Matthew 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.
Original Language Analysis
σταυρώσαντες
they crucified
G4717
σταυρώσαντες
they crucified
Strong's:
G4717
Word #:
1 of 28
to impale on the cross; figuratively, to extinguish (subdue) passion or selfishness
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 28
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
διεμερίσαντο
They parted
G1266
διεμερίσαντο
They parted
Strong's:
G1266
Word #:
4 of 28
to partition thoroughly (literally in distribution, figuratively in dissension)
τὸν
which
G3588
τὸν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 28
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
ἔβαλον
casting
G906
ἔβαλον
casting
Strong's:
G906
Word #:
8 of 28
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)
κλῆρον,
lots
G2819
κλῆρον,
lots
Strong's:
G2819
Word #:
9 of 28
a die (for drawing chances); by implication, a portion (as if so secured); by extension, an acquisition (especially a patrimony, figuratively)
πληρωθῇ
it might be fulfilled
G4137
πληρωθῇ
it might be fulfilled
Strong's:
G4137
Word #:
11 of 28
to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute
τὸν
which
G3588
τὸν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑπὸ
by
G5259
ὑπὸ
by
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
14 of 28
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
τὸν
which
G3588
τὸν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προφήτου,
the prophet
G4396
προφήτου,
the prophet
Strong's:
G4396
Word #:
16 of 28
a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet
διεμερίσαντο
They parted
G1266
διεμερίσαντο
They parted
Strong's:
G1266
Word #:
17 of 28
to partition thoroughly (literally in distribution, figuratively in dissension)
τὸν
which
G3588
τὸν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἑαυτοῖς,
among them
G1438
ἑαυτοῖς,
among them
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
21 of 28
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
22 of 28
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπὶ
upon
G1909
ἐπὶ
upon
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
23 of 28
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τὸν
which
G3588
τὸν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
24 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Psalms 22:18They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.Luke 23:34Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.Acts 4:10Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.Psalms 22:16For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.John 20:27Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.
Historical Context
Roman crucifixion victims' clothing became the executioners' perquisite. A Jewish man's garments typically included sandals, head covering, belt, outer garment, and tunic (five pieces). John 19:23-24 specifies the seamless tunic that was not torn but gambled for intact.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the soldiers' indifference—gambling while Jesus dies—reveal about human depravity?
- How does the fulfillment of Psalm 22:18 demonstrate God's sovereignty over every detail of the crucifixion?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
They crucified him (σταυρώσαντες, staurōsantes)—Matthew gives no details of the crucifixion itself, the horror too well-known to describe. Nails through wrists and feet, body suspended, suffocation setting in. Parted his garments, casting lots (διεμερίσαντο τὰ ἱμάτια...βάλλοντες κλῆρον, diemerisanto...ballontes klēron)—fulfilling Psalm 22:18 precisely.
While Jesus hangs between heaven and earth, bearing cosmic sin, soldiers gamble for his seamless tunic. The contrast is staggering: the Son of God dies; men play dice. Yet even their greed fulfills prophecy, demonstrating divine sovereignty over every detail of redemption's plan.