5:33 “Again, you have heard that it was said to an older generation, 2 ‘Do not break an oath, but fulfill your vows to the Lord.’ 3
Our Father 8 in heaven, may your name be honored, 9
12:38 Then some of the experts in the law 11 along with some Pharisees 12 answered him, 13 “Teacher, we want to see a sign 14 from you.”
1 sn A quotation from Deut 6:16.
2 tn Grk “the ancient ones.”
3 sn A quotation from Lev 19:12.
3 tn Or “shirt” (a long garment worn under the cloak next to the skin). The name for this garment (χιτών, citwn) presents some difficulty in translation. Most modern readers would not understand what a “tunic” was any more than they would be familiar with a “chiton.” On the other hand, attempts to find a modern equivalent are also a problem: “Shirt” conveys the idea of a much shorter garment that covers only the upper body, and “undergarment” (given the styles of modern underwear) is more misleading still. “Tunic” was therefore employed, but with a note to explain its nature.
4 sn Jesus advocates a generosity and a desire to meet those in dire need with the command give to the one who asks you. This may allude to begging; giving alms was viewed highly in the ancient world (Matt 6:1-4; Deut 15:7-11).
5 tn Grk “do not turn away from.”
5 sn Pray this way. What follows, although traditionally known as the Lord’s prayer, is really the disciples’ prayer. It represents how they are to approach God, by acknowledging his uniqueness and their need for his provision and protection.
6 sn God is addressed in terms of intimacy (Father). The original Semitic term here was probably Abba. The term is a little unusual in a personal prayer, especially as it lacks qualification. It is not the exact equivalent of “daddy” (as is sometimes popularly suggested), but it does suggest a close, familial relationship.
7 tn Grk “hallowed be your name.”
6 sn Which is easier is a reflective kind of question. On the one hand to declare sins are forgiven is easier, since one does not need to see it, unlike telling a paralyzed person to walk. On the other hand, it is harder, because for it to be true one must possess the authority to forgive the sin.
7 tn Or “Then some of the scribes.” See the note on the phrase “experts in the law” in 2:4.
8 tn Grk “and Pharisees.” The word “some” before “Pharisees” has been supplied for clarification.
9 tn Grk “answered him, saying.” The participle λέγοντες (legontes) is redundant, but the syntax of the sentence was changed to conform to English style.
10 sn What exactly this sign would have been, given what Jesus was already doing, is not clear. But here is where the fence-sitters reside, refusing to commit to him.
8 tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated.
9 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate the implied result of the false testimony.