Matthew 27:35
And when they had crucified him, they divided his garments among them by casting lots.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The soldiers' focus wasn't just on the spectacle of crucifixion; it was on the practical division of Jesus' belongings. By casting lots for his garments, they unknowingly fulfilled ancient prophecy, highlighting how even the most mundane and cruel actions of humanity were part of God's divine plan.
As Jesus is put to death on the cross, the soldiers, acting as executioners, divide his earthly possessions among themselves. This grim, routine act of stripping and dividing the garments of the condemned is described, highlighting its fulfillment of ancient prophecy. The scene underscores the deep humiliation Jesus endured, even as his death secured salvation.
The cross wasn't just a wooden frame; it was a brutal instrument designed for maximum suffering and public humiliation. What does this tell us about Jesus' love?
The crucifixion was one of the most agonizing and shameful punishments in the Roman Empire, reserved for the worst criminals like slaves and rebels. Jesus, the Son of God, voluntarily endured this horrific death.
A Death of Pain
The process involved being stripped naked, laid on the cross, and then nailed through the hands and feet. The raising of the cross sent a jarring shock through the body, and the weight of the body on the nails caused intense, prolonged agony. Nerves were torn, blood circulation was impaired, and the victim could hang for days until death by exhaustion, dehydration, or shock.
A Death of Shame
This punishment was the ultimate disgrace. To be crucified meant being publicly branded as a worthless criminal, a slave, or an outlaw. Jesus, who was innocent, was deliberately placed in this position, numbered among robbers and rebels, to bear the full weight of human sin and shame.
Amidst the chaos and agony of the crucifixion, the soldiers engage in a mundane act: dividing Jesus' clothes. Yet, this seemingly ordinary event holds profound significance.
The soldiers, acting as executioners, divided Jesus' garments as their spoils of war. According to Roman custom, the executioners received the belongings of the condemned.
A Customary Division
The soldiers divided the outer garments into four parts for the four soldiers present. This was a common practice, treating Jesus' belongings like any other conquered property.
Fulfilling Ancient Prophecy
However, the detail about casting lots for Jesus' seamless coat (mentioned in John's Gospel) wasn't just random chance. It directly fulfilled a prophecy from Psalm 22:18, which predicted this very act. This shows that even in the soldiers' callous disregard for Jesus, God's sovereign plan was unfolding perfectly.
Understand the original words
himation · Greek Noun
External articles of clothing; in the context of the crucifixion, the partitioning of Jesus’ garments fulfills messianic prophecy and highlights His total despoilment and humiliation.
klēros · Greek Noun
A method used in the ancient world to determine outcomes or distribute property, believing the result was overseen by divine providence, used here by the soldiers to divide Jesus’ belongings.
c. 1000 BC
David's Psalm of Suffering
King David, facing intense persecution and betrayal, writes Psalm 22, which contains prophetic descriptions of a suffering servant's experience, including the division of garments and casting lots.
c. 63 BC - AD 14
Roman Rule in Judea
Rome consolidates its power, appointing Herod the Great and later his descendants as client kings. Roman military and legal practices, including crucifixion, become dominant.
c. 27-30 AD— this verse
Jesus' Ministry and Crucifixion
Jesus' public ministry culminates in his arrest, trial, and crucifixion by Roman soldiers under the authority of Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor.
c. AD 30
Soldiers fulfill prophecy
Roman soldiers carry out the crucifixion, a brutal Roman punishment reserved for slaves and criminals. As Jesus dies, they divide his clothing by casting lots, fulfilling the ancient prophecy.
c. AD 60-65
Gospel of Matthew Written
This verse directly quotes Psalm 22:18, showing how Jesus's suffering and the soldiers' actions were a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.
John 19:23-24This passage from John provides further detail on the soldiers dividing Jesus's garments, specifically mentioning they cast lots for his seamless coat, complementing Matthew's account.
Luke 23:34While Matthew focuses on the soldiers' actions, Luke records Jesus's prayer for his executioners ('Father, forgive them'), highlighting His merciful heart even in His suffering.
Isaiah 53:12This prophecy speaks of the suffering servant being 'numbered with the transgressors,' which is reflected in Jesus being crucified between two criminals, as mentioned by Matthew.
barnesMatthew 27:35: "And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots."
And they crucified him - To "crucify" means to put to death on a cross. The "cross" has been described at Matthew 27:32 . The usual manner of the crucifixion was as follows: After the criminal had carried the cross, attended with every possible gibe and insult, to the place of execu…
bensonMatthew 27:35: "And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots."
Matthew 27:35-36 . And they crucified him — The person crucified was nailed to the cross as it lay on the ground, through each hand, extended to the utmost stretch, and through both the feet together. Then the cross was raised up, and the foot of it thrust with a violent shock into…
The soldiers' focus wasn't just on the spectacle of crucifixion; it was on the practical division of Jesus' belongings. By casting lots for his garments, they unknowingly fulfilled ancient prophecy, highlighting how even the most mundane and cruel actions of humanity were part of God's divine plan.
As Jesus is put to death on the cross, the soldiers, acting as executioners, divide his earthly possessions among themselves. This grim, routine act of stripping and dividing the garments of the condemned is described, highlighting its fulfillment of ancient prophecy. The scene underscores the deep humiliation Jesus endured, even as his death secured salvation.
As Jesus is put to death on the cross, the soldiers, acting as executioners, divide his earthly possessions among themselves. This grim, routine act of stripping and dividing the garments of the condemned is described, highlighting its fulfillment of ancient prophecy. The scene underscores the deep humiliation Jesus endured, even as his death secured salvation.
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The Gospel of Matthew is written, recounting the events of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, including the detail of the soldiers casting lots for his garments.
"And when they had crucified him, they divided his garments among them by casting lots." — The soldiers' focus wasn't just on the spectacle of crucifixion; it was on the practical division of Jesus' belongings. By casting lots for his garments, they unknowingly fulfilled ancient prophecy,…
