Bible Strands
Psalms 22:18
They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The psalmist speaks from a position of extreme physical exposure and public humiliation, sandwiched between a description of being stared at and having bones counted (Ps 22:17) and a direct plea for the Lord’s urgent rescue (Ps 22:19).
The words — The Hebrew יְחַלְּקוּ (ye.cha.le.Ku) translates literally as "they divide" or "distribute," while יַפִּילוּ (ya.Pi.lu) means "they cast," together recording the act of distributing garments and casting a lot (גוֹרָל) for the speaker’s clothing.
The thread — This exact action of dividing garments by casting lots reappears in the crucifixion narratives of Matthew 27:35, Mark 15:24, and Luke 23:34.
Why it lands — The text records a specific, degrading act of violence against the speaker, establishing a concrete pattern that the gospel accounts identify as fulfilled in the treatment of Jesus.
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 Hebrew words
King James Version
They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.
Cross-references
- Matthew 27:35 When they had crucified Him, they divided up His garments by casting lots.
- 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.
- 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.