Matthew 9:3

9:3 Then ¹  some of the experts in the law ²  said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming!” ³ 

Matthew 9:11

9:11 When the Pharisees ⁴  saw this they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” ⁵ 

¹ tn Grk “And behold.” The Greek word ἰδού (idou) has not been translated because it has no exact English equivalent here, but adds interest and emphasis (BDAG 468 s.v. 1). Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events in the narrative.

² tn Or “some of the scribes.” See the note on the phrase “experts in the law” in 2:4.

³ sn Blaspheming 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.

⁴ sn See the note on Pharisees in 3:7.

⁵ sn The issue here is inappropriate associations. Jews were very careful about personal associations and contact as a matter of ritual cleanliness. Their question borders on an accusation that Jesus is ritually unclean.