John 19:23 Christ’s robe

Hi Gramps-

I love your site. I’ve read several questions over the years, but never asked. I was reading the New Testament today and read John 19:23 and was struck by “…now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout.” Is there a significance to how the coat was made and if so, what is it? I feel like John is a very careful writer to include intentional details. What is the meaning of this seemingly random detail? Just curious. Thank you for your service and thank you for taking my question.

Kirby

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Kirby,

The fact that Christ’s robe was without seam indicates that it was a very expensive garment. It takes great skill to weave a robe without seam, and it comes up due to the tradition of the guards to claim the clothing of those on the cross for themselves. However in this case, the robe would have been simply torn in half so both guards could have a fair part. Seeing that it was without seam cause them to reconsider and rather than rend the valuable garment, they cast lots to see who would get it. In that very act they fulfilled prophecy as well.

Matthew 27:35

35 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.

which is in reference to

Psalms 22:18

They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.

-Gramps