{Let us not rend it} (m(8820)schis(936d)en auton). M(885c) with
first aorist active volitive subjunctive of schiz(935c), to split.
It was too valuable to ruin. {Cast lots} (lach(936d)en). Second
aorist active volitive subjunctive of lagchan(935c). The usual
meaning is to obtain by lot ( Lu 1:9 Ac 1:17 ). Field (_Ot.
Norv_. 72) holds that no example has been found where it means
"cast lots" as here, but Thayer cites _Isocrates_, p. 144b and
_Diod_. 4, 63. John here quotes with the usual formula Ps 22:18
(LXX verbatim) and finds a fulfilment here. The enemies of the
Lord's Anointed treated him as already dead (Westcott) and so
cast lots (elabon kl(8872)on, the common phrase as in Mt 27:35 ).
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