Psalms 22:18
What does Psalms 22:18 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 22:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 22:18 means
The psalmist describes the ultimate act of contempt and presumption by his enemies: they are already dividing his clothes among themselves and casting lots for his most valuable garment, his tunic. This action signifies a complete disregard for his life, as they treat him as already dead, preemptively claiming his possessions. This verse is famously referenced in the New Testament as fulfilled during the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000They part my garments among them, And upon my vesture do they cast lots.
KJV
King James Version · 1611They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901They part my garments among them, And upon my vesture do they cast lots.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949They make a division of my robes among them, by the decision of chance they take my clothing.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862They apportion my garments to themselves, And for my clothing they cause a lot to fall.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Not available in this translation
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.
Context
This verse describes the culmination of the enemies' public mockery and dehumanization, directly following the description of their staring in verse 17. The division of his garments signifies the ultimate disrespect and a chilling presumption of his imminent death. This act provides a concrete and powerful example of the enemies' malice, immediately preceding the psalmist's renewed, urgent plea for God's intervention.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 19:23
The soldiers therefore, 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.
- Luke 23:34
And Jesus said, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And parting his garments among them, they cast lots.
- Mark 15:24
And they crucify him, and part his garments among them, casting lots upon them, what each should take.
- Matthew 27:35
And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments among them, casting lots;
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