1 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.
2 tn Or “Then the scribes.” The traditional rendering of γραμματεύς (grammateu") as “scribe” does not communicate much to the modern English reader, for whom the term might mean “professional copyist,” if it means anything at all. The people referred to here were recognized experts in the law of Moses and in traditional laws and regulations. Thus “expert in the law” comes closer to the meaning for the modern reader.
3 tn Or “to reason” (in a hostile sense). See G. Schrenk, TDNT 2:97.
4 tn The participle λέγοντες (legontes, “saying”) has not been translated because it is redundant in contemporary English.
5 tn Grk “this one” (οὗτος, Joutos).
6 sn Uttering blasphemies meant to say something that dishonored God. To claim divine prerogatives or claim to speak for God when one really does not would be such an act of offense. The remark raised directly the issue of the nature of Jesus’ ministry.
7 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “but” to indicate the implied contrast present in this context.
8 sn See the note on Pharisees in 5:17.
9 tn Or “and their scribes.” See the note on the phrase “experts in the law” in 5:21.
10 tn Or “grumbled”; a term often used in the OT for inappropriate grumbling: Exod 15:24; 16:7-8; Num 14:2, 26-35; 16:11.
11 sn The issue here is inappropriate associations (eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners) and the accusation comes not against Jesus, but his disciples.