Matthew 27:35

KJV

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;

Commentary

### 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](/matthew/27-33 "Matthew 27:33 - Jesus Arrives at Golgotha"). 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](/matthew/1-22-23 "Matthew 1:22-23 - Prophecy of Immanuel")).

* **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](/psalm/22 "Psalm 22 - A Psalm of Suffering and Deliverance"). 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
* **Parted (Greek, _diamerízō'_):** This word, derived from `diá` (through) and `merízō` (to divide), signifies a thorough partitioning or distribution among several individuals. In this context, it describes the soldiers' action of dividing Jesus' outer garments into separate portions for each of them. It suggests a deliberate and complete division, leaving nothing for the condemned.
* **Garments (Greek, _himátion'_); Vesture (Greek, _himatismós'_):** The KJV translates two distinct Greek words here. `Himátion` refers to a general outer garment or cloak, which would have been easily divisible. `Himatismós`, on the other hand, denotes clothing in general, but in the context of the parallel account in [John 19:23-24](/john/19-23-24 "John 19:23-24 - Soldiers Divide Jesus' Garments"), it specifically refers to Jesus' inner tunic (Greek, _chitōn'_), which was seamless. The soldiers "parted" the `himátion` (outer garments) but cast lots for the `himatismós` (the inner, seamless vesture), indicating its unique value or integrity.
* **Fulfilled (Greek, _plēróō'_):** This verb means "to make replete," "to complete," or "to accomplish." In a prophetic context, it signifies that a prediction has been brought to its full and precise realization. The use of this word emphasizes that the events of the crucifixion were not random but were the exact culmination of God's revealed will, validating the divine authority of the Old Testament prophecies and Jesus' identity as the Messiah.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they crucified him":** This opening clause succinctly states the central event. "They" refers to the Roman soldiers, acting under the authority of the Roman governor. "Crucified" indicates the method of execution, a brutal and agonizing form of capital punishment reserved for the worst criminals or rebels against Rome. This phrase establishes the grim reality of Jesus' suffering.
* **"and parted his garments, casting lots":** This describes the soldiers' actions immediately after the crucifixion. "Parted his garments" refers to the division of Jesus' outer clothing among themselves, a customary practice for executioners. "Casting lots" specifies the method used to distribute these possessions, particularly for the more valuable or indivisible items, such as the inner tunic. This detail underscores the soldiers' callous indifference, treating Jesus' personal effects as mere spoils.
* **"that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet":** This clause provides the theological interpretation of the preceding actions. The phrase "that it might be fulfilled" (Greek, _hína plēróō_) highlights the divine purpose behind these events. The actions of the soldiers, though seemingly random or cruel, were in fact orchestrated by God to align with ancient prophecy. The "prophet" refers to King David, the author of Psalm 22.
* **"They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.":** This is a direct quotation from [Psalm 22:18](/psalm/22-18 "Psalm 22:18 - Prophecy of Divided Garments"). The inclusion of this specific prophecy, with its precise details about both the division of garments and the casting of lots for the vesture, powerfully demonstrates the meticulous accuracy of God's prophetic word. It confirms that Jesus' suffering was not a tragic accident but a preordained part of God's redemptive plan for humanity.

#### 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](/psalm/22-18 "Psalm 22:18 - A Messianic Psalm") 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.

* [Psalm 22:18](/psalm/22-18 "Psalm 22:18 - Prophecy of Divided Garments")
* [John 19:23-24](/john/19-23-24 "John 19:23-24 - Soldiers Divide Jesus' Garments")
* [Isaiah 53:3-5](/isaiah/53-3-5 "Isaiah 53:3-5 - The Suffering Servant")

### 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
* **How does the fulfillment of prophecy in Matthew 27:35 strengthen your trust in the reliability of Scripture and God's sovereign plan?**
* **In what ways might we, like the soldiers, be inadvertently participating in God's plan without fully recognizing its significance?**
* **How does Jesus' willingness to endure such public humiliation challenge our own desire for comfort and dignity, especially in our service to Him?**

### 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](/john/19-23-24 "John 19:23-24 - Jesus' Seamless Tunic") 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](/psalm/22-18 "Psalm 22:18 - Prophecy of Divided Garments").

### 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](/psalm/22-18 "Psalm 22:18 - Prophecy of Divided Garments"), 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](/isaiah/61-10 "Isaiah 61:10 - Garments of Salvation"). 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](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). 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.

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

Psalms 22:18

They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.

Mark 15:24

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

Mark 15:32

Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him.

Luke 23:34

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

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.

John 19:24

They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did.

Acts 4:10

Be 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.