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.