Luke 23:34 Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up His garments by casting lots.

◄ Luke 23:34 ►

New International Version
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

New Living Translation
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.

English Standard Version
And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.

Berean Standard Bible
Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up His garments by casting lots.

Berean Literal Bible
And Jesus was saying, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." And they cast lots, dividing His garments.

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

New King James Version
Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots.

New American Standard Bible
[But Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.”] And they cast lots, dividing His garments among themselves.

NASB 1995
But Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves.

NASB 1977
But Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves.

Legacy Standard Bible
But Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” AND THEY CAST LOTS, DIVIDING UP HIS GARMENTS AMONG THEMSELVES.

Amplified Bible
And Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots, dividing His clothes among themselves.

Christian Standard Bible
Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided his clothes and cast lots.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided His clothes and cast lots.

American Standard Version
And Jesus said, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And parting his garments among them, they cast lots.

English Revised Version
And Jesus said, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And parting his garments among them, they cast lots.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them. They don't know what they're doing." Meanwhile, the soldiers divided his clothes among themselves by throwing dice.

Good News Translation
Jesus said, "Forgive them, Father! They don't know what they are doing." They divided his clothes among themselves by throwing dice.

International Standard Version
Jesus kept saying, "Father, forgive them, because they don't know what they're doing." Then they divided his clothes among them by throwing dice.

Majority Standard Bible
Then Jesus said, ?Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.? And they divided up His garments by casting lots.

NET Bible
[But Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing."] Then they threw dice to divide his clothes.

New Heart English Bible
And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." Dividing his garments among them, they cast lots.

Webster's Bible Translation
Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them: for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

Weymouth New Testament
Jesus prayed, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they are doing." And they divided His garments among them, drawing lots for them;

World English Bible
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” Dividing his garments among them, they cast lots.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they have not known what they do”; and parting His garments they cast a lot.

Berean Literal Bible
And Jesus was saying, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." And they cast lots, dividing His garments.

Young's Literal Translation
And Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they have not known what they do;' and parting his garments they cast a lot.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Jesus said, Father, let them go; for they know not what they do. And having divided his garments, they cast lots.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And Jesus said: Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. But they, dividing his garments, cast lots.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them. For they know not what they do.” And truly, dividing his garments, they cast lots.

New American Bible
[Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.”] They divided his garments by casting lots.

New Revised Standard Version
Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots to divide his clothing.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And Jesus said, O Father, forgive them, for they know not what they are doing. And they divided his garments and cast lots over them.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But Yeshua was saying, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they divided his garments, and they cast lots for them.

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
And Jesus said: Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. And dividing his clothing into parts, they cast lots.

Godbey New Testament
And Jesus said, Father, forgive them, for they know not what they are doing. And dividing His garments, they were casting the lots.

Haweis New Testament
And Jesus said, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. Then dividing his garments, they cast the lot.

Mace New Testament
and Jesus said, "father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." then they divided his raiment among them by throwing lots,

Weymouth New Testament
Jesus prayed, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they are doing." And they divided His garments among them, drawing lots for them;

Worrell New Testament
And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do!" And, dividing His garments among them, they cast lots.

Worsley New Testament
And Jesus said, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his garments, and cast lots for them.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Crucifixion
…33When they came to the place called The Skull, they crucified Him there, along with the criminals, one on His right and the other on His left. 34Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up His garments by casting lots. 35The people stood watching, and the rulers sneered at Him, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.”…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Matthew 5:44
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

Acts 7:60
Falling on his knees, he cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Isaiah 53:12
Therefore I will allot Him a portion with the great, and He will divide the spoils with the strong, because He has poured out His life unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors. Yet He bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors.

1 Peter 2:23
When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.

Psalm 22:18
They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.

John 19:23-24
When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they divided His garments into four parts, one for each soldier, with the tunic remaining. It was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. / So they said to one another, “Let us not tear it. Instead, let us cast lots to see who will get it.” This was to fulfill the Scripture: “They divided My garments among them, and cast lots for My clothing.” So that is what the soldiers did.

Romans 12:14
Bless those who persecute you. Bless and do not curse.

Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.

Colossians 3:13
Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

1 Corinthians 4:12-13
We work hard with our own hands. When we are vilified, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; / when we are slandered, we answer gently. Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world.

Matthew 6:12
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

Mark 11:25
And when you stand to pray, if you hold anything against another, forgive it, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your trespasses as well.”

Proverbs 25:21-22
If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. / For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.

Genesis 50:17
‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I beg you, please forgive the transgression and sin of your brothers, for they did you wrong.’ So now, Joseph, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept.

2 Chronicles 24:22
Thus King Joash failed to remember the kindness that Zechariah’s father Jehoiada had extended to him. Instead, Joash killed Jehoiada’s son. As he lay dying, Zechariah said, “May the LORD see this and call you to account.”

Treasury of Scripture

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

Father.

Luke 23:47,48
Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man…

Luke 6:27,28
But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, …

Genesis 50:17
So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him.

they know not.

Luke 12:47,48
And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes…

John 15:22-24
If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin…

John 19:11
Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.

And they.

Psalm 22:18
They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.

Matthew 27:35,36
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…

Mark 15:24
And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take.

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Luke 23

1. Jesus is accused before Pilate, and sent to Herod.
8. Herod mocks him.
12. Herod and Pilate become friends.
13. Barabbas is desired of the people,
24. and is released by Pilate, and Jesus is given to be crucified.
26. He tells the women, that lament him, the destruction of Jerusalem;
34. prays for his enemies.
39. Two criminals are crucified with him.
46. His death.
50. His burial.

Berean Study Bible

Then Jesus said
This phrase marks a pivotal moment in the crucifixion narrative. The Greek word for "said" is "εἶπεν" (eipen), indicating a definitive and authoritative statement. Jesus, even in His suffering, takes the initiative to speak words of profound significance. Historically, this moment is set against the backdrop of Roman crucifixion, a brutal method of execution designed to maximize suffering and humiliation. Yet, Jesus' response is not one of anger or despair but of compassion and intercession.

Father
The use of "Father" here is deeply relational and intimate. The Greek word "Πατήρ" (Pater) reflects Jesus' unique relationship with God, emphasizing His divine sonship and trust in the Father's will. This invocation of "Father" is consistent with Jesus' teachings throughout the Gospels, where He often refers to God as "Father," highlighting a personal and loving relationship. In the context of the crucifixion, it underscores Jesus' submission to the Father's plan of redemption.

forgive them
The Greek word for "forgive" is "ἄφες" (aphes), which means to release or let go. This plea for forgiveness is remarkable, considering the circumstances. Jesus is asking for the pardon of those who are actively participating in His execution. This reflects the core of Christian teaching on forgiveness and grace, where love triumphs over judgment. Historically, this moment fulfills prophetic scriptures, such as Isaiah 53:12, which speaks of the Messiah making intercession for transgressors.

for they do not know
The phrase "do not know" comes from the Greek "οἴδασιν" (oidasin), meaning to be unaware or ignorant. Jesus acknowledges the ignorance of His executioners, who do not fully grasp the magnitude of their actions or the identity of the One they are crucifying. This echoes the theme of spiritual blindness found throughout the Gospels, where people fail to recognize Jesus as the Messiah due to their hardened hearts or lack of understanding.

what they are doing
This phrase highlights the actions of the Roman soldiers and Jewish leaders who orchestrated Jesus' crucifixion. The Greek "ποιοῦσιν" (poiousin) indicates ongoing action, suggesting that their deeds are part of a larger, unfolding divine plan. In a broader scriptural context, this moment is a fulfillment of God's redemptive purpose, where even the actions of those opposed to Jesus are used to bring about salvation for humanity.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(34) Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.--Again, the silence is broken, not by the cry of anguish or sigh of passionate complaint, but by words of tenderest pity and intercession. It is well, however, that we should remember who were the primary direct objects of that prayer. Not Pilate, for he knew that he had condemned the innocent; not the chief priests and scribes, for their sin, too, was against light and knowledge. Those for whom our Lord then prayed were clearly the soldiers who nailed Him to the cross, to whom the work was but that which they were, as they deemed, bound to do as part of their duty. It is, however, legitimate to think of His intercession as including, in its ultimate extension, all who in any measure sin against God as not knowing what they do, who speak or act against the Son of Man without being guilty of the sin against the Holy Ghost. (See Note on Acts 3:17.)

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 34. - Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. These words are missing in some of the oldest authorities. They are found, however, in the majority of the most ancient manuscripts and in the most trustworthy of the old versions, and are undoubtedly genuine. These first of the seven words from the cross seem, from their position in the record, to have been spoken very early in the awful scene, probably while the nails were being driven into the hands and feet. Different from other holy dying men, he had no need to say, "Forgive me." Then, as always, thinking of others, he utters this prayer, uttering it, too, as Stier well observes, with the same consciousness which had been formerly expressed, "Father, I know that thou hearest me always." "His intercession has this for its ground, though in meekness it is not expressed: 'Father, I will that thou forgive them." In the same sublime consciousness who he was, he speaks shortly after to the penitent thief hanging by his side. These words of the crucified Jesus were heard by the poor sufferer close to him; they - with other things he had noticed in the One crucified in the midst - moved him to that piteous prayer which was answered at once so quickly and so royally. St. Bernard comments thus on this first word from the cross: "Judaei clamant, 'Crucifige! 'Christus clamat,' Ignosce!' Magna illorum iniquitas. seal major tun, O Domine, pietas!" And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. The rough soldiers were treating the Master as already dead, and were disposing of his raiment, of which they had stripped him before fastening him to the cross. He was hanging there naked, exposed to sun and wind. Part of this raiment was torn asunder, part they drew lots for to see who was to wear it. The garments of the crucified became the property of the soldiers who carried out the sentence. Every cross was guarded by a guard of four soldiers. The coat, for which they cast lots, was, St. John tells us, without seam. "Chrysostom," who may have written from personal knowledge, thinks that the detail is added to show "the poorness of the Lord's garments, and that in dress, as in all other things, he followed a simple fashion."

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

Then
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

Jesus
Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.

said,
ἔλεγεν (elegen)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

“Father,
Πάτερ (Pater)
Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3962: Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'.

forgive
ἄφες (aphes)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 863: From apo and hiemi; to send forth, in various applications.

them,
αὐτοῖς (autois)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

for
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

they do not know
οἴδασιν (oidasin)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1492: To know, remember, appreciate.

what
τί (ti)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5101: Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.

they are doing.”
ποιοῦσιν (poiousin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 4160: (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.

And
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

they divided up
διαμεριζόμενοι (diamerizomenoi)
Verb - Present Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1266: To divide up into parts, break up; I distribute. From dia and merizo; to partition thoroughly.

His
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

garments
ἱμάτια (himatia)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2440: A long flowing outer garment, tunic. Neuter of a presumed derivative of ennumi; a dress.

by casting
ἔβαλον (ebalon)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 906: (a) I cast, throw, rush, (b) often, in the weaker sense: I place, put, drop. A primary verb; to throw.

lots.
κλήρους (klērous)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2819: (a) a lot, (b) a portion assigned; hence: a portion of the people of God assigned to one's care, a congregation.

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NT Gospels: Luke 23:34 Jesus said Father forgive them for they (Luke Lu Lk)