And when they had crucified him,.... Had fastened him to the cross, and reared it up, and he was hanging upon it:

they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take. This last clause, "what every man should take", is left out in the Arabic version. His garments they divided into four parts; and each soldier, as there were four of them, took a part; and upon his vesture, or seamless coat, because they would not rend it, they cast lots who should have it, and so fulfilled a prophecy in Psalm 22:18; See Gill on Matthew 27:35.

What each should take (τίς τί ἄρῃ)

Lit., who should take what. An addition of Mark.

{5} And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take.

(5) Christ hangs naked upon the cross, and as the most wicked and base person that ever was, most vilely reproved. This was so that we, being clothed with his righteousness and blessed with his curses and sanctified by his only sacrifice, may be taken up into heaven.

15:21-41 They compel one Simon... to bear his cross. See notes on Mt 27:32-56. Mark's account is almost parallel. Compare Lu 23:26-49 Joh 19:17-30. Only Mark declares that Simon was the father of Alexander and Rufus. See Ro 16:13 1Ti 1:20 Ac 19:33. Simon, while a native of Cyrene in North Africa, was a Jew.

15:24-25 St. Mark seems to intimate, that they first nailed him to the cross, then parted his garments, and afterward reared up the cross.

Margin And when

See note for order of events at the crucifixion, See Scofield Note: "Mt 27:33"

15:22-32 The place where our Lord Jesus was crucified, was called the place of a scull; it was the common place of execution; for he was in all respects numbered with the transgressors. Whenever we look unto Christ crucified, we must remember what was written over his head; he is a King, and we must give up ourselves to be his subjects, as Israelites indeed. They crucified two thieves with him, and him in the midst; they thereby intended him great dishonour. But it was foretold that he should be numbered with the transgressors, because he was made sin for us. Even those who passed by railed at him. They told him to come down from the cross, and they would believe; but they did not believe, though he gave them a more convincing sign when he came up from the grave. With what earnestness will the man who firmly believes the truth, as made known by the sufferings of Christ, seek for salvation! With what gratitude will he receive the dawning hope of forgiveness and eternal life, as purchased for him by the sufferings and death of the Son of God! and with what godly sorrow will he mourn over the sins which crucified the Lord of glory!