Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 27:35

"And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments among them, casting lots;" — Matthew 27:35 (ASV)

Jesus was nailed to the crossbeam, which was then hoisted to its place on the upright. His feet were then nailed to the upright. The Romans crucified their victims naked, and their clothes customarily became the perquisite of the executioners; here they divided them—probably an inner and outer garment, a belt, and a pair of sandals—among themselves by casting lots, oblivious to the OT lament in Ps 22:18 that Jn 19:23–24 says was now fulfilled.