John 19:23

Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also [his] coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout.

Then {G3767} the soldiers {G4757}, when {G3753} they had crucified {G4717} Jesus {G2424}, took {G2983} his {G846} garments {G2440}, and {G2532} made {G4160} four {G5064} parts {G3313}, to every {G1538} soldier {G4757} a part {G3313}; and also {G2532} his coat {G5509}: now {G1161} the coat {G5509} was {G2258} without seam {G729}, woven {G5307} from {G1537} the top {G509} throughout {G1223}{G3650}.

When the soldiers had nailed Yeshua to the stake, they took his clothes and divided them into four shares, a share for each soldier, with the under-robe left over. Now the under-robe was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom;

When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they divided His garments into four parts, one for each soldier, with the tunic remaining. It was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom.

The soldiers therefore, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also the coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout.

Commentary

John 19:23 offers a poignant detail from the crucifixion narrative, highlighting the actions of the Roman soldiers immediately after they had crucified Jesus. This verse describes a common practice of the time: the soldiers' right to claim the garments of those they executed, yet it introduces a unique element concerning Jesus' inner tunic.

Context

This scene unfolds at Golgotha, the place of crucifixion, where Jesus has just been nailed to the cross. The Roman execution squad, typically consisting of four soldiers, would divide the condemned person's clothing among themselves as a customary perk. This seemingly mundane act of dividing possessions stands in stark contrast to the immense spiritual and redemptive significance of the crucifixion itself, yet it plays a crucial role in fulfilling ancient prophecies.

Details of the Garments

The soldiers first took Jesus' outer garments—which would include his cloak, sandals, and head covering—and divided them into four portions, one for each soldier. However, a specific distinction is made regarding "his coat," or inner tunic (Greek: chiton). This garment is described as being "without seam, woven from the top throughout." This detail signifies a garment of superior quality and value, as it was not sewn together from multiple pieces but was a single, continuous piece of fabric. Such seamless tunics were more durable and often associated with dignity or special attire.

Key Themes and Significance

  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: The division of Jesus' garments, particularly the casting of lots for his seamless robe, directly fulfills a specific Messianic prophecy found in Psalm 22:18. John explicitly draws attention to this fulfillment in the very next verse, John 19:24, underscoring God's meticulous sovereignty even over the seemingly insignificant actions of men.
  • Symbolism of the Seamless Robe: While the text does not explicitly assign symbolism, many commentators have seen profound meaning in the seamless tunic. It has been interpreted as representing the unity of Christ's person, the indivisibility of His sacrifice, or even the unity of the Church. Some also connect it to the high priest's tunic (though the biblical description for the high priest's ephod is more complex), subtly pointing to Jesus' role as our Great High Priest, who offers a perfect, unified sacrifice.
  • Contrast of the Mundane and the Divine: The soldiers' focus on material gain highlights the stark contrast between human callousness and the divine purpose unfolding on the cross. Even in their mundane, almost greedy actions, God's precise plan was being executed.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "coat" is chiton (χιτών), referring to the inner garment worn close to the body. The phrase "without seam" is aphonatos (ἄρραφος), emphasizing its single-piece construction. "Woven from the top throughout" (ek tou anōthen hyphantos, ἐκ τοῦ ἄνωθεν ὑφαντός) further describes this unique weaving method, indicating a high-quality garment. This specific detail about the seamless robe is unique to John's Gospel, suggesting its particular significance to the apostle.

Practical Application

This verse, though brief, serves as a powerful reminder that God's sovereign plan encompasses every detail, no matter how small or seemingly random. Even the actions of those who are hostile to Him ultimately serve His overarching purpose. It reinforces the precision of biblical prophecy and invites us to reflect on the profound significance of Jesus' sacrifice, where even His clothing bore silent witness to His identity and mission. The seamless robe, if interpreted symbolically, can also call us to consider the importance of unity and indivisibility within the body of Christ, the Church.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Luke 23:34

    Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

  • Mark 15:24

    And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take.

  • 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.

  • Exodus 39:22

    And he made the robe of the ephod [of] woven work, all [of] blue.

  • Exodus 39:23

    And [there was] an hole in the midst of the robe, as the hole of an habergeon, [with] a band round about the hole, that it should not rend.
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