John 19:23 - Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also the coat. Now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "John 19:23" mean?
John 19:23 is a detail in the narrative of Jesus' crucifixion. Let's break down what it means:
"Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also the coat." This describes the common practice of Roman soldiers who crucified criminals. They would divide the personal belongings of the crucified as spoils. In this case, Jesus' outer garments (likely a cloak or robe) were easily divisible into four parts, one for each of the four soldiers likely assigned to the crucifixion detail.
"Now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout." This is the significant detail. "Coat" here probably refers to an inner garment or tunic. The fact that it was seamless and woven in one piece was unusual and valuable. Seamless garments were typically more expensive and harder to produce.
Symbolic and Practical Interpretations:
Practical: The soldiers wanted to divide the tunic too, but they realized tearing it would ruin its value. A seamless garment would be worth more intact.
Symbolic: The seamlessness of the tunic has been interpreted in various ways:
Unity: Some see it as a symbol of the unity of the Church or the indivisible nature of Christ's priesthood or divinity. The fact that the soldiers don't tear it can represent a preservation of that unity, even in the face of division and violence.
Royalty/High Priesthood: Some believe such a garment might have been associated with royalty or the high priesthood. This could be another subtle hint at Jesus' true identity.
Fulfilled Prophecy: Though not a direct quotation, some see this detail as fulfilling the spirit of Psalm 22:18 ("They divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment"), which is traditionally understood as a Messianic prophecy.
In summary, John 19:23 serves to emphasize the historical reality of the crucifixion. It also provides a detail (the seamless tunic) that invites deeper reflection on the significance of Jesus' life, death, and the unity of his followers. The soldiers' actions, driven by greed and practicality, unwittingly contribute to the unfolding narrative and its symbolic weight.
John 19:23 - Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also the coat. Now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout.
What does "John 19:23" mean?
John 19:23 is a detail in the narrative of Jesus' crucifixion. Let's break down what it means:
"Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also the coat." This describes the common practice of Roman soldiers who crucified criminals. They would divide the personal belongings of the crucified as spoils. In this case, Jesus' outer garments (likely a cloak or robe) were easily divisible into four parts, one for each of the four soldiers likely assigned to the crucifixion detail.
"Now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout." This is the significant detail. "Coat" here probably refers to an inner garment or tunic. The fact that it was seamless and woven in one piece was unusual and valuable. Seamless garments were typically more expensive and harder to produce.
Symbolic and Practical Interpretations:
Practical: The soldiers wanted to divide the tunic too, but they realized tearing it would ruin its value. A seamless garment would be worth more intact.
Symbolic: The seamlessness of the tunic has been interpreted in various ways:
Unity: Some see it as a symbol of the unity of the Church or the indivisible nature of Christ's priesthood or divinity. The fact that the soldiers don't tear it can represent a preservation of that unity, even in the face of division and violence.
Royalty/High Priesthood: Some believe such a garment might have been associated with royalty or the high priesthood. This could be another subtle hint at Jesus' true identity.
Fulfilled Prophecy: Though not a direct quotation, some see this detail as fulfilling the spirit of Psalm 22:18 ("They divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment"), which is traditionally understood as a Messianic prophecy.
In summary, John 19:23 serves to emphasize the historical reality of the crucifixion. It also provides a detail (the seamless tunic) that invites deeper reflection on the significance of Jesus' life, death, and the unity of his followers. The soldiers' actions, driven by greed and practicality, unwittingly contribute to the unfolding narrative and its symbolic weight.