Luke 23:34

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G1161} said {G3004} Jesus {G2424}, Father {G3962}, forgive {G863} them {G846}; for {G1063} they know {G1492} not {G3756} what {G5101} they do {G4160}. And {G1161} they parted {G1266} his {G846} raiment {G2440}, and cast {G906} lots {G2819}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua said, “Father, forgive them; they don’t understand what they are doing.”

They divided up his clothes by throwing dice.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up His garments by casting lots.

American Standard Version

And Jesus said, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And parting his garments among them, they cast lots.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 23:34 captures a moment of profound divine grace amidst human depravity, as Jesus, suffering on the cross, intercedes for His tormentors, uttering a prayer of forgiveness rooted in their spiritual ignorance. This sublime act of mercy is immediately juxtaposed with the callous actions of the Roman soldiers, who, indifferent to the cosmic significance of the crucifixion, divide His garments and cast lots for them, unknowingly fulfilling ancient prophecy. The verse thus encapsulates both the boundless love of Christ and the stark reality of human sin and spiritual blindness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the climax of Luke's Gospel, within the passion narrative. Immediately preceding it, Jesus has been unjustly condemned by Pilate, led to Golgotha, and nailed to the cross between two criminals. The narrative emphasizes the mockery and scorn directed at Him by the rulers, soldiers, and even one of the criminals. Jesus' prayer in [Luke 23:34a](/luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34a - Jesus' Prayer of Forgiveness") is His first utterance from the cross recorded in Luke, following His journey to Calvary. It precedes the conversion of the penitent thief ([Luke 23:39-43](/luke/23-39-43 "Luke 23:39-43 - The Penitent Thief")) and the subsequent events leading to His death. The second part of the verse ([Luke 23:34b](/luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34b - Soldiers Casting Lots")) serves as a stark contrast to Jesus' divine compassion, highlighting the mundane and self-serving actions of the soldiers, thereby emphasizing the profound spiritual chasm between Christ's mission and human indifference.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The crucifixion was a brutal form of capital punishment employed by the Romans, designed to inflict maximum pain, humiliation, and public spectacle. Roman soldiers were trained to carry out such executions efficiently and dispassionately. It was customary for the soldiers to divide the condemned's possessions, including their clothing, as part of their spoils. The act of "casting lots" was a common method of random distribution, akin to rolling dice, to determine who received which portion of the garments. This practice, while routine for the soldiers, takes on profound significance in this context due to its prophetic fulfillment. The crowd present would have included Roman officials, Jewish leaders, common people, and disciples, each with varying degrees of understanding, hostility, or grief regarding the events unfolding.
* **Key Themes:** [Luke 23:34](/luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34 - Jesus' Prayer and the Soldiers' Actions") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Forgiveness**, showcasing Jesus as the ultimate embodiment of God's merciful character, even towards those actively participating in His suffering. This aligns with Jesus' consistent teaching on loving enemies and praying for persecutors, as seen in [Luke 6:27-28](/luke/6-27-28 "Luke 6:27-28 - Love Your Enemies"). Secondly, the phrase "they know not what they do" highlights the theme of **Spiritual Ignorance and Blindness**, suggesting that while their actions were wicked, many involved did not fully grasp the identity of the One they were crucifying. This theme is echoed in [Acts 3:17](/acts/3-17 "Acts 3:17 - Peter on Ignorance of the Rulers") where Peter addresses the ignorance of those who crucified Jesus. Thirdly, the division of garments and casting of lots directly points to the theme of **Prophecy Fulfilled**, demonstrating God's meticulous sovereignty over human events, even down to the seemingly trivial actions of soldiers, as foretold in [Psalm 22:18](/psalm/22-18 "Psalm 22:18 - Division of Garments Prophecy"). Finally, the verse presents a stark **Contrast between Divine Love and Human Callousness**, emphasizing the unparalleled nature of Christ's love against the backdrop of human indifference and sin.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **forgive (Greek, _aphíēmi'_):** From G863, this verb means to "send forth," "let go," or "release." In the context of sin or debt, it signifies a complete cancellation or remission. Jesus' use of `aphíēmi` here is not merely a passive act of overlooking but an active, intentional release from the consequences of their actions, a divine pardon offered even before repentance is sought. It emphasizes the unilateral and gracious nature of God's forgiveness.
* **know (Greek, _eídō'_):** From G1492, this verb primarily means "to see" (literally or figuratively) and, in its perfect tense, "to know." It refers to an experiential, intuitive, or comprehensive understanding, as opposed to intellectual acquaintance (ginōskō). When Jesus states "they know not," He implies a profound lack of spiritual discernment and comprehension regarding His true identity as the Son of God and the cosmic significance of their actions, rather than mere factual ignorance.
* **parted (Greek, _diamerízō'_):** From G1266, this verb means "to partition thoroughly" or "to divide completely." It describes the act of the soldiers meticulously dividing Jesus' outer garments among themselves. This action, while common practice, is highlighted by Luke as a direct, thorough fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, underscoring God's precise control over even the seemingly mundane details of human behavior in His redemptive plan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said Jesus, 'Father, forgive them;":** This opening clause presents Jesus' first words from the cross in Luke's account. Addressing God as "Father" underscores His intimate relationship with the Father, even in His agony, and emphasizes the divine authority behind His prayer. The plea "forgive them" is an extraordinary demonstration of divine love and intercession, directed not only at the Roman soldiers but also at the Jewish leaders and all who contributed to His crucifixion, embodying the essence of His mission to reconcile humanity to God.
* **"for they know not what they do.'":** This explanatory clause provides the rationale for Jesus' prayer. It suggests a profound spiritual ignorance on the part of those crucifying Him. While their actions were undeniably sinful and malicious, many did not fully comprehend that they were executing the Son of God, the Messiah. This statement does not absolve them of guilt but highlights the depth of their spiritual blindness, making them objects of divine pity and forgiveness rather than immediate judgment. It implies that a full understanding of their actions would have made their sin even greater.
* **"And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.":** This final clause starkly contrasts with Jesus' sublime prayer. While Jesus is consumed with divine love and intercession, the soldiers are engaged in the mundane, self-serving act of dividing His clothes. "Parted his raiment" refers to the division of His outer garments, and "cast lots" indicates a method of random selection for His inner, seamless tunic. This seemingly trivial act is highly significant, as it directly fulfills a specific Old Testament prophecy, demonstrating God's sovereign control over all events, even the actions of ungodly men.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's presentation of [Luke 23:34](/luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34 - Jesus' Words and the Soldiers' Actions") masterfully employs several literary devices. The most prominent is **Juxtaposition**, where Jesus' profound prayer of intercession for His enemies is immediately followed by the callous, indifferent actions of the soldiers gambling for His clothes. This stark contrast powerfully highlights the depth of divine love and mercy against the backdrop of human depravity and spiritual blindness. There is also significant **Irony** in the soldiers' actions; while they are casually fulfilling a mundane duty, they are unknowingly participating in the precise fulfillment of ancient prophecy, underscoring the sovereignty of God even in human ignorance and sin. Furthermore, the entire scene functions as profound **Symbolism**: Jesus' prayer for forgiveness symbolizes the essence of His redemptive mission – to offer pardon and reconciliation to a lost world. The division of His garments, while literal, also symbolizes His complete self-emptying and vulnerability, leaving Him with nothing, yet gaining everything for humanity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 23:34 stands as a theological cornerstone, revealing the very heart of God's character and the nature of Christ's redemptive work. Jesus' prayer, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do," is a profound demonstration of anticipatory grace, offering forgiveness even before it is sought, and for a sin of unimaginable magnitude. It underscores the New Covenant's emphasis on radical forgiveness and unconditional love, challenging believers to embody this same spirit. The soldiers' actions, while seemingly insignificant, serve as a powerful reminder of God's meticulous sovereignty, demonstrating that even human sin and indifference cannot thwart the divine plan, but rather, unknowingly fulfill it. This verse encapsulates the tension between human responsibility and divine predestination, ultimately pointing to a God who orchestrates all things for His redemptive purposes, culminating in the atoning sacrifice of His Son.

* [Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies")
* [Acts 3:17](/acts/3-17 "Acts 3:17 - Peter's Explanation of Ignorance")
* [Psalm 22:18](/psalm/22-18 "Psalm 22:18 - Prophecy of Divided Garments")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 23:34 offers a profound and challenging model for Christian living, calling believers to embrace a radical, Christ-like posture of forgiveness and compassion. In a world often characterized by retribution and resentment, Jesus' prayer from the cross compels us to extend grace even to those who inflict the deepest wounds, recognizing that true spiritual freedom often comes through releasing bitterness and embracing reconciliation. This verse encourages us to cultivate a heart that prays for rather than condemns our adversaries, seeking their spiritual awakening rather than their downfall. Furthermore, it reminds us that God's sovereign plan unfolds even amidst human sin and injustice, fostering a deep trust in His ultimate control and redemptive purposes, even when circumstances seem chaotic or unjust. We are called to embody the spirit of Christ, demonstrating unconditional love and forgiveness, and to recognize that many hurtful actions stem from a profound spiritual ignorance that desperately needs the light of the Gospel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you challenged to extend forgiveness to those who have wronged you, especially when their actions seem to stem from ignorance or malice?**
* **How can Jesus' prayer for His persecutors transform your own approach to those who oppose or hurt you? What practical steps can you take to pray for them?**
* **How does the fulfillment of prophecy in this verse strengthen your faith in God's sovereignty and His ability to work His purposes even through human sin?**
* **What does "they know not what they do" teach us about responding with compassion to those who are spiritually blind, and how can we pray for their eyes to be opened?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus say, "they know not what they do"?**

Answer: Jesus' statement, "for they know not what they do," points to a profound spiritual ignorance on the part of those responsible for His crucifixion. While they were undeniably guilty of their actions, many did not fully comprehend the cosmic significance of what they were doing – that they were crucifying the Son of God, the Messiah. This was not an excuse for their sin but an acknowledgment of their spiritual blindness, which made them objects of divine pity and forgiveness. It suggests that a full understanding of Jesus' identity and mission would have made their sin even more egregious. This concept is echoed by Peter in [Acts 3:17](/acts/3-17 "Acts 3:17 - Peter on Ignorance of the Rulers"), where he states that the people and their rulers acted out of ignorance in crucifying Jesus.

**What is the significance of the soldiers casting lots for Jesus' clothes?**

Answer: The act of the Roman soldiers casting lots for Jesus' garments, while a common practice for executioners, holds profound significance as a direct fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Specifically, [Psalm 22:18](/psalm/22-18 "Psalm 22:18 - Prophecy of Divided Garments"), written centuries before Christ, states: "They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture." This detail, seemingly mundane, underscores God's meticulous sovereignty and the precise unfolding of His redemptive plan. It demonstrates that even the seemingly trivial actions of ungodly individuals were foreknown and orchestrated by God to confirm the Messiah's identity and the divine nature of His sacrifice.

**Does Jesus' prayer mean everyone involved in His crucifixion was automatically forgiven?**

Answer: Jesus' prayer, "Father, forgive them," is an incredible act of divine intercession and an offer of forgiveness, but it does not imply automatic, unconditional forgiveness for all involved without repentance. Rather, it expresses Jesus' heart of mercy and His desire for their salvation. It opens the door for forgiveness, making it available to those who would later repent and believe. Forgiveness, in the biblical sense, often requires a turning away from sin (repentance) and faith in Christ. This prayer demonstrates that even the most heinous sin—the murder of God's Son—is forgivable if one turns to Him. The subsequent events in Acts, where many of those who were present at the crucifixion later converted ([Acts 2:37-41](/acts/2-37-41 "Acts 2:37-41 - Peter's Sermon and Conversions")), suggest that this prayer paved the way for their repentance and reception of grace.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 23:34 is a powerful testament to the Christ-centered nature of God's redemptive plan. Jesus' prayer, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do," reveals Him as the ultimate High Priest, interceding for humanity even in His darkest hour. This act foreshadows His ongoing ministry as our advocate before the Father ([1 John 2:1](/1_john/2-1 "1 John 2:1 - Christ Our Advocate")). His willingness to forgive those who crucified Him demonstrates the boundless extent of God's love and the very purpose of His atoning death: to provide forgiveness for sins, even those committed in ignorance or malice ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love While We Were Sinners")). The casting of lots for His garments, a seemingly trivial act, fulfills ancient prophecy, underscoring that every detail of Christ's suffering was part of God's sovereign design to accomplish salvation. His complete self-emptying on the cross, even to the point of His clothes being taken, speaks to the totality of His sacrifice, through which He clothed humanity in His righteousness ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Righteousness in Christ")). Thus, this verse is not merely a historical account but a profound revelation of Christ as the merciful Savior, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the source of all forgiveness, inviting all to come to Him for pardon and new life.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 5:44

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Acts 7:60

And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

1 Peter 3:9

Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

1 Peter 2:20

For what glory [is it], if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer [for it], ye take it patiently, this [is] acceptable with God.

1 Peter 2:23

Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed [himself] to him that judgeth righteously:

Romans 12:14

Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

Luke 6:27

¶ But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,