Mark 2:14-15

2:14 As he went along, he saw Levi, the son of Alphaeus, sitting at the tax booth. ¹  “Follow me,” he said to him. And he got up and followed him. 2:15 As Jesus ²  was having a meal ³  in Levi’s ⁴  home, many tax collectors ⁵  and sinners were eating with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many who followed him.

[2:14]  ¹ tn While “tax office” is sometimes given as a translation for τελώνιον (telwnion, so L&N 57.183), this could give the modern reader a false impression of an indoor office with all its associated furnishings.

[2:15]  ² tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

[2:15]  ³ tn Grk “As he reclined at table.”

[2:15]  ⁴ tn Grk “his.”

[2:15]  ⁵ sn The tax collectors would bid to collect taxes for the Roman government and then add a surcharge, which they kept. Since tax collectors worked for Rome, they were viewed as traitors to their own people and were not well liked.