Word One: Let Us Cast Lots for His Garment

 

Image: Cruciformed #6: "The Gamble" from www.heartlight.org accessed 10 February 2026

Seven Words TO Jesus at the Cross; Word One: Let Us Cast Lots for His Garment

By Gail K. Kachnycz 29 January 2026; revised 10 February 2026

     During Lent, the posts on A Map Through The Valley will be brief meditations on the Seven Words

to Jesus. For the scripture content, an updated version will be used, following the chronological order

compiled by A.T. Robertson D.D., LLD, Litt.D. in A Harmony of the Gospels. Suggested scripture

readings for each wekk will be listed in the post.

Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His outer garments and made four parts: a part to each soldier, and the tunic also; but the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece. So they said to one another, “Let’s not tear it, but cast lots for it, to decide whose it shall be.” This happened so that the Scripture would be fulfilled: THEY DIVIDED MY GARMENTS AMONG THEMSELVES, AND THEY CAST LOTS FOR MY CLOTHING.” Therefore the soldiers did these things. John 19:23 & 24 NASB2020 [refers to Psalm 22:18]

The soldiers were just following orders. They had probably crucified many others before Jesus. One

way to become hardened to this task was to de-humanize the condemned one, to create distance mentally

and emotionally. Part of the process was to strip Jesus of His clothing, removing any shred of dignity that

remained. 

     The seamless garment is identified, but what other clothing would have been typical apparel? A brief

internet search identified the usual ensemble included the following (for more information, the link is

below): Kuttoneth (tunic), Simlah/Kesut (cloak/mantle), girdle or belt, leather sandals, and a head

covering. Most of these items, especially the sandals and belt, would have been adjusted in size for the

person wearing them. The tunic and cloak were more loose and flowing, and therefore more useful for

anyone, regardless of size. Our senior pastor identified “chiton” as the specific Greek word used for the

item that was seamless. It was the tunic undergarment, worn next to the skin. Having watched my mother

knit mittens, I know that apparel can be made without seams, but it requires a special technique and

equipment. Clothing in ancient times required a lot of effort to produce, and was highly prized. One lucky

Roman received the garment as a perk of his job.

     The scene of the soldiers gambling at the foot of the cross is actually a beautiful picture of what

Christ’s death obtained for us. He endured death to give us eternal life. He suffered pain to bring us

healing. And He was stripped of His clothing to wrap us in a robe of righteousness. It is ours not by

chance, as the soldiers experienced, but by choice; the choice we make to acknowledge our sin and need

for a Savior, thereby receiving His forgiveness, mercy, and grace. Do we want a Robe of Righteousness?

There is no need to gamble; simply repent, request, receive and rejoice!

I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, My soul shall be joyful in my God; For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, And as a bride adorns herself with jewels. Isaiah 61:10 NKJV        

Ancient Israelite Fashion