John 19:24

Authorized King James Version

They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did.

Word-by-Word Analysis

εἶπον

G2036

They said

to speak or say (by word or writing)

οὖν

G3767

therefore

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

πρὸς

G4314

among

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

ἀλλήλους

G240

themselves

one another

Μὴ

G3361

not

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

σχίσωμεν

G4977

Let us

to split or sever (literally or figuratively)

αὐτοῦ

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἀλλὰ

G235

but

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

λάχωμεν

G2975

cast lots

to lot, i.e., determine (by implication, receive) especially by lot

#10

περὶ

G4012

for

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

#11

αὐτοῦ

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

#12

τίνος

G5101

whose

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

#13

ἔσται·

G2071

it shall be

will be

#14

ἵνα

G2443

that

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

#15

Οἱ

G3588

which

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#16

γραφὴ

G1124

the scripture

a document, i.e., holy writ (or its contents or a statement in it)

#17

πληρωθῇ

G4137

might be fulfilled

to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute

#18

Οἱ

G3588

which

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#19

λέγουσα·

G3004

saith

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

#20

Διεμερίσαντο

G1266

They parted

to partition thoroughly (literally in distribution, figuratively in dissension)

#21

Οἱ

G3588

which

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#22

ἱμάτιά

G2440

raiment

a dress (inner or outer)

#23

μου

G3450

of me

#24

ἑαυτοῖς

G1438

among them

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

#25

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#26

ἐπὶ

G1909

for

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

#27

Οἱ

G3588

which

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#28

ἱματισμόν

G2441

vesture

clothing

#29

μου

G3450

of me

#30

ἔβαλον

G906

they did cast

to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)

#31

κλῆρον

G2819

lots

a die (for drawing chances); by implication, a portion (as if so secured); by extension, an acquisition (especially a patrimony, figuratively)

#32

Οἱ

G3588

which

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#33

μὲν

G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

#34

οὖν

G3767

therefore

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

#35

στρατιῶται

G4757

the soldiers

a camper-out, i.e., a (common) warrior (literally or figuratively)

#36

ταῦτα

G5023

These things

these things

#37

ἐποίησαν

G4160

did

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

Analysis

The divine love theme here intersects with God's covenantal faithfulness demonstrated throughout salvation history. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation from covenant love in the Old Testament to agape love in the New. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about hesed in the Old Testament and agape in the New Testament.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on divine love particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from covenant faithfulness to sacrificial love demonstrated in Christ, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does this verse's literary context within John chapter 19 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

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John 19:24

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Topics

People

Study Resources