Bible Strands
John 19:23
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.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The narrative occurs immediately after Jesus is crucified, as the executing soldiers take His clothing for themselves.
The words — The Greek στρατιῶται (stratiōtai) denotes the soldiers present, while ἔλαβον (elabon) literally means they took or seized.
The thread — This event parallels the garment division recorded in Matthew 27:35, Mark 15:24, and Luke 23:34, where crucifixion parties cast lots for clothing.
Why it lands — The text records the literal fulfillment of Scripture through the soldiers' actions, requiring readers to recognize divine sovereignty operating within historical execution details.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- Luke 23:34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up His garments by casting lots.
- Mark 15:24 And they crucified Him. They also divided His garments by casting lots to decide what each of them would take.
- Matthew 27:35 When they had crucified Him, they divided up His garments by casting lots.
- Exodus 39:22 They made the robe of the ephod entirely of blue cloth, the work of a weaver,