TRV
Translation
King James Version
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.
KJV (with Strong's)
And G1161 they crucified G4717 him G846, and parted G1266 his G846 garments G2440, casting G906 lots G2819: that G2443 it might be fulfilled G4137 which G3588 was spoken G4483 by G5259 the prophet G4396, They parted G1266 my G3450 garments G2440 among them G1438, and G2532 upon G1909 my G3450 vesture G2441 did they cast G906 lots G2819.
Complete Jewish Bible
After they had nailed him to the stake, they divided his clothes among them by throwing dice.
Berean Standard Bible
When they had crucified Him, they divided up His garments by casting lots.
American Standard Version
And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments among them, casting lots;
World English Bible Messianic
When they had crucified him, they divided his clothing among them, casting lots,
Geneva Bible (1599)
And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, and did cast lottes, that it might be fulfilled, which was spoken by the Prophet, They deuided my garments among them, and vpon my vesture did cast lottes.
Young's Literal Translation
And having crucified him, they divided his garments, casting a lot, that it might be fulfilled that was spoken by the prophet, `They divided my garments to themselves, and over my vesture they cast a lot;'
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In the KJVVerse 24,165 of 31,102
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Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers . Public domain.
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Origen of AlexandriaAD 253
COMMENTARY ON MATTHEW 128.47
There are those who to this day do not have the Lord with them but do have his "garments"—namely, the words contained in Scripture. They do not have them in full but only in part. Nonetheless the prophet had spoken that prediction which was now fulfilled. Now, as to whether any of his clothes were torn apart when they divided his garments or whether any of them remained intact and just what those items were, nothing is said by the first three Evangelists. But in John we read that "when the soldiers had crucified Jesus they took his garments and made four parts, one for each soldier; also his tunic. But the tunic was without seam, woven from top to bottom; so they said to one another, 'Let us not tear it but cast lots for it.' " Therefore not all but only one of the soldiers who had cast lots received it. Now anyone debating the differences between those who have the Lord's "garments" will doubtless find some people who, although they do not have the Lord in their teachings, do have the "tunic" that was "woven from top to bottom."
Hilary of Poitiers (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 367
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
Or, He therefore refused the wine mingled with gall, because the bitterness of sin is not mingled with the incorruption of eternal glory.
Thus on the tree of life the salvation and life of all is suspended.
Or otherwise; Two thieves are set up on His right and left hand, to signify that the entire human race is called to the Sacrament of the Lord's Passion; but because there shall be a division of believers to the right, and unbelievers to the left, one of the two who is set on His right hand is saved by the justification of faith.
Hilary of PoitiersAD 367
Commentary on Matthew 23.4-5
That they distributed his clothes by casting lots for them rather than by cutting them up signifies the eternal incorruptibility of Christ’s body. The life and salvation of all things was hung from the tree of life with a thief on his left and a thief on his right. This demonstrates that the entire human race is called to the mystery of the Lord’s suffering.
John Chrysostom (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 407
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
(Hom. de Cruc. et Lat. ii.) He suffered on a lofty cross, and not under a roof, to the end that the nature of the air might be purified; the earth also partook a like benefit, being cleansed by the blood that dropped from His side.
It is to be noted, that this is no small degradation of Christ. For they did this as to one utterly abject and worthless, yet for the thieves they did not the same. For they share the garments only in the case of condemned persons so mean and poor as to possess nothing more.
Jerome (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 420
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
This which was now done to Christ had been prophesied in the Psalm, They parted my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture. (Ps. 22:18.) It proceeds, And sitting down, they watched him there. This watchfulness of the soldiers and of the Priests has proved of use to us in making the power of His resurrection greater and more notorious. And they set up over his head his accusation written, This is Jesus, the King of the Jews. I cannot sufficiently wonder at the enormity of the thing, that having purchased false witnesses, and having stirred up the unhappy people to riot and uproar, they found no other plea for putting Him to death, than that He was King of the Jews; and this perhaps they set up in mockery.
(non occ.) As Christ was made for us a curse of the cross, so for the salvation of all He is crucified as guilty among the guilty.
JeromeAD 420
Commentary on Matthew
(Verse 35.) And when they had crucified him, they divided his garments, casting lots, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: They divided my garments among themselves, and upon my vesture they cast lots. And this was prophesied in the same psalm: They divided my garments among themselves, and upon my vesture they cast lots (Psalm 22:18).
Augustine of Hippo (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 430
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
(Lib. 83. Quæst. q. 25.) The Wisdom of God took upon Him man, to give us an example how we might live rightly. It pertains to right life not to fear things that are not to be feared. But some men who do not fear death in itself, yet dread some kinds of death. That no sort of death is to be feared by the man who lives aright, was to be shown by this Man's cross. For of all the modes of death none was more horrible and fearful than this.
(in Serm. non occ.) Let your holiness consider of what might is the power of the cross. Adam set at nought the commandment, taking the apple from the tree; but all that Adam lost, Christ found upon the cross. The ark of wood saved the human race from the deluge of waters; when God's people came out of Egypt, Moses divided the sea with his rod, overwhelmed Pharaoh, and redeemed God's people. The same Moses changed the bitter water into sweet by casting wood into it. By the rod the refreshing stream was drawn out of the rock; that Amalech might be overcome, Moses' outstretched hands were supported upon his rod; the Law of God is entrusted to the wooden ark of the covenant, that thus, by these steps we may come at last to the wood of the cross.
(de Cons. Ev. iii. 12.) Matthew shortly says, They parted his garments, casting lots; but John explains more fully how it was done. The soldiers, when they had crucified him, look his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat; now the coat was without seam. (John 19:23.)
Leo the Great (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 461
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
(Serm. 55, 1.) Two thieves were crucified with him, one on the right hand and one on the left, that in the figure of His cross might be represented that separation of all mankind which shall be made in His judgment. The Passion then of Christ contains a sacrament of our salvation, and of that instrument which the wickedness of the Jews provided for His punishment, the power of the Redeemer made a step to glory.
Remigius of Rheims (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 533
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
It was divinely provided that this title should be set up over His head, that the Jews might learn that not even by putting Him to death could they avoid having Him for their King; for in the very instrument of His death He not only did not lose, but rather confirmed His sovereignty.
(ap. Gloss. ord.) Or, by the two thieves are denoted all those who strive after the continence of a strict life. They who do this with a single intention of pleasing God, are denoted by him who was crucified on the right hand; they who do it out of desire of human praise or any less worthy motive, are signified by him who was crucified on the left.
Rabanus Maurus (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 856
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
Or, according to the practical exposition, the cross in respect of its broad transverse piece signifies the joy of him that works, for sorrow produces straitness; for the broad part of the cross is in the transverse beam to which the hands are fastened, and by the hands we understand works. By the upper part to which the head is fastened is denoted our looking for retribution from the supreme righteousness of God. The perpendicular part on which the body is stretched denotes endurance, whence the patient are called 'long-suffering.' (longamines) The point that is fixed into the ground shadows forth the invisible part of a sacrament.
For because He is at once King and Priest, when He would offer the sacrifice of His flesh on the altar of the cross, His title set forth His regal dignity. And it is set over and not beneath the cross, because though He suffered for us on the cross with the weakness of man, the majesty of the King was conspicuous above the cross; and this He did not lose, but rather confirmed, by the cross.
Glossa Ordinaria (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 1274
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
(non occ.) Having described how Christ was led to the scene of His Passion, the Evangelist proceeds to the Passion itself, describing the kind of death; And they crucified him.
(ap. Anselm.) The shape of the cross seems also to signify the Church spread through the four quarters of the earth.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Matthew 27:35 vividly recounts the crucifixion of Jesus, focusing on the Roman soldiers' actions of dividing His garments and casting lots for His seamless tunic. This seemingly mundane and callous act is presented not as a random occurrence, but as the precise fulfillment of ancient Old Testament prophecy, specifically Psalm 22:18, thereby underscoring God's meticulous sovereignty and the divine identity of Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, even in His deepest humiliation.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Matthew 27:35 is situated at the climax of Matthew's passion narrative, immediately following Jesus' arrival at Golgotha, the place of crucifixion, as described in Matthew 27:33. The preceding verses detail Jesus' condemnation by Pilate, the mockery by the soldiers, and the forced carrying of His cross by Simon of Cyrene. This verse initiates the actual crucifixion account, setting the stage for Jesus' final hours on the cross, which include the taunts of onlookers, the darkness over the land, and ultimately, His death and burial. The emphasis on prophetic fulfillment here serves as a powerful theological anchor, connecting the immediate events to God's eternal plan, a recurring theme throughout Matthew's Gospel, particularly in the accounts of Jesus' birth and ministry (e.g., Matthew 1:22-23).
Historical & Cultural Context: Roman crucifixion was a brutal and humiliating form of execution, designed to inflict maximum suffering and public shame. It was common practice for the executing soldiers to claim the condemned person's clothing as their spoils, a small perk for their grim duty. This act further stripped the victim of their dignity, leaving them utterly destitute. The casting of lots (similar to rolling dice) was a widely accepted, impersonal method for distributing property fairly among individuals in the ancient world, ensuring an equitable division without dispute. This detail highlights the soldiers' casual, almost indifferent attitude towards Jesus' profound suffering, treating His possessions as mere spoils of war, completely unaware of the cosmic significance of their actions.
Key Themes: This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes central to Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the Fulfillment of Prophecy, emphasizing that Jesus' suffering, even in its most minute details, was not accidental but divinely orchestrated, aligning with ancient Messianic predictions found in the Old Testament, particularly Psalm 22. Another significant theme is the Humiliation and Stripping of Dignity of the Son of God, highlighting the profound depth of His self-emptying love and sacrifice. This act symbolizes Jesus' complete vulnerability and His willingness to endure the utmost shame for humanity's redemption. Finally, the verse powerfully affirms Divine Sovereignty, demonstrating that even amidst human cruelty, injustice, and seemingly random acts, God's overarching plan for salvation was meticulously unfolding, ensuring that His will would be accomplished precisely as foretold.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Matthew 27:35 is rich in literary devices that enhance its theological impact. The most prominent is Fulfillment Citation, where Matthew explicitly states that the events are happening "that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet." This device, common in Matthew's Gospel, serves to validate Jesus' messianic claims by demonstrating the precise correspondence between His life and Old Testament prophecy. The use of Direct Quotation from Psalm 22:18 further emphasizes this fulfillment, allowing the ancient prophetic voice to speak directly into the crucifixion narrative. There is also profound Irony in this verse: the soldiers, in their mundane and callous act of dividing spoils, unwittingly become instruments of divine prophecy, fulfilling God's eternal plan without their knowledge or intent. This highlights the theme of God's Sovereignty over human actions, even those driven by sin and indifference.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 27:35 profoundly illustrates the meticulous nature of God's sovereign plan and the absolute reliability of His prophetic word. The seemingly insignificant act of soldiers dividing a crucified man's clothing is elevated to cosmic significance, revealing that every detail of Jesus' suffering was part of a preordained divine drama for the redemption of humanity. This verse underscores that God is not merely reacting to human events but is actively directing history toward His ultimate purposes, even through the actions of those who oppose Him. It highlights the depth of Jesus' humiliation, stripped bare and treated as a common criminal, yet simultaneously affirms His identity as the Messiah whose life perfectly aligns with ancient scripture, providing irrefutable evidence for His claims. This fulfillment assures believers that God's promises are trustworthy and His redemptive plan is unfolding exactly as He intended.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 27:35 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, reminding us of the unwavering reliability of God's Word. In a world often characterized by uncertainty and doubt, the precise fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus' life, even in such a seemingly minor detail as the division of His garments, provides a powerful anchor for our faith. It assures us that God is actively at work, meticulously weaving every event into His grand tapestry of redemption. This verse also challenges us to consider our own priorities: are we, like the soldiers, preoccupied with earthly possessions and transient gains, or are we focused on the eternal realities and the spiritual mission to which God has called us? Furthermore, it offers comfort in suffering, reminding us that even in our deepest pain and humiliation, God is sovereign. Just as Jesus' suffering was part of a divine plan for a greater purpose, so too can our trials be used by God for His glory and our sanctification. We are called to trust in His unseen hand, even when circumstances seem chaotic or unjust, knowing that He is always working for our good and His ultimate purposes.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did the soldiers cast lots for Jesus' garments instead of simply dividing them?
Answer: The soldiers did both. The KJV text, following the Greek, distinguishes between "parted his garments" (referring to outer garments that could be torn into pieces) and "upon my vesture did they cast lots." The parallel account in John 19:23-24 clarifies that Jesus' inner tunic (Greek, chitōn) was "without seam, woven from the top throughout." Because it was a single, valuable, seamless piece, it would have been ruined by tearing. Therefore, to ensure a fair and undisputed distribution of this particular item, the soldiers cast lots, a common ancient practice similar to rolling dice, to determine who would receive it whole. This detail, though seemingly minor, precisely fulfilled the prophecy of Psalm 22:18.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 27:35 stands as a powerful testament to Jesus' identity as the Christ, the promised Messiah, by demonstrating the meticulous fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. The seemingly mundane and callous act of Roman soldiers dividing a crucified man's clothing is transformed into a profound theological statement, revealing God's sovereign hand orchestrating every detail of His Son's redemptive work. This scene directly echoes the words of Psalm 22:18, a Messianic psalm that vividly describes the suffering of the righteous one. Jesus, the sinless Lamb of God, willingly endured this ultimate humiliation—stripped of His dignity and possessions—to become our substitute. His nakedness on the cross foreshadows the spiritual clothing of righteousness He provides to those who believe in Him, as described in passages like Isaiah 61:10. The soldiers' casting of lots, an act of human indifference, paradoxically highlights the divine precision of God's plan, underscoring that Jesus' death was not a random tragedy but the preordained sacrifice for the sins of the world, as proclaimed by John the Baptist in John 1:29. Thus, even in His deepest abasement, Jesus is revealed as the Christ, fulfilling the ancient scriptures and securing eternal salvation for all who trust in Him.