Matthew 9:3-4

9:3 Then ¹  some of the experts in the law ²  said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming!” ³  9:4 When Jesus saw their reaction he said, “Why do you respond with evil in your hearts?

Matthew 9:14

The Superiority of the New

9:14 Then John’s ⁴  disciples came to Jesus ⁵  and asked, “Why do we and the Pharisees ⁶  fast often, ⁷  but your disciples don’t fast?”

Matthew 9:32-34

9:32 As ⁸  they were going away, ⁹  a man who could not talk and was demon-possessed was brought to him. 9:33 After the demon was cast out, the man who had been mute spoke. The crowds were amazed and said, “Never has anything like this been seen in Israel!” 9:34 But the Pharisees ¹⁰  said, “By the ruler ¹¹  of demons he casts out demons.” ¹² 

[9:3]  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.

[9:3]  ² tn Or “some of the scribes.” See the note on the phrase “experts in the law” in 2:4.

[9:3]  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.

[9:14]  ⁴ sn John refers to John the Baptist.

[9:14]  ⁵ tn Grk “him”; the referent (Jesus) has been supplied in the translation for clarity.

[9:14]  ⁶ sn See the note on Pharisees in 3:7.

[9:14]  ⁷ sn John’s disciples and the Pharisees followed typical practices with regard to fasting and prayer. Many Jews fasted regularly (Lev 16:29-34; 23:26-32; Num 29:7-11). The zealous fasted twice a week on Monday and Thursday.

[9:32]  ⁷ tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated.

[9:32]  ⁸ tn Grk “away, behold, they brought a man to him.” 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).

[9:34]  ¹⁰ sn See the note on Pharisees in 3:7.

[9:34]  ¹¹ tn Or “prince.”

[9:34]  ¹² tc Although codex Cantabrigiensis (D), along with a few other Western versional and patristic witnesses, lacks this verse, virtually all other witnesses have it. The Western text’s reputation for free alterations as well as the heightened climax if v. 33 concludes this pericope explains why these witnesses omitted the verse.