Matthew 12:26

12:26 So if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand?

Matthew 27:35

27:35 When they had crucified him, they divided his clothes by throwing dice.

tn This first class condition, the first of three “if” clauses in the following verses, presents the example vividly as if it were so. In fact, all three conditions in these verses are first class. The examples are made totally parallel. The expected answer is that Satan’s kingdom will not stand, so the suggestion makes no sense. Satan would not seek to heal.

tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated.

sn See the note on crucified in 20:19.

tn Grk “by throwing the lot” (probably by using marked pebbles or broken pieces of pottery). A modern equivalent, “throwing dice,” was chosen here because of its association with gambling. According to L&N 6.219 a term for “dice” is particularly appropriate.