1 tn Grk “Truly (ἀμήν, amhn), I say to you.”
2 tn The Greek negative here (οὐ μή, ou mh) is the strongest possible.
3 tn Grk “will not taste.” Here the Greek verb does not mean “sample a small amount” (as a typical English reader might infer from the word “taste”), but “experience something cognitively or emotionally; come to know something” (cf. BDAG 195 s.v. γεύομαι 2).
4 sn Several suggestions have been made as to the referent for the phrase the Son of Man coming in his kingdom: (1) the transfiguration itself, which immediately follows in the narrative; (2) Jesus’ resurrection and ascension; (3) the coming of the Spirit; (4) Christ’s role in the Church; (5) the destruction of Jerusalem; (6) Jesus’ second coming and the establishment of the kingdom. The reference to six days later in 17:1 seems to indicate that Matthew had the transfiguration in mind insofar as it was a substantial prefiguring of the consummation of the kingdom (although this interpretation is not without its problems). As such, the transfiguration would be a tremendous confirmation to the disciples that even though Jesus had just finished speaking of his death (in vv. 21-23), he was nonetheless the promised Messiah and things were proceeding according to God’s plan.
5 sn The Son of Man’s coming in power will be sudden and obvious like lightning. No one will need to point it out.
6 tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated.
7 tn Or “in the sky”; the Greek word οὐρανός (ouranos) may be translated “sky” or “heaven,” depending on the context.
8 tn Here τότε (tote, “then”) has not been translated to avoid redundancy in English.
9 tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated.
10 sn An allusion to Dan 7:13. Here is Jesus returning with full authority to judge.
11 tn In the Greek text this is a third class condition that for all practical purposes is a hypothetical condition (note the translation of the following verb “should say”).
12 tn Grk “should say in his heart.”
13 tc Most later
14 sn An allusion to Ps 110:1. This is a claim that Jesus shares authority with God in heaven. Those present may have thought they were his judges, but, in fact, the reverse was true.
15 sn The expression the right hand of the Power is a circumlocution for referring to God. Such indirect references to God were common in 1st century Judaism out of reverence for the divine name.
16 sn An allusion to Dan 7:13 (see also Matt 24:30).
17 tn Grk “they.”
18 sn An allusion to Dan 7:13. Here is Jesus returning with full judging authority.
19 tn Some argue this should be translated “suddenly.” When vindication comes it will be quick. But the more natural meaning is “soon.” God will not forget his elect and will respond to them. It may be that this verse has a prophetic perspective. In light of the eternity that comes, vindication is soon.
20 sn Will he find faith on earth? The Son of Man is looking for those who continue to believe in him, despite the wait.
21 tn Grk “And then” (καὶ τότε, kai tote). Here καί has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
22 sn An allusion to Dan 7:13. Here is Jesus returning with full judging authority.