Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

LUKE 23:34KJV
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Luke 23:34 (KJV)

What does Luke 23:34 mean?

Luke 23:34 records Jesus, as he is being crucified, asking God the Father to forgive the people responsible for his death because they do not truly understand what they are doing. The verse also notes that the soldiers divided up Jesus’ clothing by casting lots, showing how he was treated as he died.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking aloud while nailed to the cross, surrounded by Roman soldiers and onlookers. His words are directed to God, showing a spirit of forgiveness even in the midst of extreme suffering. The detail about the soldiers gambling for his clothes highlights the humiliation and disregard he faced during his execution.

The Greek behind Luke 23:34

  • ἀφες (aphes, "forgive"): This Greek word means to let go, release, or pardon. Jesus is not just asking for a light pardon but a full release from guilt for those involved in his crucifixion.
  • οὐκ οἴδασιν (ouk oidasin, "they know not"): The Greek here emphasizes a lack of real understanding or awareness, suggesting that those crucifying Jesus do not grasp the full significance of their actions.
  • διαμεριζόμενοι (diamerizomenoi, "parted"): This word means to divide or distribute. The soldiers are not just taking his clothes but splitting them up among themselves, which adds to the sense of Jesus being stripped of dignity.

Why Luke 23:34 matters

  • Luke 23:34 clears up the idea that Jesus’ forgiveness is only for those who ask for it; here, he offers forgiveness even to people who have not repented or realized their wrongdoing.
  • The verse highlights Jesus’ consistent message of forgiveness and mercy, even toward his enemies, which stands out in the context of his suffering.
  • By mentioning the soldiers casting lots for Jesus’ clothes, Luke connects this moment to Old Testament prophecies (like Psalm 22:18), showing that these events were part of a larger story.

Where else these words appear

“parted” Greek G1266 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 27:35 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.
  • Luke 11:18 If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub.
  • Luke 22:17 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves:

“lots” Greek G2819 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 27:35 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.
  • Acts 1:17 For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.
  • Acts 8:21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.

“raiment” Greek G2440 · used in 59 verses

  • Matthew 5:40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.
  • Mark 9:3 And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them.
  • 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 his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout.

“cast” Greek G906 · used in 107 verses

  • Matthew 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
  • Mark 9:22 And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.
  • John 18:11 Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?