The Casting of Lots
Matthew 27:35–36; Mark 15:24; Luke 23:34; John 19:23–25a
Works of art by Andrea Mantegna, Andrea Vanni, and Bernardino Luini
Commentaries by David Ekserdjian
Matthew 27:35–36; Mark 15:24; Luke 23:34; John 19:23–25a
Bible passage (Revised Standard Version)
Matthew 27
35And when they had crucified him, they divided his garments among them by casting lots; 36then they sat down and kept watch over him there.
Mark 15
24And they crucified him, and divided his garments among them, casting lots for them, to decide what each should take.
Luke 23
34And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.
John 19
23 When the soldiers had crucified Jesus they took his garments and made four parts, one for each soldier; also his tunic. But the tunic was without seam, woven from top to bottom; 24 so they said to one another, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be.” This was to fulfil the scripture,
“They parted my garments among them,
and for my clothing they cast lots.”
25 So the soldiers did this.