Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 19:24

"They said therefore one to another, 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 garments among them, And upon my vesture did they cast lots." — John 19:24 (ASV)

Usually the clothing of a crucified man became the property of the executioners. Jesus’ simple wardrobe was composed of five items: a turban or headdress; an outer robe; a sash or girdle, the folds of which would provide pockets; sandals; and a fairly long tunic woven in one piece, that was an undergarment. The first four were easily divided among the four legionnaires, but the fifth would be of no value if cut into four parts. Gambling was wellknown in the Roman army, so the tunic was awarded to one of them at the cast of the dice. John’s reason for mentioning this episode was its fulfillment of the prophecy of Ps 22. This psalm is a startling picture of the Crucifixion, which begins with Christ’s fourth word from the cross: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34). If Pilate’s inscription shows that he exploited Jesus’ crucifixion as a means of psychological vengeance, the gambling of the legionnaires shows their callous and mercenary attitude.