they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalmist isn't just describing a general plundering; he's specifically highlighting a scene where his enemies treat him as if he's already dead and gone, dividing his belongings, and even gambling over his inner tunic. This detail about casting lots for a single garment, rather than just ripping everything apart, points to a chillingly precise, almost ritualistic mockery that would later be fulfilled in Jesus' crucifixion.
they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse describes the cruel actions of enemies gloating over a suffering individual. It portrays them as already dividing the victim's clothing among themselves, even casting lots for specific items as if he were already dead and stripped of all possessions. The context emphasizes a profound sense of abandonment and dehumanization in the face of brutal opposition.
Imagine being stripped bare, your belongings divided like spoils of war. This verse paints a stark picture of suffering and shame.
The psalmist describes his enemies dividing his clothes as if he were already dead. This wasn't just about taking possessions; it was a profound act of humiliation.
Some prophecies are clear details, while others are grand themes. This verse offers a specific, almost forensic, detail that points to a singular event.
What makes this verse so striking is its precise fulfillment in the life of Jesus Christ during his crucifixion. The Gospel writers noted this very detail.
Ask a follow-up
Understand the original words
beged · Hebrew Noun
Articles of clothing or covering. Biblically, garments are significant symbols of identity, status, and protection; the dividing of garments signifies the total stripping away of a person's dignity and worldly possessions.
This verse, while potentially inspired by David's own suffering, finds its most striking and literal fulfillment in the crucifixion of Jesus, highlighting the prophetic nature of the Psalms.
c. 1000 BC
Reign of David
King David, traditionally believed to be the author of Psalm 22, faced numerous persecutions and betrayals throughout his life, which may have inspired the psalm's themes of suffering and abandonment.
c. 500 BC - 300 BC
Exilic and Post-Exilic Period
The Psalms were compiled and canonized over a long period. This psalm, with its prophetic elements, would have been understood by later Jewish readers in light of their experiences, including the Babylonian exile and the restoration.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Crucifixion of Jesus
According to the New Testament Gospels, Roman soldiers divided Jesus' garments among themselves and cast lots for his seamless tunic. This event is widely seen as the literal fulfillment of Psalm 22:18.
c. AD 60-70
Writing of the Gospels
The Gospels of Matthew and John record the events of Jesus' crucifixion, explicitly referencing Psalm 22:18 as a prophecy fulfilled by the soldiers' actions regarding Jesus' clothing.
This passage directly quotes and explains how the soldiers dividing Jesus' garments and casting lots for his tunic literally fulfilled this psalm.
Matthew 27:35Matthew also points to the crucifixion event as the fulfillment of this prophecy, highlighting the soldiers casting lots for Jesus' clothing.
Luke 23:34Luke includes the detail of the soldiers casting lots for Jesus' garments, further solidifying the fulfillment of this psalm in Jesus' passion.
Job 24:7-10This passage from Job describes the suffering of the poor and oppressed who are stripped of their clothing and possessions by the wicked, creating a thematic parallel to the despoiling described in Psalms 22.
Zechariah 11:12-13Here, the prophet casts the silver into the potter's field, reflecting a betrayal and a paltry sum for his 'shepherding,' which is also seen as a Messianic prophecy fulfilled in Jesus' betrayal and the soldiers' disregard for His garments.
ellicottPsalms 22:18: "They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture."
(18) They part my garments . . . —i.e., as of one already dead. The word “garment” ( beged ) and “vesture” ( lebûsh ) are synonymous terms for the same article of dress—the modern abba, or plaid, the usual outer garment of the Bedouin. The latter is a more poetic term. (See Bib. Diet, art. “Dress.”) The application of the verse in John 19:24 , &c, adds a refinement not present in the psalm.
calvinPsalms 22:17-21: "I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me."
I will number all my bones; they look and stare upon me. 18. They part my garments among them, and cast the lot upon my vesture. 19. Be not thou then, O Jehovah! far from me. O thou: who art my strength, make haste to help me. 20. Deliver my soul from the sword; my only one [514] from the hand [or power] of the dog. 21. Save me from the mouth of the lion, and hear me from the horns of the unicorns. [515]
I will nu…
The psalmist isn't just describing a general plundering; he's specifically highlighting a scene where his enemies treat him as if he's already dead and gone, dividing his belongings, and even gambling over his inner tunic. This detail about casting lots for a single garment, rather than just ripping everything apart, points to a chillingly precise, almost ritualistic mockery that would later be fulfilled in Jesus' crucifixion.
This verse describes the cruel actions of enemies gloating over a suffering individual. It portrays them as already dividing the victim's clothing among themselves, even casting lots for specific items as if he were already dead and stripped of all possessions. The context emphasizes a profound sense of abandonment and dehumanization in the face of brutal opposition.
This verse describes the cruel actions of enemies gloating over a suffering individual. It portrays them as already dividing the victim's clothing among themselves, even casting lots for specific items as if he were already dead and stripped of all possessions. The context emphasizes a profound sense of abandonment and dehumanization in the face of brutal opposition.
"they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots." — The psalmist isn't just describing a general plundering; he's specifically highlighting a scene where his enemies treat him as if he's already dead and gone, dividing his belongings, and even gamblin…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026