Matthew 27:28
And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 7
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐκδύσαντες
they stripped
G1562
ἐκδύσαντες
they stripped
Strong's:
G1562
Word #:
2 of 7
to cause to sink out of, i.e., (specially as of clothing) to divest
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 7
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
Historical Context
Roman crucifixion was designed for maximum shame. Victims were crucified naked to strip away human dignity. The scarlet military cloak (chlamys) was common among Roman soldiers, easily appropriated for mockery.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus's willing acceptance of total humiliation contrast with Adam and Eve's shame-covering in Genesis 3?
- What does the scarlet robe symbolically reveal about Christ bearing our sins?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
They stripped him (ἐκδύσαντες, ekdysantes)—complete public humiliation, exposing Jesus naked before soldiers. A scarlet robe (χλαμύδα κοκκίνην, chlamyda kokkinēn)—a military cloak, likely a worn-out soldier's cape, mimicking royal purple.
This stripping fulfills Psalm 22:18 (they part my garments among them) and anticipates the permanent stripping of his seamless tunic (John 19:23-24). The scarlet robe parodies royal investiture while ironically pointing to Isaiah 1:18 (though your sins be as scarlet)—Jesus bears our crimson guilt.