Mark 2:7

2:7 “Why does this man speak this way? He is blaspheming! ¹  Who can forgive sins but God alone?”

Mark 15:24

15:24 Then ²  they crucified ³  him and divided his clothes, throwing dice ⁴  for them, to decide what each would take.

[2:7]  ¹ 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.

[15:24]  ² tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.

[15:24]  ³ sn See the note on Crucify in 15:13.

[15:24]  ⁴ 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.