century CE

A rectangular ancient stone tablet with worn Greek inscriptions carved into its surface, displayed upright in a museum setting. The text is faded and partially eroded, making some letters difficult to read. — A Temple inscription, also referred to as the Temple balustrade inscription or the *soreg* inscription, warns gentiles not to cross the balustrade (*soreg*) around the Temple, as doing so was considered a capital offense. The tablets, written in Latin and Greek so gentiles could read them, were hung on the balustrade at regular intervals. The translation reads: “No stranger is to enter within the balustrade around the Temple and enclosure. Whoever is caught will himself be responsible for his ensuing death.” These inscriptions are mentioned by Josephus, and two such tablets have been discovered in archaeological excavations.

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Published in: The Posen Library of Jewish Culture and Civilization, vol. 2: Emerging Judaism.

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