Definition: And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Matthew 27:35. It’s a really powerful and complex passage, and it’s often misunderstood. Here’s what it essentially means in plain language: The Basic Story: Jesus was betrayed by his friends and arrested. They didn't just kill him; they separated his clothes – his tunic and cloak – and then let them compete with each other. Let's unpack the details: “And they crucified him…” : This tells us Jesus was being punished for his teachings and actions. “…and parted his garments…” : This means they ripped apart his clothes, stripping him of his dignity and status. “…casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet…” : This is the key part. The “prophet” refers to a Jewish prophet who spoke about Jesus’s impending death – a prophecy about his suffering. This verse says that because of this prophecy, the event of his crucifixion would come to pass as foretold. “…They parted my garments among them…” : This is a metaphorical way of saying they were giving him a choice: let them choose what to do with him. "...and upon my vesture did they cast lots.” : This is the most dramatic part. "Vesture" means cloak or garment. They cast lots – meaning they chose to place him in a position of power, like a throne or a leader, among them. What does it all mean? It's a symbolic representation of Jesus being humiliated and treated as a prize. The idea is that his death was deliberately orchestrated to fulfill the prophecy about his suffering, making his sacrifice essential for God’s plan. It suggests a complete and deliberate act of vengeance against him. Important Note: This verse is rich with symbolism and has been interpreted in various ways throughout history. It's often seen as a depiction of Jesus being treated as a pawn in a larger game, and his death was a necessary step towards divine justice. In short, this verse describes a dramatic act of betrayal where Jesus’ clothing was divided among his enemies, symbolizing his humiliation and the fulfillment of a prophecy. --- Do you want me to: Explain any specific part of the verse in more detail? Connect this passage to other Bible stories or themes (like sin, sacrifice, or judgment)?