Luke 10-16

New English Translation

Footnotes

1. Luke 10:1 tn Grk “And after these things.” Here δέ (de) has not been translated.
2. Luke 10:1 tc There is a difficult textual problem here and in v. 17, where the number is either “seventy” (א A C L W Θ Ξ Ψ ƒ^1,13 M and several church fathers and early versions) or “seventy-two” (P⁷⁵ B D 0181 lat as well as other versions and fathers). The more difficult reading is “seventy-two,” since scribes would be prone to assimilate this passage to several OT passages that refer to groups of seventy people (Num 11:13-17; Deut 10:22; Judg 8:30; 2 Kgs 10:1 et al.); this reading also has slightly better ms support. “Seventy” could be the preferred reading if scribes drew from the tradition of the number of translators of the LXX, which the Letter of Aristeas puts at seventy-two (TCGNT 127), although this is far less likely. All things considered, “seventy-two” is a much more difficult reading and accounts for the rise of the other. Only Luke notes a second larger mission like the one in 9:1-6.
3. Luke 10:1 tn Or “city.”
4. Luke 10:2 tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated.
5. Luke 10:2 sn The phrase Lord of the harvest recognizes God’s sovereignty over the harvest process.
6. Luke 10:2 tn Grk “to thrust out.”
7. Luke 10:3 tn Grk “Behold I.” 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).
8. Luke 10:3 sn On the imagery of lambs see Isa 40:11, Ezek 34:11-31, and John 10:1-18. For more on sheep imagery see H. Preisker and S. Schulz, TDNT 6:690.
9. Luke 10:3 sn This imagery of wolves is found in intertestamental Judaism (see Pss. Sol. 8:23, 30; also 1 Enoch 89:55). The imagery of lambs surrounded by wolves suggests violence, and may hint at coming persecution of disciples.
10. Luke 10:4 sn On the command Do not carry see Luke 9:3. The travel instructions communicate a note of urgency and stand in contrast to philosophical teachers, who often took a bag. There is no ostentation in this ministry.
11. Luke 10:4 tn Traditionally, “a purse.”
12. Luke 10:4 tn Or possibly “a beggar’s bag” (L&N 6.145; BDAG 811 s.v. πήρα).
13. Luke 10:4 tn Or “no one along the way.”
14. Luke 10:5 tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated.
15. Luke 10:5 tn Grk “Into whatever house you enter.” This acts as a distributive, meaning every house they enter; this is expressed more naturally in English as “whenever you enter a house.”
16. Luke 10:5 sn The statement ‘May peace be on this house!’ is really a benediction, asking for God’s blessing. The requested shalom (peace) is understood as coming from God.
17. Luke 10:6 tn Grk “a son of peace,” a Hebrew idiom for a person of a certain class or kind, as specified by the following genitive construction (in this case, “of peace”). Such constructions are discussed further in L&N 9.4. Here the expression refers to someone who responds positively to the disciples’ message, like “wisdom’s child” in Luke 7:35.
18. Luke 10:6 sn The response to these messengers determines how God’s blessing is bestowed—if they are not welcomed with peace, their blessing will return to them. Jesus shows just how important their mission is by this remark.
19. Luke 10:7 tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated.
20. Luke 10:7 tn Grk “eating and drinking the things from them” (an idiom for what the people in the house provide the guests).
21. Luke 10:7 sn On the phrase the worker deserves his pay see 1 Tim 5:18 and 1 Cor 9:14.
22. Luke 10:8 tn Grk “And whatever town you enter,” but this is more often expressed in English as “whenever you enter a town.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
23. Luke 10:8 tn Or “city.” Jesus now speaks of the town as a whole, as he will in vv. 10-12.
24. Luke 10:8 tn Grk “and they”; the referent (the people who live in the town) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
25. Luke 10:9 tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style. Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, a new sentence was started here in the translation.sn Ministry (heal the sick) is to take place where it is well received (note welcome in the preceding verse).
26. Luke 10:9 tn Grk “in it”; the referent (that town) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
27. Luke 10:9 sn The kingdom of God is a major theme of Jesus’ teaching. The nature of the kingdom of God in the NT and in Jesus’ teaching has long been debated by interpreters and scholars, with discussion primarily centering around the nature of the kingdom (earthly, heavenly, or both) and the kingdom’s arrival (present, future, or both). An additional major issue concerns the relationship between the kingdom of God and the person and work of Jesus himself. See Luke 6:20; 11:20; 17:20-21.
28. Luke 10:9 tn Or “come near to you,” suggesting the approach (but not arrival) of the kingdom. But the combination of the perfect tense of ἐγγίζω (engizō) with the preposition ἐπί (epi) most likely suggests that the sense is “has come upon” (see BDAG 270 s.v. ἐγγίζω 2; W. R. Hutton, “The Kingdom of God Has Come,” ExpTim 64 [Dec 1952]: 89-91; and D. L. Bock, Luke [BECNT], 2:1000; cf. also NAB “is at hand for you”). These passages argue that a key element of the kingdom is its ability to overcome the power of Satan and those elements in the creation that oppose humanity. Confirmation of this understanding comes in v. 18 and in Luke 11:14-23, especially the parable of vv. 21-23.
29. Luke 10:10 tn Grk “whatever town you enter,” but this is more often expressed in English as “whenever you enter a town.”
30. Luke 10:10 tn Or “city.”
31. Luke 10:10 tn Grk “and they”; the referent (the people who live in the town) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
32. Luke 10:10 sn More discussion takes place concerning rejection (the people do not welcome you), as these verses lead into the condemnation of certain towns for their rejection of God’s kingdom.
33. Luke 10:10 tn The term πλατεῖα (plateia) refers to the “broad street,” so this refers to the main roads of the town.
34. Luke 10:11 tn Or “city.”
35. Luke 10:11 sn See Luke 9:5, where the verb is different but the meaning is the same. This was a sign of rejection.
36. Luke 10:11 tn Here ὑμῖν (humin) has been translated as a dative of disadvantage.
37. Luke 10:11 tn Or “has come near.” As in v. 9 (see above), the combination of ἐγγίζω (engizō) with the preposition ἐπί (epi) is decisive in showing that the sense is “has come” (see BDAG 270 s.v. ἐγγίζω 2, and W. R. Hutton, “The Kingdom of God Has Come,” ExpTim 64 [Dec 1952]: 89-91).
38. Luke 10:12 tn The noun “Sodom” is in emphatic position in the Greek text.sn Sodom (and Gomorrah) were widely regarded as the most wicked of OT cities from the actions described in Gen 19:1-29; even in OT times their wickedness had become proverbial (Isa 1:9-10). The allusion to God’s judgment on these cities is not intended to indicate that they might be shown mercy on the day of judgment, but to warn that rejecting the messengers with their current message about the coming kingdom is even more serious than the worst sins of Sodom and Gomorrah and will result in even more severe punishment.
39. Luke 10:12 tn Or “city.”
40. Luke 10:13 sn Chorazin was a town of Galilee that was probably fairly small in contrast to Bethsaida and is otherwise unattested. Bethsaida was more significant; it was declared a polis (“city”) by the tetrarch Herod Philip, sometime after a.d. 30.
41. Luke 10:13 tn This introduces a second class (contrary to fact) condition in the Greek text.
42. Luke 10:13 tn Or “powerful deeds.”
43. Luke 10:13 sn Tyre and Sidon are two other notorious OT cities (Isa 23; Jer 25:22; 47:4). The remark is a severe rebuke, in effect: “Even the hardened sinners of the old era would have responded to the proclamation of the kingdom and repented, unlike you!”
44. Luke 10:13 sn To clothe oneself in sackcloth and ashes was a public sign of mourning or lament, in this case for past behavior and associated with repentance.
45. Luke 10:14 sn Jesus’ general point is that in the day of judgment the Gentile cities will come off better than the cities of Galilee. This is not to indicate toleration for the sins of the Gentile cities, but to show how badly the judgment will go for the Galilean ones. In the OT prophetic oracles were pronounced repeatedly against Tyre and Sidon: Isa 23:1-18; Ezek 26:1-28:26; Joel 4:4; Zech 9:2-4.
46. Luke 10:15 sn Capernaum was a town located on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee, 680 ft (204 m) below sea level. It existed since Hasmonean times and was a major trade and economic center in the North Galilean region. The population in the first century is estimated to be around 1,500. Capernaum became the hub of operations for Jesus’ Galilean ministry (Matt 4:13; Mark 2:1). In modern times the site was discovered in 1838 by the American explorer E. Robinson, and major excavations began in 1905 by German archaeologists H. Kohl and C. Watzinger. Not until 1968, however, were remains from the time of Jesus visible; in that year V. Corbo and S. Loffreda began a series of annual archaeological campaigns that lasted until 1985. This work uncovered what is thought to be the house of Simon Peter as well as ruins of the first century synagogue beneath the later synagogue from the fourth or fifth century A.D. Today gently rolling hills and date palms frame the first century site, a favorite tourist destination of visitors to the Galilee.
47. Luke 10:15 tn The interrogative particle introducing this question expects a negative reply.
48. Luke 10:15 sn In the OT, Hades was known as Sheol. It is the place where the unrighteous will reside (Matt 11:23; Luke 16:23; Rev 20:13-14).
49. Luke 10:16 tn Grk “hears you,” but as the context of vv. 8-9 makes clear, it is response that is the point. In contemporary English, “listen to” is one way to express this function (L&N 31.56).
50. Luke 10:16 sn Jesus linked himself to the disciples’ message: Responding to the disciples (listens to you) counts as responding to him.
51. Luke 10:16 tn The double mention of rejection in this clause—ἀθετῶν ἀθετεῖ (athetōn athetei) in the Greek text—keeps up the emphasis of the section.
52. Luke 10:16 sn The one who sent me refers to God.
53. Luke 10:17 tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.
54. Luke 10:17 tc See the tc note on the number “seventy-two” in Luke 10:1.
55. Luke 10:17 tn Or “the demons obey”; see L&N 36.18.
56. Luke 10:17 tn The prepositional phrase “in your name” indicates the sphere of authority for the messengers’ work of exorcism.
57. Luke 10:18 tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “so” to indicate that Jesus’ reply in vv. 18-20 follows from the positive report of the messengers in v. 17.
58. Luke 10:18 tn This is an imperfect tense verb.
59. Luke 10:18 tn In Greek, this is a participle and comes at the end of the verse, making it somewhat emphatic.
60. Luke 10:18 tn This is probably best taken as allusion to Isa 14:12; the phrase in common is ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ (ek tou ouranou). These exorcisms in Jesus’ name are a picture of Satan’s greater defeat at Jesus’ hands (D. L. Bock, Luke [BECNT], 2:1006-7).
61. Luke 10:19 tn Or perhaps, “trample on” (which emphasizes the impact of the feet on the snakes). See L&N 15.226.
62. Luke 10:19 sn Snakes and scorpions are examples of the hostility in the creation that is defeated by Jesus. The use of battle imagery shows who the kingdom fights against. See Acts 28:3-6.
63. Luke 10:19 tn Or “I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and [authority] over the full force of the enemy.” The second prepositional phrase can be taken either as modifying the infinitive πατεῖν (patein, “to tread”) or the noun ἐξουσίαν (exousian, “power”). The former is to be preferred and has been represented in the translation.sn The enemy is a reference to Satan (mentioned in v. 18).
64. Luke 10:19 tn This is an emphatic double negative in the Greek text.
65. Luke 10:20 tn Grk “do not rejoice in this, that.” This is awkward in contemporary English and has been simplified to “do not rejoice that.”
66. Luke 10:20 tn The verb here is a present imperative, so the call is to an attitude of rejoicing.
67. Luke 10:20 tn The verb here, a perfect tense, stresses a present reality of that which was a completed action, that is, their names were etched in the heavenly stone, as it were.
68. Luke 10:21 tn Grk “In that same hour” (L&N 67.1).
69. Luke 10:21 tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
70. Luke 10:21 sn Jesus rejoiced. The account of the mission in 10:1-24 ends with several remarks about joy.
71. Luke 10:21 tn Or “thank.”
72. Luke 10:21 sn The title Lord is an important name for God, showing his sovereignty, but it is interesting that it comes next to a reference to the Father, a term indicative of God’s care. The two concepts are often related in the NT; see Eph 1:3-6.
73. Luke 10:21 tn Or “that.”
74. Luke 10:21 sn See 1 Cor 1:26-31, where Paul states that not many of the wise, powerful, or privileged had responded to the gospel.
75. Luke 10:21 tn Or “to the childlike,” or “the innocent” (BDAG 671 s.v. νήπιος 1.b.β).
76. Luke 10:21 tn Grk “for (to do) thus was well pleasing before you,” BDAG 325 s.v. ἔμπροσθεν 1.b.δ states: “as a reverential way of expressing oneself, when one is speaking of an eminent pers., and esp. of God, not to connect the subject directly w. what happens, but to say that it took place ‘before someone.’”
77. Luke 10:22 sn This verse, frequently referred to as the “bolt from the Johannine blue,” has been noted for its conceptual similarity to statements in John’s Gospel (10:15; 17:2). The authority of the Son and the Father are totally intertwined. The statement here also occurs in Matt 11:27, and serves as a warning against drawing a simplistic dichotomy between Jesus’ teaching in the synoptic gospels and Jesus’ teaching in the Gospel of John.
78. Luke 10:22 tn Or “wishes”; or “intends”; or “plans” (cf. BDAG 182 s.v. βούλομαι 2.b). Here it is the Son who has sovereignty.
79. Luke 10:23 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.
80. Luke 10:23 tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
81. Luke 10:23 tn Grk “turning to the disciples, he said.” The participle στραφείς (strapheis) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.
82. Luke 10:23 tn Grk “the”; in context the article is used as a possessive pronoun (ExSyn 215).
83. Luke 10:23 sn This beatitude highlights the great honor bestowed on the disciples to share in this salvation, as v. 20 also noted. See also Luke 2:30.
84. Luke 10:24 sn This is what past prophets and kings had wanted very much to see, yet the fulfillment had come to the disciples. This remark is like 1 Pet 1:10-12 or Heb 1:1-2.
85. Luke 10:25 tn Grk “And behold.” Here καί (kai) has been translated as “now” to indicate the transition to a new topic. The Greek word ἰδού (idou) at the beginning of this statement has not been translated because it has no exact English equivalent here, but adds interest and emphasis (BDAG 468 s.v. 1).
86. Luke 10:25 tn Traditionally, “a lawyer.” This was an expert in the interpretation of the Mosaic law (see also Luke 7:30, where the same term occurs).
87. Luke 10:25 tn Grk “him”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
88. Luke 10:25 sn The combination of inherit with eternal life asks, in effect, “What must I do to be saved?”
89. Luke 10:26 tn Grk “How do you read?” The pronoun “it” is not in the Greek text, but is implied. Direct objects were frequently omitted in Greek when clear from the context.
90. Luke 10:27 tn Grk “And he”; the referent (the expert in religious law, shortened here to “the expert”) has been specified in the translation for clarity. Here δέ (de) has not been translated.
91. Luke 10:27 tn Grk “You will love.” The future indicative is used here with imperatival force (see ExSyn 452 and 569).
92. Luke 10:27 sn A quotation from Deut 6:5. The fourfold reference to different parts of the person says, in effect, that one should love God with all one’s being.
93. Luke 10:27 tn This portion of the reply is a quotation from Lev 19:18. The verb is repeated in the translation for stylistic reasons.
94. Luke 10:28 tn Grk “And he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity. Here δέ (de) has not been translated.
95. Luke 10:28 sn Jesus commends the reply (you have answered correctly). What is assumed here, given the previous context, is that he will respond to Jesus’ message, as to love God is to respond to his Son; see v. 22.
96. Luke 10:29 tn Grk “And he”; the referent (the expert in religious law, shortened here to “the expert”) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
97. Luke 10:29 tn Or “vindicate.”sn The expert in religious law picked up on the remark about the neighbor and sought to limit his responsibility for loving. Some believed this obligation would only be required toward the righteous (Sir 12:1-4). The lawyer was trying to see if that was right and thus confidently establish his righteousness (wanting to justify himself).
98. Luke 10:30 tn Grk “answering, said.” This is redundant in contemporary English and has been simplified to “replied.”
99. Luke 10:30 sn The journey from Jerusalem to Jericho was 17 mi (27 km), descending some 3425 ft (1044 m) in altitude. It was known for its danger because the road ran through areas of desert and caves where the robbers hid.
100. Luke 10:30 tn Grk “and beat,” but καί (kai) has not been translated since English normally uses a coordinating conjunction only between the last two elements in a series of three or more.
101. Luke 10:30 sn That is, in a state between life and death; severely wounded.
102. Luke 10:31 sn The phrase by chance adds an initial note of hope and fortune to the expectation in the story.
103. Luke 10:31 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “but” to indicate the contrast present in this context between the priest’s expected action (helping the victim) and what he really did.
104. Luke 10:31 tn Grk “him”; the referent (the injured man) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
105. Luke 10:31 sn It is not said why the priest passed by and refused to help. It is not relevant to the point of the parable that no help was given in the emergency situation.
106. Luke 10:31 sn The text suggests that the priest went out of his way (on the other side) not to get too close to the scene.
107. Luke 10:32 tn Here κατά (kata) has been translated “up to”; it could also be translated “upon.”
108. Luke 10:32 tn The clause containing the aorist active participle ἐλθών (elthōn) suggests that the Levite came up to the place, took a look, and then moved on.
109. Luke 10:33 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “but” to indicate the contrast present in this context between the previous characters (considered by society to be examples of piety and religious duty) and a hated Samaritan.
110. Luke 10:33 tn This is at the beginning of the clause, in emphatic position in the Greek text.
111. Luke 10:33 tn The participle ὁδεύων (hodeuōn) has been translated as an adjectival participle (cf. NAB, NASB, TEV); it could also be taken temporally (“while he was traveling,” cf. NRSV, NIV).
112. Luke 10:33 tn Grk “he”; the referent (the injured man) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
113. Luke 10:33 tn “Him” is not in the Greek text but is implied. The verb means “to feel compassion for,” and the object of the compassion is understood.sn Here is what made the Samaritan different: He felt compassion for him. In the story, compassion becomes the concrete expression of love. The next verse details explicitly six acts of compassion.
114. Luke 10:34 tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style. Instead, because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, a new sentence was started here in the translation.
115. Luke 10:34 tn The words “to him” are not in the Greek text but are implied. The participle προσελθών (proselthōn) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.
116. Luke 10:34 sn The ancient practice of pouring olive oil on wounds was designed to ease pain and provide cleansing for the wounds (Isa 1:6).
117. Luke 10:34 tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative. Because of the length and complexity of this Greek sentence, a new sentence was started here in the translation.
118. Luke 10:34 tn It is not clear whether the causative nuance of the verb included actual assistance or not (“helped him on” versus “had him get on”; see L&N 15.98), but in light of the severity of the man’s condition as described in the preceding verses, some degree of assistance was almost certainly needed.
119. Luke 10:34 sn His own animal refers to a riding animal, presumably a donkey, but not specified.
120. Luke 10:35 tn Grk “And the.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
121. Luke 10:35 tn Grk “two denarii.”sn The two silver coins were denarii. A denarius was a silver coin worth about a day’s pay for a laborer; this would be an amount worth about two days’ pay.
122. Luke 10:35 tn Grk “when I come back”; the words “this way” are part of an English idiom used to translate the phrase.
123. Luke 10:36 sn Jesus reversed the question the expert in religious law asked in v. 29 to one of becoming a neighbor by loving. “Do not think about who they are, but who you are,” was his reply.
124. Luke 10:37 tn Grk “And he”; the referent (the expert in religious law) has been specified in the translation for clarity. Here δέ (de) has not been translated.
125. Luke 10:37 sn The neighbor did not do what was required (that is why his response is called mercy) but had compassion and out of kindness went the extra step that shows love. See Mic 6:8. Note how the expert in religious law could not bring himself to admit that the example was a Samaritan, someone who would have been seen as a racial half-breed and one not worthy of respect. So Jesus makes a second point that neighbors may appear in surprising places.
126. Luke 10:37 tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “so” to indicate the concluding summary.
127. Luke 10:37 tn This recalls the verb of the earlier reply in v. 28.
128. Luke 10:38 tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
129. Luke 10:38 tc Most mss have “into the house” (P^3vid א C L Ξ 33 579) or “into her house” (א¹ A C² D W Θ Ψ 070 ƒ^1,13 M lat) at the end of the sentence. But the English translation masks the multitude of variants: Different forms of “house” (οἰκίαν [oikian], οἶκον [oikon]) and “her” occur (see TCGNT 129). These variations argue against authenticity; they no doubt arose because of the abrupt ending of the sentence (the Greek is more literally translated simply as “Martha received him”), prompting copyists to add the location. The shorter reading is found in P^45,75 B sa. tn For the meaning “to welcome, to have as a guest” see L&N 34.53.
130. Luke 10:39 tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
131. Luke 10:39 tn This reflexive makes it clear that Mary took the initiative in sitting by Jesus.
132. Luke 10:39 sn The description of Mary sitting at the Lord’s feet and listening to him makes her sound like a disciple (compare Luke 8:35).
133. Luke 10:40 sn The term distracted means “to be pulled away” by something (L&N 25.238). It is a narrative comment that makes clear who is right in the account.
134. Luke 10:40 tn Grk “with much serving.”
135. Luke 10:40 tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “so” to indicate that the following was a result of Martha’s distraction.
136. Luke 10:40 tn The negative οὐ (ou) used with the verb expects a positive reply. Martha expected Jesus to respond and rebuke Mary.
137. Luke 10:40 tn Grk “has left me to serve alone.”
138. Luke 10:40 tn The conjunction οὖν (oun, “then, therefore”) has not been translated here.
139. Luke 10:41 tc Most mss (A B* C D W Θ Ψ ƒ^1,13 M it) read “Jesus” instead of “the Lord” here, but κύριος (kurios, “Lord”) has the support of some weighty papyri, majuscules, and other witnesses (P^3,[45],75 א B² L 579 892 lat sa).
140. Luke 10:41 tn Grk “answering, said to her.” This is redundant in contemporary English and has been simplified to “answered her.”
141. Luke 10:41 sn The double vocative Martha, Martha communicates emotion.
142. Luke 10:41 tn Or “upset.” Here the meanings of μεριμνάω (merimnaō) and θορυβάζομαι (thorubazomai) reinforce each other (L&N 25.234).
143. Luke 10:42 tc Or, with some mss (P³ [א] B C² L 070^vid ƒ¹ 33 [579]), “few things are needed—or only one” (as well as other variants). The textual problem here is a difficult one to decide. The shorter reading is normally preferred, but it is not altogether clear how the variants would arise from it. However, the reading followed in the translation has good support (with some internal variations) from a number of witnesses (P^45,75 A C* W Θ Ψ ƒ¹³ M lat sa).
144. Luke 10:42 tn Or “better”; Grk “good.” This is an instance of the positive adjective used in place of the superlative adjective. According to ExSyn 298, this could also be treated as a positive for comparative (“better”).
145. Luke 11:1 tn Grk “And it happened that while.” The introductory phrase ἐγένετο (egeneto, “it happened that”), common in Luke (69 times) and Acts (54 times), is redundant in contemporary English and has not been translated. Here καί (kai) has been translated as “now” to indicate the transition to a new topic.
146. Luke 11:1 tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
147. Luke 11:1 tn Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, a new sentence was started here in the translation.
148. Luke 11:1 sn John refers to John the Baptist.
149. Luke 11:1 sn It was not unusual for Jewish groups to have their own prayer as a way of expressing corporate identity. Judaism had the Eighteen Benedictions and apparently John the Baptist had a prayer for his disciples as well.
150. Luke 11:2 sn When you pray. 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.
151. Luke 11:2 tc Most mss, including later majority (A C D W Θ Ψ 070 ƒ¹³ 33^vid M it), add ἡμῶν ὁ ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς (hēmōn ho en tois ouranois, “our [Father] in heaven”) here. This makes the prayer begin like the version in Matt 6:9. The shorter version is read by P⁷⁵ א B (L: + ἡμῶν) 1 700 as well as some versions and fathers. Given this more weighty external evidence, combined with the scribal tendency to harmonize Gospel parallels, the shorter reading is preferred.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. Although it is a term of endearment used in the family circle, it is not the exact equivalent of “Daddy” (as is sometimes popularly suggested). However, it does suggest a close, familial relationship. See also the note on Abba at Rom 8:15.
152. Luke 11:2 tn Grk “may your name be held in reverence” or “may your name be considered holy”; traditionally, “hallowed be your name.”
153. Luke 11:2 tc Most mss (א A C D W Θ Ψ 070 ƒ¹³ 33^vid M it) read at the end of the verse “may your will be done on earth as [it is] in heaven,” making this version parallel to Matt 6:10. The shorter reading is found, however, in weighty mss (P⁷⁵ B L), and cannot be easily explained as arising from the longer reading.sn Your kingdom come represents the hope for the full manifestation of God’s promised eschatological rule reflected in the OT prophetic literature, the ongoing hope of the Jewish people, a hope which is subsumed by Christianity.
154. Luke 11:3 tn Or “Give us bread each day for the coming day,” or “Give us each day the bread we need for today.” The term ἐπιούσιος (epiousios) does not occur outside of early Christian literature (other occurrences are in Matt 6:11 and Didache 8:2), so its meaning is difficult to determine. Various suggestions include “daily,” “the coming day,” and “for existence.” See BDAG 376 s.v.; L&N 67:183, 206.
155. Luke 11:4 tn Grk “who is indebted to us” (an idiom). The picture of sin as debt is not unusual. As for forgiveness offered and forgiveness given, see Luke 6:37 and Matt 6:14-15.
156. Luke 11:4 tc Most mss (א¹ A C D W Θ Ψ 070 ƒ¹³ 33 M it sy^c,p,h) add “but deliver us from the evil one,” an assimilation to Matt 6:13. The shorter reading has better attestation (P⁷⁵ א*^,2 B L 1 700 vg sa Or). Internally, since the mss that have the longer reading here display the same tendency throughout the Lord’s Prayer to assimilate the Lukan version to the Matthean version, the shorter reading should be regarded as authentic in Luke.tn Or “into a time of testing.”sn The request Do not lead us into temptation is not to suggest that God causes temptation, but is a rhetorical way to ask for his protection from sin. Some interpreters see this as a specific request to avoid a time of testing that might lead to a crisis of faith, but occurring as it does toward the end of the prayer, a more general request for protection from sin seems more likely.
157. Luke 11:5 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.
158. Luke 11:5 tn Grk “Who among you will have a friend and go to him.”
159. Luke 11:5 tn Grk “he will go to him.”
160. Luke 11:5 tn The words “of bread” are not in the Greek text, but are implied by ἄρτους (artous, “loaves”).
161. Luke 11:6 tn Grk “has come to me from the road.”
162. Luke 11:6 sn The background to the statement I have nothing to set before him is that in ancient Middle Eastern culture it was a matter of cultural honor to be a good host to visitors.
163. Luke 11:7 tn Κἀκεῖνος (kakeinos) has been translated “Then he.”
164. Luke 11:7 tn Grk “answering, he will say.” This is redundant in contemporary English and has been simplified to “he will reply.”
165. Luke 11:7 tn Grk “my children are with me in the bed.” In Jewish homes in the time of Jesus, the beds were often all together in one room; thus the householder may be speaking of individual beds (using a collective singular) rather than a common bed.
166. Luke 11:7 tn The syntax of vv. 6-7 is complex. In the Greek text Jesus’ words in v. 6 begin as a question. Some see Jesus’ question ending at v. 6, but the reply starting in v. 8 favors extending the question through the entire illustration. The translation breaks up the long sentence at the beginning of v. 7 and translates Jesus’ words as a statement for reasons of English style.
167. Luke 11:8 tn Grk “he”; the referent (the man in bed in the house) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
168. Luke 11:8 tn Grk “his”; the referent (the first man mentioned) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
169. Luke 11:8 tn The term ἀναίδεια (anaideia) is hard to translate. It refers to a combination of ideas, a boldness that persists over time, or “audacity,” which comes close. It most likely describes the one making the request, since the unit’s teaching is an exhortation about persistence in prayer. Some translate the term “shamelessness” which is the term’s normal meaning, and apply it to the neighbor as an illustration of God responding for the sake of his honor. But the original question was posed in terms of the first man who makes the request, not of the neighbor, so the teaching underscores the action of the one making the request.
170. Luke 11:9 tn Here καί (kai, from καγώ [kagō]) has been translated as “so” to indicate the conclusion drawn from the preceding parable.
171. Luke 11:9 sn The three present imperatives in this verse (Ask…seek…knock) are probably intended to call for a repeated or continual approach before God.
172. Luke 11:9 tn Grk “it”; the referent (a door) is implied by the context and has been specified in the translation for clarity.
173. Luke 11:10 sn The actions of asking, seeking, and knocking are repeated here from v. 9 with the encouragement that God does respond.
174. Luke 11:10 tn Grk “it”; the referent (a door) is implied by the context and has been specified in the translation for clarity.
175. Luke 11:11 tn Grk “the”; in context the article is used as a possessive pronoun (ExSyn 215).
176. Luke 11:11 tc Most mss (א A C D L W Θ Ψ ƒ^1,13 33 M lat sy^c,p,h bo) have “bread, does not give him a stone instead, or” before “a fish”; the longer reading, however, looks like a harmonization to Matt 7:9. The shorter reading is thus preferred, attested by P^45,75 B 1241 sy^s sa.
177. Luke 11:11 sn The snake probably refers to a water snake.
178. Luke 11:12 sn The two questions of vv. 11-12 expect the answer, “No father would do this!”
179. Luke 11:13 tn The participle ὑπάρχοντες (huparchontes) has been translated as a concessive participle.
180. Luke 11:13 sn The provision of the Holy Spirit is probably a reference to the wisdom and guidance supplied in response to repeated requests. Some apply it to the general provision of the Spirit, but this would seem to look only at one request in a context that speaks of repeated asking. The teaching as a whole stresses not that God gives everything his children want, but that God gives the good that they need. The parallel account in Matthew (7:11) refers to good things where Luke mentions the Holy Spirit.
181. Luke 11:14 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “now” to indicate the transition to a new topic.
182. Luke 11:14 tn Grk “a demon [and it was] mute.” The words “and it was” are omitted from some significant mss and are placed in brackets in the NA²⁸ text, indicating significant doubt about their originality. If the words in question are omitted, the Greek text would read “a mute demon.” Either way, the phrase should probably be understood to mean that the demon caused muteness (the inability to speak) in its victim, although the statement is sometimes taken to refer to the demon’s own inability to speak (cf. TEV, “a demon that could not talk”).
183. Luke 11:14 tn Grk “And it happened that when.” The introductory phrase ἐγένετο (egeneto, “it happened that”), common in Luke (69 times) and Acts (54 times), is redundant in contemporary English and has not been translated. Here δέ (de) has not been translated either.
184. Luke 11:14 tn The aorist verb has been translated here as ingressive, stressing the beginning of the action. The context clearly indicates an ingressive force here.sn This miracle is different from others in Luke. The miracle is told entirely in one verse and with minimum detail, while the response covers several verses. The emphasis is on explaining what Jesus’ work means.
185. Luke 11:15 tn Grk “By Beelzebul.”sn Beelzebul is another name for Satan. So some people recognized Jesus’ work as supernatural, but called it diabolical.
186. Luke 11:15 tn Or “prince.”
187. Luke 11:16 tn Grk “testing”; the participle is taken as indicating the purpose of the demand.
188. Luke 11:16 tn The pronoun “him” is not in the Greek text, but is implied. Direct objects were frequently omitted in Greek when clear from the context.
189. Luke 11:16 tn Grk “seeking from him.” The imperfect ἐζήτουν (ezētoun) is taken ingressively. It is also possible to regard it as iterative (“kept on asking”).
190. Luke 11:16 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.
191. Luke 11:17 tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
192. Luke 11:17 sn Jesus here demonstrated the absurdity of the thinking of those who maintained that he was in league with Satan and that he actually derived his power from the devil. He first teaches (vv. 17-20) that if he casts out demons by the ruler of the demons, then in reality Satan is fighting against himself, with the result that his kingdom has come to an end. He then teaches (v. 21-22) about defeating the strong man to prove that he does not need to align himself with the devil because he is more powerful. Jesus defeated Satan at his temptation (4:1-13) and by his exorcisms he clearly demonstrated himself to be stronger than the devil. The passage reveals the desperate condition of the religious leaders, who in their hatred for Jesus end up attributing the work of the Holy Spirit to Satan.
193. Luke 11:17 tn Or “is left in ruins.”
194. Luke 11:17 tn Grk “and house falls on house.” This phrase pictures one house collapsing on another, what is called today a “house of cards.”
195. Luke 11:18 tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “so” to indicate that the clause that follows is a logical conclusion based on the preceding examples.
196. Luke 11:18 tn This first class condition, the first of three “if” clauses in the following verses, presents the example vividly as if it were so. In fact, all three conditions in these verses are first class. The examples are made totally parallel. The expected answer is that Satan’s kingdom will not stand, so the suggestion makes no sense. Satan would not seek to heal.
197. Luke 11:18 tn Grk “because.” “I ask you this” is supplied for the sake of English.
198. Luke 11:19 sn Most read your sons as a reference to Jewish exorcists (cf. “your followers,” L&N 9.4; for various views see D. L. Bock, Luke [BECNT], 2:1077-78), but more likely this is a reference to the disciples of Jesus themselves, who are also Jewish and have been healing as well (R. J. Shirock, “Whose Exorcists are they? The Referents of οἱ υἱοὶ ὑμῶν at Matthew 12:27/Luke 11:19, ” JSNT 46 [1992]: 41-51). If this is a reference to the disciples, then Jesus’ point is that it is not only him, but those associated with him whose power the hearers must assess. The following reference to judging also favors this reading.
199. Luke 11:19 tn The pronoun “them” is not in the Greek text, but is implied. Direct objects were frequently omitted in Greek when clear from the context.
200. Luke 11:20 sn The finger of God is a figurative reference to God’s power (L&N 76.3). This phrase was used of God’s activity during the Exodus (Exod 8:19).
201. Luke 11:20 sn The kingdom of God is a major theme of Jesus’ teaching. The nature of the kingdom of God in the NT and in Jesus’ teaching has long been debated by interpreters and scholars, with discussion primarily centering around the nature of the kingdom (earthly, heavenly, or both) and the kingdom’s arrival (present, future, or both). An additional major issue concerns the relationship between the kingdom of God and the person and work of Jesus himself. See Luke 6:20; 11:20; 17:20-21.
202. Luke 11:20 tn The phrase ἔφθασεν ἐφ᾿ ὑμᾶς (ephthasen eph’ humas) is important. Does it mean merely “approach” (which would be reflected in a translation like “has come near to you”) or actually “come upon” (as in the translation given above, “has already overtaken you,” which has the added connotation of suddenness)? The issue here is like the one in 10:9 (see note there on the phrase “come on”). Is the arrival of the kingdom merely anticipated or already in process? Two factors favor arrival over anticipation here. First, the prepositional phrase “upon you” suggests arrival (Dan 4:24, 28 Theodotion). Second, the following illustration in vv. 21-23 looks at the healing as portraying Satan being overrun. So the presence of God’s authority has arrived. See also L&N 13.123 for the translation of φθάνω (phthanō) as “to happen to already, to come upon, to come upon already.”
203. Luke 11:21 tn The referent of the expression “a strong man” is Satan.
204. Luke 11:21 tn The word αὐλή (aulē) describes any building large and elaborate enough to have an interior courtyard, thus “dwelling, palace, mansion” (L&N 7.6).
205. Luke 11:21 tn Grk “his goods are in peace.”
206. Luke 11:22 tn Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, a new sentence was started here in the translation.
207. Luke 11:22 tn The referent of the expression “a stronger man” is Jesus.
208. Luke 11:22 tn Grk “stronger man than he attacks.”
209. Luke 11:22 tn Grk “his”; the referent (the first man mentioned) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
210. Luke 11:22 tn Grk “on which he relied.”
211. Luke 11:22 tn Or “and distributes.”
212. Luke 11:22 sn Some see the imagery here as similar to Eph 4:7-10, although no opponents are explicitly named in that passage. Jesus has the victory over Satan. Jesus’ acts of healing mean that the war is being won and the kingdom is coming.
213. Luke 11:23 sn Whoever is not with me is against me. The call here is to join the victor. Failure to do so means that one is being destructive. Responding to Jesus is the issue.
214. Luke 11:23 sn For the image of scattering, see Pss. Sol. 17:18.
215. Luke 11:24 sn This is a reference to an evil spirit. See Luke 4:33.
216. Luke 11:24 tn Grk “man.” This is a generic use of ἄνθρωπος (anthrōpos), referring to both males and females.
217. Luke 11:24 sn The background for the reference to waterless places is not entirely clear, though some Jewish texts suggest spirits must have a place to dwell, but not with water (Luke 8:29-31; Tob 8:3). Some suggest that the image of the desert or deserted cities as the places demons dwell is where this idea started (Isa 13:21; 34:14).
218. Luke 11:24 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “but” to indicate the contrast present in this context.
219. Luke 11:24 tc ‡ Most mss, including a few early and significant ones (P⁴⁵ א* A C D W Ψ ƒ^1,13 M lat), lack τότε (tote, “then”). Other mss, including some early and important ones (P⁷⁵ א² B L Θ Ξ 070 33 579 892 1241 co), have the adverb. Although the external evidence better supports the longer reading, the internal evidence is on the side of the shorter, for conjunctions and adverbs were frequently added by copyists to remove asyndeton and to add clarification. The shorter reading is thus preferred. The translation, however, adds “Then” because of English stylistic requirements. NA²⁸ has τότε in brackets indicating doubts as to its authenticity.
220. Luke 11:24 tn Grk “I will return to my house from which I came.”
221. Luke 11:25 tn Grk “comes.”
222. Luke 11:25 tn The words “the house” are not in Greek but are implied.
223. Luke 11:25 sn The image of the house swept clean and put in order refers to the life of the person from whom the demon departed. The key to the example appears to be that no one else has been invited in to dwell. If an exorcism occurs and there is no response to God, then the way is free for the demon to return. Some see the reference to exorcism as more symbolic; thus the story’s only point is about responding to Jesus. This is possible and certainly is an application of the passage.
224. Luke 11:26 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate the concluding point of the story.
225. Luke 11:26 tn Grk “man.” This is a generic use of ἄνθρωπος (anthrōpos), referring to both males and females.
226. Luke 11:26 sn The point of the story is that to fail to respond is to risk a worse fate than when one started.
227. Luke 11:27 tn Grk “And it happened that as.” The introductory phrase ἐγένετο (egeneto, “it happened that”), common in Luke (69 times) and Acts (54 times), is redundant in contemporary English and has not been translated. Here δέ (de) has not been translated.
228. Luke 11:27 tn Grk “lifted up her voice and said.” This idiom is somewhat redundant in contemporary English and has been simplified to “spoke out.”
229. Luke 11:27 tn For this term see L&N 8.69.
230. Luke 11:27 sn Both the reference to the womb and the breasts form a figure of speech called metonymy. In this case the parts are mentioned instead of the whole; the meaning is “Blessed is your mother!” The warnings seem to have sparked a little nervousness that brought forth this response. In the culture a mother was valued for the accomplishments of her son. So this amounts to a compliment to Jesus.
231. Luke 11:28 tn Grk “said.”
232. Luke 11:28 sn This is another reference to hearing and doing the word of God, which here describes Jesus’ teaching; see Luke 8:21.
233. Luke 11:29 tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated.
234. Luke 11:29 tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
235. Luke 11:29 sn The mention of a sign alludes back to Luke 11:16. Given what Jesus had done, nothing would be good enough. This leads to the rebuke that follows.
236. Luke 11:29 sn As the following comparisons to Solomon and Jonah show, in the present context the sign of Jonah is not an allusion to Jonah being three days in the belly of the fish, but to Jesus’ teaching about wisdom and repentance.
237. Luke 11:30 tn Grk “to the Ninevites.” What the Ninevites experienced was Jonah’s message (Jonah 3:4, 10; 4:1).
238. Luke 11:30 tn The repetition of the words “a sign” are not in the Greek text, but are implied and are supplied here for clarity.
239. Luke 11:30 tc Only the Western ms D and a few Itala mss add here a long reference to Jonah being in the belly of the fish for three days and nights and the Son of Man being three days in the earth, apparently harmonizing the text to the parallel in Matt 12:40.
240. Luke 11:31 sn On the queen of the South see 1 Kgs 10:1-3 and 2 Chr 9:1-12, as well as Josephus, Ant. 8.6.5-6 (8.165-175). The South most likely refers to modern southwest Arabia, possibly the eastern part of modern Yemen, although there is an ancient tradition reflected in Josephus which identifies this geo-political entity as Ethiopia.
241. Luke 11:31 sn For the imagery of judgment, see Luke 10:13-15 and 11:19. The warnings are coming consistently now.
242. Luke 11:31 tn Grk “men”; the word here (ἀνήρ, anēr) usually indicates males or husbands, but occasionally is used in a generic sense of people in general, as is the case here (cf. BDAG 79 s.v. 1, 2). The same term, translated the same way, occurs in v. 32.
243. Luke 11:31 tn Grk “behold.”
244. Luke 11:31 sn The message of Jesus was something greater than what Solomon offered. On Jesus and wisdom, see Luke 7:35; 10:21-22; 1 Cor 1:24, 30.
245. Luke 11:32 tn See the note on the word “people” in v. 31.
246. Luke 11:32 tn Grk “at the preaching of Jonah.”sn The phrase repented when Jonah preached to them confirms that in this context the sign of Jonah (v. 30) is his message.
247. Luke 11:32 tn Grk “behold.”
248. Luke 11:33 tn Or perhaps “in a cellar” (L&N 28.78). The point is that the light of Jesus’ teaching has been put in public view.
249. Luke 11:33 tc The phrase “or under a basket” is lacking in some significant and early mss (P^45,75 L Γ Ξ 070 ƒ¹ 700* 1241 2542 sy^s sa). It is hard to decide in this case, since the inclusion of “or under a basket” is widely attested by some early and decent witnesses, as well as the overwhelming majority of mss (א A B C D W Θ Ψ ƒ¹³ M latt). The parallel passage in Luke 8:16 does not include “under a basket.” If the phrase “under a basket” were added as a harmonization with Mark 4:21 and Matt 5:15, it is perhaps surprising that scribes did not add the phrase at Luke 8:16 as well. It seems somewhat more likely that a scribe copying Luke would be inclined to harmonize 11:33 with 8:16 by omitting the phrase here. Thus, the words “or under a basket” seem to have the marks of authenticity.tn Or “a bowl”; this refers to any container for dry material of about eight liters (two gallons) capacity. It could be translated “basket, box, bowl” (L&N 6.151).
250. Luke 11:34 tn Or “sound” (so L&N 23.132 and most scholars). A few scholars take this word to mean something like “generous” here (L&N 57.107), partly due to the immediate context of this saying in Matt 6:22 which concerns money, in which case the “eye” is a metonymy for the entire person (“if you are generous”).
251. Luke 11:34 tn Or “when it is sick” (L&N 23.149).sn There may be a slight wordplay here, as this term can also mean “evil,” so the figure uses a term that points to the real meaning of being careful as to what one pays attention to or looks at. Ancient understanding of vision involved light coming into the body from outside, and “light” thus easily becomes a metaphor for teaching. As a “diseased” eye would hinder the passage of light, so in the metaphor Jesus’ teaching would be blocked from being internalized in the hearer.
252. Luke 11:35 tn This is a present imperative, calling for a constant watch (L&N 24.32; ExSyn 721).
253. Luke 11:35 sn Here you is a singular pronoun, individualizing the application.
254. Luke 11:36 tn This is a first class condition in the Greek text, so the example ends on a hopeful, positive note.
255. Luke 11:36 tn Grk “Therefore”; the same conjunction as at the beginning of v. 35, but since it indicates a further inference or conclusion, it has been translated “then” here.
256. Luke 11:36 tn Grk “not having any part dark.”
257. Luke 11:36 tn Grk “it will be completely illumined as when a lamp illumines you with its rays.”
258. Luke 11:37 tn The use of the aorist infinitive here should probably be translated “as he spoke” rather than “while he was speaking” (see ExSyn 595). The Pharisee did not necessarily interrupt Jesus to issue the invitation.
259. Luke 11:37 sn See the note on Pharisees in 5:17.
260. Luke 11:37 tn Grk “him”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
261. Luke 11:37 tn Grk “and reclined at table,” as 1st century middle eastern meals were not eaten while sitting at a table, but while reclining on one’s side on the floor with the head closest to the low table and the feet farthest away.
262. Luke 11:38 tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated.
263. Luke 11:38 tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
264. Luke 11:38 tn The words “his hands” are not in the Greek text, but have been supplied for clarity.sn Washing before meals was a cultural practice that was described in the OT, but not prescribed there (Gen 18:4; Judg 19:21). It was apparently related to concern about contracting ceremonial uncleanness (Lev 11:31-38; t. Demai 2.11-12).
265. Luke 11:39 sn The allusion to washing (clean the outside of the cup) shows Jesus knew what they were thinking and deliberately set up a contrast that charged them with hypocrisy and majoring on minors.
266. Luke 11:39 tn Or “and evil.”
267. Luke 11:40 sn You fools is a rebuke which in the OT refers to someone who is blind to God (Pss 14:1; 53:1; 92:6; Prov 6:12).
268. Luke 11:40 tn The question includes a Greek particle, οὐ (ou), that expects a positive reply. God, the maker of both, is concerned for what is both inside and outside.
269. Luke 11:41 tn Grk “Give the things inside as alms.” Three different approaches have been taken to the syntax and meaning of this phrase: (1) τὰ ἐνόντα (ta enonta, “the things inside”) is an accusative of respect (“give alms with respect to the things inside”); (2) τὰ ἐνόντα is an adverbial accusative (“give alms inwardly,” i.e., from the heart); (3) the word translated “alms” represents a mistranslation of the original Aramaic term “cleanse,” so the statement urges the hearers to “cleanse the things inside.” According to D. L. Bock (Luke [BECNT], 2:1115) the latter meaning is unlikely because the present verse is independent of Matt 23:26, not parallel to it, and makes good sense as it stands.sn In Jewish culture giving alms to the poor was a very important religious observance; it was meant to be an act of mercy, kindness, and love (D. L. Bock, Luke [BECNT], 2:1114). The implication from the text is that the Pharisees gave alms, but without any of the spiritual concern which should have motivated those generous actions. Here Jesus commands the Pharisees to give from within themselves to those in need instead of just giving of their possessions. In so doing they would show true inner purity acceptable to God. This is in keeping with the author’s social concerns elsewhere in the Gospel (cf., e.g., 1:52-53; 4:18-19; 6:20-21; 14:13).
270. Luke 11:41 tn Grk “and behold.” The Greek word ἰδού (idou) at the beginning of this clause has not been translated because it has no exact English equivalent here, but adds interest and emphasis (BDAG 468 s.v. 1).
271. Luke 11:41 sn The expression everything will be clean for you refers to the agreement that should exist between the overt practice of one’s religious duties, such as almsgiving, and the inner condition of one’s heart, including true love for God and the poor; one is not only to wash the outside of the cup and plate, but the inside as well, since as Jesus said, God created the inside too. Religious duties are not to be performed hypocritically, i.e., for the applause and esteem of people, but rather they are to be done out of a deep love for God and a sensitivity to and concern for the needs of others. Then, everything will be clean, both hearts and lives.
272. Luke 11:42 tn Grk “Woe to you…because you…” The causal particle ὅτι (hoti) has not been translated here for rhetorical effect (and so to the end of this chapter).
273. Luke 11:42 tn Or “you tithe mint.”
274. Luke 11:42 sn These small herbs were tithed with great care (Mishnah, m. Demai 2:1).
275. Luke 11:42 tn Grk “and rue.” Καί (kai) has not been translated since English normally uses a coordinating conjunction only between the last two elements in a series of three or more.sn Rue was an evergreen herb used for seasoning.
276. Luke 11:42 sn Justice was a major theme of OT ethics (Mic 6:8; Zech 7:8-10).
277. Luke 11:42 tn Grk “those,” but this has been translated as “the others” to clarify which are meant.
278. Luke 11:43 tn Or “seats of honor.” The term here is plural and is not a reference only to the lead “seat of Moses” in the synagogue, but includes the front seats near the ark.
279. Luke 11:43 sn See the note on synagogues in 4:15.
280. Luke 11:43 tn Grk “and the greetings.”sn The later Jewish summary of oral tradition, the Talmud, notes elaborate greetings for rabbis. The rebuke here is for pride.
281. Luke 11:43 sn See the note on marketplace in Luke 7:32.
282. Luke 11:44 tc Most mss (A [D] W Θ Ψ ƒ¹³ M it) have “experts in the law and Pharisees, hypocrites” after “you,” but this looks like an assimilation to the parallel in Matt 23:25, 27, 29. The shorter reading has earlier attestation from a variety of reliable mss (P^45,75 א B C L ƒ¹ 33 1241 2542 lat sa).
283. Luke 11:44 tn Grk “men.” This is a generic use of ἄνθρωπος (anthrōpos), referring to both males and females.
284. Luke 11:44 sn In Judaism to come into contact with the dead or what is associated with them, even without knowing it, makes one unclean (Num 19:11-22; Lev 21:1-3; Mishnah, m. Demai 2:3). To Pharisees, who would have been so sensitive about contracting ceremonial uncleanness, it would have been quite a stinging rebuke to be told they caused it.
285. Luke 11:45 sn That is, an expert in the interpretation of the Mosaic law. They worked closely with the Pharisees.
286. Luke 11:45 tn For this term, see Matt 22:6; Luke 18:32; Acts 14:5; 1 Thess 2:2.
287. Luke 11:46 tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
288. Luke 11:46 tn Grk “said.”
289. Luke 11:46 tn Here “as well” is used to translate καί (kai) at the beginning of the statement.
290. Luke 11:46 tn Grk “men.” This is a generic use of ἄνθρωπος (anthrōpos), referring to both males and females.
291. Luke 11:46 tn Grk “you yourselves do not touch.” This could mean one of two things: (1) Either they make others do what they themselves do not (through various technical exceptions) or (2) they make no effort to help the others fulfill what they are required to do. Considering the care these religious figures are said to have given to the law, the second option is more likely (see L&N 18.11).
292. Luke 11:47 sn The effect of what the experts in the law were doing was to deny the message of the prophets and thus honor their death by supporting those who had sought their removal. The charge that this is what previous generations did shows the problem is chronic. As T. W. Manson said, the charge here is “The only prophet you honor is a dead prophet!” (The Sayings of Jesus, 101).
293. Luke 11:47 tn Or “forefathers”; Grk “fathers.”
294. Luke 11:48 tn Grk “you are witnesses and approve of.”
295. Luke 11:48 tn Or “forefathers”; Grk “fathers.”
296. Luke 11:48 tn Grk “them”; the referent (the prophets) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
297. Luke 11:48 tn “Their,” i.e., the prophets.
298. Luke 11:48 tc The majority of mss list a specific object (“their tombs”), filling out the sentence (although there are two different words for “tombs” among the mss, as well as different word orders: αὐτῶν τὰ μνημεῖα (autōn ta mnēmeia; found in A C W Θ Ψ 33 M) and τοὺς τάφους αὐτῶν (tous taphous autōn; found in ƒ^1,[13] 2542). This suggests that early copyists had no term in front of them but felt the verb needed an object. But since a wide distribution of early Alexandrian and Western mss lack these words (P⁷⁵ א B D L 579 1241 it sa), it is likely that they were not part of the original text of Luke. Nevertheless, the words “their tombs” are inserted in the translation because of requirements of English style.
299. Luke 11:49 sn The expression the wisdom of God is a personification of an attribute of God that refers to his wise will.
300. Luke 11:50 tn Or “that this generation may be charged with”; or “the blood of all the prophets…may be required from this generation.” This is a warning of judgment. These people are responsible for the shedding of prophetic blood.
301. Luke 11:50 tn Or “foundation.” However, this does not suggest a time to the modern reader.
302. Luke 11:50 tn The order of the clauses in this complicated sentence has been rearranged to simplify it for the modern reader.
303. Luke 11:51 sn Gen 4:10 indicates that Abel’s blood cried out for justice.
304. Luke 11:51 sn It is not clear which Zechariah is meant here. It is probably the person mentioned in 2 Chr 24:20-25.
305. Luke 11:51 tn Or “who perished.”
306. Luke 11:51 tn Or “and the temple”; Grk “and the house,” but in this context a reference to the house of God as a place of sanctuary.
307. Luke 11:51 tn Or “required from.”
308. Luke 11:52 sn You have taken away the key to knowledge is another stinging rebuke. They had done the opposite of what they were trying to do.
309. Luke 11:52 tn Or “you tried to prevent.”
310. Luke 11:53 tn Or “the scribes.” See the note on the phrase “experts in the law” in 5:21.
311. Luke 11:53 tn Or “terribly.”
312. Luke 11:53 tn For this term see L&N 33.183.
313. Luke 11:54 tn Grk “lying in ambush against,” but this is a figurative extension of that meaning.
314. Luke 11:54 tn This term was often used in a hunting context (BDAG 455 s.v. θηρεύω; L&N 27.30). Later examples of this appear in Luke 20.
315. Luke 12:1 tn The phrase ἐν οἷς (en hois) can be translated “meanwhile.”
316. Luke 12:1 tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
317. Luke 12:1 tn According to L&N 27.59, “to pay attention to, to keep on the lookout for, to be alert for, to be on your guard against.” This is another Lukan present imperative calling for constant vigilance.
318. Luke 12:1 sn See the note on Pharisees in 5:17.
319. Luke 12:1 sn The pursuit of popularity can lead to hypocrisy, if one is not careful.
320. Luke 12:2 tn Or “concealed.”
321. Luke 12:2 sn I.e., be revealed by God. The passive voice verbs here (“be revealed,” be made known”) see the revelation as coming from God. The text is both a warning about bad things being revealed and an encouragement that good things will be made known, though the stress with the images of darkness and what is hidden in vv. 2-3 is on the attempt to conceal.
322. Luke 12:3 tn Or “because.” Understanding this verse as a result of v. 2 is a slightly better reading of the context. Knowing what is coming should impact our behavior now.
323. Luke 12:3 tn Grk “spoken in the ear,” an idiom. The contemporary expression is “whispered.”
324. Luke 12:3 sn The term translated private rooms refers to the inner room of a house, normally without any windows opening outside, the most private location possible (BDAG 988 s.v. ταμεῖον 2).
325. Luke 12:3 tn The expression “proclaimed from the housetops” is an idiom for proclaiming something publicly (L&N 7.51). Roofs of many first century Jewish houses in Judea and Galilee were flat and had access either from outside or from within the house. Something shouted from atop a house would be heard by everyone in the street below.
326. Luke 12:4 tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated.
327. Luke 12:4 sn Judaism had a similar exhortation in 4 Macc 13:14-15.
328. Luke 12:5 tn Grk “will show,” but in this reflective context such a demonstration is a warning or exhortation.
329. Luke 12:5 sn The actual performer of the killing is not here specified. It could be understood to be God (so NASB, NRSV) but it could simply emphasize that, after a killing has taken place, it is God who casts the person into hell.
330. Luke 12:5 tn The direct object (“you”) is understood.
331. Luke 12:5 sn The word translated hell is “Gehenna” (γέεννα, geenna), a Greek transliteration of the Hebrew words ge hinnom (“Valley of Hinnom”). This was the valley along the south side of Jerusalem. In OT times it was used for human sacrifices to the pagan god Molech (cf. Jer 7:31; 19:5-6; 32:35), and it came to be used as a place where human excrement and rubbish were disposed of and burned. In the intertestamental period, it came to be used symbolically as the place of divine punishment (cf. 1 En. 27:2; 90:26; 4 Ezra 7:36).
332. Luke 12:6 sn The pennies refer to the assarion, a small Roman copper coin. One of them was worth one sixteenth of a denarius or less than a half hour’s average wage. Sparrows were the cheapest thing sold in the market. The point of Jesus’ statement is that God knows about even the most financially insignificant things; see Isa 49:15.
333. Luke 12:6 sn This is a typical form of rabbinic argumentation, from the lesser to the greater: If God cares about the lesser thing (sparrows) how much more does he care about the greater thing (people).
334. Luke 12:7 sn This represents the second call by Jesus not to be afraid in the section (previously in v. 4). Since the previous reference was related to fear of persecution, it is probable that this one does as well. Once again the sparrows are mentioned and the argument is from lesser to greater (if God cares about individual hairs on the head and about sparrows, how much more does he care about people).
335. Luke 12:8 tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated.
336. Luke 12:8 tn Or “confesses.”
337. Luke 12:8 tn Although this is a generic reference and includes both males and females, in this context “men” has been retained because of the wordplay with the Son of Man and the contrast with the angels. The same is true of the occurrence of “men” in v. 9.
338. Luke 12:8 sn This acknowledgment will take place at the judgment. Of course, the Son of Man is a reference to Jesus as it has been throughout the Gospel. On Jesus and judgment, see 22:69; Acts 10:42-43; 17:31.
339. Luke 12:10 sn Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit probably refers to a total rejection of the testimony that the Spirit gives to Jesus and the plan of God. This is not so much a sin of the moment as of one’s entire life, an obstinate rejection of God’s message and testimony. Cf. Matt 12:31-32 and Mark 3:28-30.
340. Luke 12:10 tn Grk “it will not be forgiven the person who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit.”
341. Luke 12:11 sn The saying looks at persecution both from a Jewish context as the mention of synagogues suggests, and from a Gentile one as the reference to the rulers and the authorities suggests.sn See the note on synagogues in 4:15.
342. Luke 12:11 tn Grk “and the,” but καί (kai) has not been translated since English normally uses a coordinating conjunction only between the last two elements in a series of three or more.
343. Luke 12:11 tn Grk “about how or what you should say in your defense,” but this is redundant with the following clause, “or what you should say.”
344. Luke 12:12 tn Grk “in that very hour” (an idiom).
345. Luke 12:12 tn Grk “what it is necessary to say.”
346. Luke 12:13 tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.
347. Luke 12:13 sn Tell my brother. In 1st century Jewish culture, a figure like a rabbi was often asked to mediate disputes, except that here mediation was not requested, but representation.
348. Luke 12:14 tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
349. Luke 12:14 tn This term of address can be harsh or gentle depending on the context (BDAG 82 s.v. ἄνθρωπος 8). Here it is a rebuke.
350. Luke 12:14 tn The pronoun ὑμᾶς (humas) is plural, referring to both the man and his brother; thus the translation “you two.”
351. Luke 12:15 tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.
352. Luke 12:15 tn See L&N 13.154 for this use of the middle voice of φυλάσσω (phulassō) in this verse.
353. Luke 12:15 tn Or “avarice,” “covetousness.” Note the warning covers more than money and gets at the root attitude—the strong desire to acquire more and more possessions and experiences.
354. Luke 12:16 tn Grk “And he.” Here δέ (de) has been translated as “then” to indicate the connection to the preceding statement.
355. Luke 12:16 tn Grk “a parable, saying.” The participle λέγων (legōn) is redundant in contemporary English and has not been translated here.
356. Luke 12:16 tn Or “yielded a plentiful harvest.”
357. Luke 12:17 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate that this is a result of the preceding statement.
358. Luke 12:17 tn Grk “to himself, saying.” The participle λέγων (legōn) is redundant in contemporary English and has not been translated here.
359. Luke 12:17 sn I have nowhere to store my crops. The thinking here is prudent in terms of recognizing the problem. The issue in the parable will be the rich man’s solution, particularly the arrogance reflected in v. 19.
360. Luke 12:18 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.
361. Luke 12:18 sn Note how often the first person pronoun is present in these verses. The farmer is totally self absorbed.
362. Luke 12:19 tn Grk “to my soul,” which is repeated as a vocative in the following statement, but is left untranslated as redundant.
363. Luke 12:20 tn Grk “your soul,” but ψυχή (psuchē) is frequently used of one’s physical life. It clearly has that meaning in this context.
364. Luke 12:20 tn Or “required back.” This term, ἀπαιτέω (apaiteō), has an economic feel to it and is often used of a debt being called in for repayment (BDAG 96 s.v. 1).
365. Luke 12:20 tn Grk “the things you have prepared, whose will they be?” The words “for yourself” are not in the Greek text, but are implied.
366. Luke 12:21 sn It is selfishness that is rebuked here, in the accumulation of riches for himself. Recall the emphasis on the first person pronouns throughout the parable.
367. Luke 12:22 tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative. Jesus’ remarks to the disciples are an application of the point made in the previous parable.
368. Luke 12:22 tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
369. Luke 12:22 tc αὐτοῦ (autou, “his”) is lacking in P^45vid,75 B 1241 c e. Although the addition of clarifying pronouns is a known scribal alteration, in this case it is probably better to view the dropping of the pronoun as the alteration in light of its minimal attestation.
370. Luke 12:22 tn Or “do not be anxious.”
371. Luke 12:22 tc Most mss (P⁴⁵ Ψ 070 ƒ¹³ 33 M) supply the pronoun ὑμῶν (humōn, “your”) here, although several significant and early witnesses omit it (P⁷⁵ א A B D L Q W Θ ƒ¹ 700 2542 al lat). Externally, the shorter reading is superior. Internally, the pronoun looks to be a scribal clarification. In context the article can be translated as a possessive pronoun anyway (ExSyn 215), as it has been done for this translation.
372. Luke 12:22 tc Some mss (B 070 ƒ¹³ 33 1424 al) supply the pronoun ὑμῶν (humōn, “your”) here, although the witnesses for the omission are early, significant, and varied (P^45vid,75 א A D L Q W Θ Ψ ƒ¹ M lat). See previous tc note for more discussion.
373. Luke 12:24 tn Or “crows.” Crows and ravens belong to the same family of birds. English uses “crow” as a general word for the family. Palestine has several indigenous members of the crow family.
374. Luke 12:24 tn Or “God gives them food to eat.” L&N 23.6 has both “to provide food for” and “to give food to someone to eat.”
375. Luke 12:25 tn Or “by being anxious.”
376. Luke 12:25 tn Or “a cubit to his height.” A cubit (πῆχυς, pēchus) can measure length (normally about 45 cm or 18 inches) or time (a small unit, “hour” is usually used [BDAG 812 s.v.] although “day” has been suggested [L&N 67.151]). The term ἡλικία (hēlikia) is ambiguous in the same way as πῆχυς. Most scholars take the term ἡλικία (hēlikia) to describe age or length of life here, although a few refer it to bodily stature (see BDAG 435-36 s.v. 1.a for discussion). Worry about length of life seems a more natural figure than worry about height. However, the point either way is clear: Worrying adds nothing to life span or height.
377. Luke 12:26 tn This is a first class condition in the Greek text.
378. Luke 12:26 tn Or “why are you anxious for.”
379. Luke 12:27 tn Traditionally, “lilies.” According to L&N 3.32, “Though traditionally κρίνον has been regarded as a type of lily, scholars have suggested several other possible types of flowers, including an anemone, a poppy, a gladiolus, and a rather inconspicuous type of daisy.” In view of the uncertainty, the more generic “flowers” has been used in the translation.
380. Luke 12:27 tn Traditionally, “toil.” Although it might be argued that “work hard” would be a more precise translation of κοπιάω (kopiaō) here, the line in English scans better in terms of cadence with a single syllable.
381. Luke 12:28 tn This is a first class condition in the Greek text.
382. Luke 12:28 tn Grk “grass in the field.”
383. Luke 12:28 tn Grk “which is in the field today.”
384. Luke 12:28 tn Grk “into the oven.” The expanded translation “into the fire to heat the oven” has been used to avoid misunderstanding; most items put into modern ovens are put there to be baked, not burned.sn The oven was most likely a rounded clay oven used for baking bread, which was heated by burning wood and dried grass.
385. Luke 12:28 sn The phrase how much more is a typical form of rabbinic argumentation, from the lesser to the greater. If God cares for the little things, surely he will care for the more important things.
386. Luke 12:29 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate a conclusion drawn from the previous illustrations.
387. Luke 12:29 tn Grk “do not seek,” but this could be misunderstood to mean that people should make no attempt to obtain their food. The translation “do not be overly concerned” attempts to reflect the force of the original.
388. Luke 12:29 tn The words “about such things” have been supplied to qualify the meaning; the phrase relates to obtaining food and drink mentioned in the previous clause.
389. Luke 12:30 tn Grk “seek.”
390. Luke 12:31 tn Grk “seek,” but in the sense of the previous verses.
391. Luke 12:31 tc Most mss (P⁴⁵ A D¹ Q W Θ 070 ƒ^1,13 33 M lat sy) read τοῦ θεοῦ (tou theou, “of God”) instead of αὐτοῦ (autou, “his”; found in א B D* L Ψ 579 892 co). But such a clarifying reading is suspect. αὐτοῦ is superior on both internal and external grounds. P⁷⁵ includes neither and as such would support the translation above since the article alone can often be translated as a possessive pronoun.
392. Luke 12:31 sn His (that is, God’s) kingdom is a major theme of Jesus’ teaching. The nature of the kingdom of God in the NT and in Jesus’ teaching has long been debated by interpreters and scholars, with discussion primarily centering around the nature of the kingdom (earthly, heavenly, or both) and the kingdom’s arrival (present, future, or both). An additional major issue concerns the relationship between the kingdom of God and the person and work of Jesus himself. See Luke 6:20; 11:20; 17:20-21.
393. Luke 12:32 tn Or perhaps, “your Father chooses.”
394. Luke 12:33 sn The call to sell your possessions is a call to a lack of attachment to the earth and a generosity as a result.
395. Luke 12:33 tn Grk “give alms,” but this term is not in common use today.
396. Luke 12:33 tn Grk “in the heavens.”
397. Luke 12:33 tn Or “an unfailing treasure in heaven,” or “an inexhaustible treasure in heaven.”
398. Luke 12:33 tn The term σής (sēs) refers to moths in general. It is specifically the larvae of moths that destroy clothing by eating holes in it (L&N 4.49; BDAG 922 s.v.). See Jas 5:2, which mentions “moth-eaten” clothing.
399. Luke 12:34 sn Seeking heavenly treasure means serving others and honoring God by doing so; see Luke 6:35-36.
400. Luke 12:35 tn Grk “Let your loins be girded,” an idiom referring to the practice of tucking the ends of the long cloak (outer garment) into the belt to shorten it in preparation for activities like running, etc.
401. Luke 12:35 sn Keep your lamps burning means to be ready at all times.
402. Luke 12:36 tn That is, like slaves (who are mentioned later, vv. 37-38), although the term ἀνθρώποις (anthrōpois) is used here. Since in this context it appears generic rather than gender-specific, the translation “people” is employed.
403. Luke 12:36 sn An ancient wedding celebration could last for days (Tob 11:18).
404. Luke 12:37 tn See the note on the word “slave” in 7:2.
405. Luke 12:37 tn Or “watching”; Grk “awake,” but in context this is not just being awake but alert and looking out.
406. Luke 12:37 tn Grk “Truly (ἀμήν, amēn), I say to you.”
407. Luke 12:37 tn See v. 35 (same verb).
408. Luke 12:37 tn Grk “have them recline at table,” as 1st century middle eastern meals were not eaten while sitting at a table, but while reclining on one’s side on the floor with the head closest to the low table and the feet farthest away.
409. Luke 12:37 tn The participle παρελθών (parelthōn) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.
410. Luke 12:37 sn He…will come and wait on them is a reversal of expectation, but shows that what Jesus asks for he is willing to do as well; see John 13:5 and 15:18-27, although those instances merely foreshadow what is in view here.
411. Luke 12:38 sn The second or third watch of the night would be between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. on a Roman schedule and 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. on a Jewish schedule. Luke uses the four-watch schedule of the Romans in Acts 12:4, so that is more probable here. Regardless of the precise times of the watches, however, it is clear that the late-night watches when a person is least alert are in view here.
412. Luke 12:38 tn Grk “finds (them) thus,” but this has been clarified in the translation by referring to the status (“alert”) mentioned in v. 37.
413. Luke 12:38 tn Grk “blessed are they”; the referent (the watchful slaves, v. 37) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
414. Luke 12:39 sn On Jesus pictured as a returning thief, see 1 Thess 5:2, 4; 2 Pet 3:10; Rev 3:3; 16:15.
415. Luke 12:39 tc Most mss (א¹ A B L Q W Θ Ψ 070 ƒ^1,13 33 M lat sy^p,h sa^ms bo) read “he would have watched and not let” here, but this looks like an assimilation to Matt 24:43. The alliance of two significant and early mss along with a few others (P⁷⁵ א* [D] e i sy^s,c sa^mss), coupled with much stronger internal evidence, suggests that the shorter reading is authentic.
416. Luke 12:40 sn Jesus made clear that his coming could not be timed, and suggested it might take some time—so long, in fact, that some would not be looking for him any longer (at an hour when you do not expect him).
417. Luke 12:41 tn Grk “And Peter.” Here δέ (de) has been translated as “then” to indicate the connection to the preceding statement.
418. Luke 12:41 sn Is the parable only for disciples (us) or for all humanity (everyone)? Or does Peter mean for disciples (us) or for the crowd (everyone)? The fact that unfaithful slaves are mentioned in v. 46 looks to a warning that includes a broad audience, though it is quality of service that is addressed. This means the parable focuses on those who are associated with Jesus.
419. Luke 12:42 tn Grk “And the Lord said.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
420. Luke 12:42 tn Or “administrator,” “steward” (L&N 37.39).
421. Luke 12:42 tn This term, θεραπεία (therapeia), describes the group of servants working in a particular household (L&N 46.6).
422. Luke 12:43 tn See the note on the word “slave” in 7:2.
423. Luke 12:43 tn That is, doing his job, doing what he is supposed to be doing.
424. Luke 12:44 tn Grk “Truly (ἀληθῶς, alēthōs), I say to you.”
425. Luke 12:44 tn Grk “he”; the referent (the master) has been specified in the translation for clarity. See also Luke 19:11-27.
426. Luke 12:45 tn In the Greek text this is a third class condition that for all practical purposes is a hypothetical condition (note the translation of the following verb “should say”).
427. Luke 12:45 tn The term “that” (ἐκεῖνος, ekeinos) is used as a catchword to list out, in the form of a number of hypothetical circumstances, what the possible responses of “that” servant could be. He could be faithful (vv. 43-44) or totally unfaithful (vv. 45-46). He does not complete his master’s will with knowledge (v. 47) or from ignorance (v 48). These differences are indicated by the different levels of punishment in vv. 46-48.
428. Luke 12:45 tn Grk “should say in his heart.”
429. Luke 12:45 tn Or “is taking a long time.”
430. Luke 12:45 sn The slave’s action in beginning to beat the other slaves was not only a failure to carry out what was commanded but involved doing the exact reverse.
431. Luke 12:45 tn The word “other” is not in the Greek text, but is implied.
432. Luke 12:45 tn Grk “the menservants and the maidservants.” The term here, used in both masculine and feminine grammatical forms, is παῖς (pais), which can refer to a slave, but also to a slave who is a personal servant, and thus regarded kindly (L&N 87.77).
433. Luke 12:46 tn The verb διχοτομέω (dichotomeō) means to cut an object into two parts (L&N 19.19). This is an extremely severe punishment compared to the other two later punishments. To translate it simply as “punish” is too mild. If taken literally this servant is dismembered, although it is possible to view the stated punishment as hyperbole (L&N 38.12).
434. Luke 12:46 tn Or “unbelieving.” Here the translation employs the slightly more ambiguous “unfaithful,” which creates a link with the point of the parable—faithfulness versus unfaithfulness in servants. The example of this verse must be taken together with the examples of vv. 47-48 as part of a scale of reactions with the most disobedient response coming here. The fact that this servant is placed in a distinct group, unlike the one in vv. 47-48, also suggests ultimate exclusion. This is the hypocrite of Matt 24:51.
435. Luke 12:47 tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated.
436. Luke 12:47 tn Grk “or do according to his will”; the referent (the master) has been specified in the translation for clarity. This example deals with the slave who knew what the command was and yet failed to complete it.
437. Luke 12:48 tn Grk “did not know”; the phrase “his master’s will” is not in the Greek text, but is implied. Direct objects were frequently omitted in Greek when clear from the context, but must be supplied for the contemporary English reader.
438. Luke 12:48 tn Grk “blows.”
439. Luke 12:48 tn Grk “will receive few (blows).”
440. Luke 12:48 tn Grk “required from him,” but the words “from him” are redundant in English and have not been translated.
441. Luke 12:48 sn Entrusted with much. To be gifted with precious responsibility is something that requires faithfulness.
442. Luke 12:48 tn Grk “they will ask even more.”
443. Luke 12:49 sn This mission statement, “I have come to bring fire on the earth,” looks to the purging and division Jesus causes: See Luke 3:9, 17; 9:54; 17:29 for fire, 5:32; 7:34; 9:58; 12:51 for the topic of mission.
444. Luke 12:49 tn Grk “cast.” For βάλλω (ballō) in the sense of causing a state or condition, see L&N 13.14.
445. Luke 12:50 sn The figure of the baptism is variously interpreted, as some see a reference (1) to martyrdom or (2) to inundation with God’s judgment. The OT background, however, suggests the latter sense: Jesus is about to be uniquely inundated with God’s judgment as he is rejected, persecuted, and killed (Pss 18:4, 16; 42:7; 69:1-2; Isa 8:7-8; 30:27-28; Jonah 2:3-6).
446. Luke 12:50 tn Grk “to be baptized with.”
447. Luke 12:51 tn Or “hostility.” This term pictures dissension and hostility (BDAG 234 s.v. διαμερισμός).sn For rhetorical reasons, Jesus’ statement is deliberately paradoxical (seeming to state the opposite of Matt 10:13, for example, where the messengers are to bring peace). The conflict implied by the division (the parallel in Matt 10:34 has “sword”) is not primarily eschatological in this context, however, but immediate, and concerns the hostility and discord even among family members that a person’s allegiance to Jesus would bring (vv. 52-53).
448. Luke 12:52 sn From now on is a popular phrase in Luke: 1:48; 5:10; 22:18, 69; see Mic 7:6.
449. Luke 12:53 tn There is dispute whether this phrase belongs to the end of v. 52 or begins v. 53. Given the shift of object, a connection to v. 53 is slightly preferred.
450. Luke 12:54 tn Grk “He”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity. Here καί (kai) has been translated as “also” and δέ (de) has not been translated.
451. Luke 12:54 sn A cloud rising in the west refers to moisture coming from the Mediterranean Sea.
452. Luke 12:54 tn The term ὄμβρος (ombros) refers to heavy rain, such as in a thunderstorm (L&N 14.12).
453. Luke 12:55 sn The south wind comes from the desert, and thus brings scorching heat.
454. Luke 12:56 sn In Luke, the term hypocrites occurs here, in 6:42, and in 13:15.
455. Luke 12:56 tc Most mss (P⁴⁵ A W Ψ ƒ^1,13 M lat) have a syntax here that reflects a slightly different rhetorical question: “but how do you not interpret the present time?” The reading behind the translation, however, has overall superior support: P⁷⁵ א B L Θ 33 892 1241.
456. Luke 12:57 tn Jesus calls for some personal reflection. However, this unit probably does connect to the previous one—thus the translation of δέ (de) here as “And”—to make a good spiritual assessment, thus calling for application to the spiritual, rather than personal, realm.
457. Luke 12:58 sn The term magistrate (ἄρχων, archōn) refers to an official who, under the authority of the government, serves as judge in legal cases (see L&N 56.29).
458. Luke 12:58 sn The officer (πράκτωρ, praktōr) was a civil official who functioned like a bailiff and was in charge of debtor’s prison. The use of the term, however, does not automatically demand a Hellenistic setting (BDAG 859 s.v.; K. H. Rengstorf, TDNT 8:539; C. Maurer, TDNT 6:642).
459. Luke 12:59 tn Here the English word “cent” is used as opposed to the parallel in Matt 5:26 where “penny” appears, since the Greek word there is different and refers to a different but similar coin.sn This cent was a lepton, the smallest coin available. It was copper or bronze, worth one-half of a quadrans or 1/128 of a denarius. The parallel in Matt 5:26 mentions the quadrans instead of the lepton. The illustration refers to the debt one owes God and being sure to settle with him in the right time, before it is too late. Some interpreters, however, consider it to be like Matt 5:26, which has similar imagery but a completely different context.
460. Luke 13:1 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “now” to indicate the transition to a new topic.
461. Luke 13:1 sn This is an event that otherwise is unattested, though several events similar to it are noted in Josephus (J. W. 2.9.2-4 [2.169-177]; Ant. 13.13.5 [13.372-73], 18.3.1-2 [18.55-62]; 18.4.1 [18.85-87]). It would have caused a major furor.
462. Luke 13:2 tn Grk “And he.” Here καί (kai) has been translated as “now” to indicate the transition to a new topic.
463. Luke 13:2 sn Jesus did not want his hearers to think that tragedy was necessarily a judgment on these people because they were worse sinners.
464. Luke 13:3 sn Jesus was stressing that all stand at risk of death, if they do not repent and receive life.
465. Luke 13:3 tn Or “you will all likewise perish,” but this could be misunderstood to mean that they would perish by the same means as the Galileans. Jesus’ point is that apart from repentance all will perish.
466. Luke 13:4 tn Grk “on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them.” This relative clause embedded in a prepositional phrase is complex in English and has been simplified to an adjectival and a temporal clause in the translation.
467. Luke 13:4 sn Unlike the previous event, when the tower in Siloam fell on them, it was an accident of fate. It raised the question, however, “Was this a judgment?”
468. Luke 13:5 sn Jesus’ point repeats v. 3. The circumstances make no difference. All must deal with the reality of what death means.
469. Luke 13:5 tn Grk “similarly.”
470. Luke 13:6 tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.
471. Luke 13:6 tn Grk “he”; the referent has been specified in the translation for clarity.
472. Luke 13:6 sn The fig tree is a variation on the picture of a vine as representing the nation; see Isa 5:1-7.
473. Luke 13:7 tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “so” to indicate the man’s response as a result of the lack of figs in the preceding clause.
474. Luke 13:7 tn Grk “Behold, for.”
475. Luke 13:7 sn The elapsed time could be six years total since planting, since often a fig was given three years before one even started to look for fruit. The point in any case is that enough time had been given to expect fruit.
476. Luke 13:7 tn The phrase “each time I inspect it” is not in the Greek text but has been supplied to indicate the customary nature of the man’s search for fruit.
477. Luke 13:7 tc ‡ Several witnesses (P⁷⁵ A L Θ Ψ 070 ƒ¹³ 33 579 892 al lat co) have “therefore” (οὖν, oun) here. This conjunction has the effect of strengthening the logical connection with the preceding statement but also of reducing the rhetorical power and urgency of the imperative. In light of the slightly greater internal probability of adding a conjunction to an otherwise asyndetic sentence, as well as significant external support for the omission (א B D W ƒ¹ M), the shorter reading appears to be more likely as the earlier wording here. NA²⁸ puts the conjunction in brackets, indicating some doubts as to its authenticity.
478. Luke 13:7 tn Grk “Why indeed.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated.
479. Luke 13:7 sn Such fig trees would deplete the soil, robbing it of nutrients needed by other trees and plants.
480. Luke 13:8 tn Grk “he”; the referent (the worker who tended the vineyard) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
481. Luke 13:8 tn Grk “toss manure [on it].” This is a reference to manure used as fertilizer.
482. Luke 13:9 tn This is a third class condition in the Greek text. The conjunction καί (kai, a component of κάν [kan]) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.
483. Luke 13:9 tn Grk “the coming [season].”
484. Luke 13:9 tn The phrase “very well” is supplied in the translation to complete the elided idea, but its absence is telling.
485. Luke 13:9 tn This is a first class condition in the Greek text, showing which of the options is assumed.
486. Luke 13:10 sn See the note on synagogues in 4:15.
487. Luke 13:11 tn Grk “and behold, a woman.” The Greek word ἰδού (idou) at the beginning of this statement has not been translated because it has no exact English equivalent here, but adds interest and emphasis (BDAG 468 s.v. 1).
488. Luke 13:11 tn Grk “a woman having a spirit of weakness” (or “a spirit of infirmity”).
489. Luke 13:11 tn Grk “years, and.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style. Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, a new sentence was started here in the translation.
490. Luke 13:11 tn Or “and could not straighten herself up at all.” If εἰς τὸ παντελές (eis to panteles) is understood to modify δυναμένη (dunamenē), the meaning is “she was not able at all to straighten herself up,” but the phrase may be taken with ἀνακύψαι (anakupsai) and understood to mean the same as the adverb παντελῶς (pantelōs), with the meaning “she was not able to straighten herself up completely.” See BDAG 754 s.v. παντελής 1 for further discussion. The second option is preferred in the translation because of proximity: The phrase in question follows ἀνακύψαι in the Greek text.
491. Luke 13:12 tn The participle ἰδών (idōn) has been taken temporally. Here δέ (de) has not been translated.
492. Luke 13:12 tn The verb προσεφώνησεν (prosephōnēsen) has been translated as “called (her) to (him),” with the direct object (“her”) and the indirect object (“him”) both understood.
493. Luke 13:12 sn Woman was a polite form of address (see BDAG 208-9 s.v. γυνή), similar to “Madam” or “Ma’am” used in English in different regions.
494. Luke 13:12 tn Or “released.”
495. Luke 13:12 tn Or “sickness.”
496. Luke 13:13 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.
497. Luke 13:13 sn The healing took place immediately.
498. Luke 13:14 sn The irony is that Jesus’ “work” consisted of merely touching the woman. There is no sense of joy that eighteen years of suffering was reversed with his touch.
499. Luke 13:14 tn Grk “on which it is necessary to work.” This has been simplified in the translation.
500. Luke 13:14 tn The participle ἐρχόμενοι (erchomenoi) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.
501. Luke 13:15 tn Grk “answered him and said.” This is redundant in contemporary English and has been shortened to “answered him.”
502. Luke 13:15 tn Grk “from the manger [feeding trough],” but by metonymy of part for whole this can be rendered “stall.”
503. Luke 13:15 sn The charge here is hypocrisy, but it is only part one of the response. Various ancient laws detail what was allowed with cattle; see Mishnah, m. Shabbat 5; CD 11:5-6.
504. Luke 13:16 tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “then” to show the connection with Jesus’ previous statement.
505. Luke 13:16 tn Grk “is it not necessary that.” Jesus argues that no other day is more appropriate to heal a descendant of Abraham than the Sabbath, the exact opposite view of the synagogue leader.
506. Luke 13:16 sn Note that this is again a battle between Satan and God; see 11:18-23.
507. Luke 13:16 tn The word “long” reflects the emphasis added in the Greek text by ἰδού (idou). See BDAG 468 s.v. 1.
508. Luke 13:16 tn Or “bondage”; Grk “bond.”
509. Luke 13:17 tn Grk “And when.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
510. Luke 13:17 tn Or “were put to shame.”
511. Luke 13:17 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “but” to indicate the contrast present in this context.
512. Luke 13:17 sn Concerning all the wonderful things see Luke 7:16; 19:37.
513. Luke 13:17 tn Grk “that were being done by him.” The passive has been converted to an active construction in the translation.
514. Luke 13:18 tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
515. Luke 13:18 tn Grk “said,” but what follows is a question.
516. Luke 13:18 sn The kingdom of God is a major theme of Jesus’ teaching. The nature of the kingdom of God in the NT and in Jesus’ teaching has long been debated by interpreters and scholars, with discussion primarily centering around the nature of the kingdom (earthly, heavenly, or both) and the kingdom’s arrival (present, future, or both). An additional major issue concerns the relationship between the kingdom of God and the person and work of Jesus himself. See Luke 6:20; 11:20; 17:20-21.
517. Luke 13:18 sn What is the kingdom of God like? Unlike Mark 4 or Matt 13, where the kingdom parables tend to be all in one location in the narrative, Luke scatters his examples throughout the Gospel.
518. Luke 13:18 tn Grk “And to.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
519. Luke 13:19 sn The mustard seed was noted for its tiny size.
520. Luke 13:19 tn Grk “threw.”
521. Luke 13:19 tn Grk “garden, and it.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style. Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, a new sentence was started here in the translation.
522. Luke 13:19 sn Calling the mustard plant a tree is rhetorical hyperbole, since technically it is not one. This plant could be one of two types of mustard popular in Palestine and would be either 10 or 25 ft (3 or 7.5 m) tall.
523. Luke 13:19 tn Grk “the birds of the sky” or “the birds of the heaven”; the Greek word οὐρανός (ouranos) may be translated either “sky” or “heaven,” depending on the context. The idiomatic expression “birds of the sky” refers to wild birds as opposed to domesticated fowl (cf. BDAG 809 s.v. πετεινόν).
524. Luke 13:19 sn The point of the parable seems to be that while the kingdom of God may appear to have insignificant and unnoticeable beginnings (i.e., in the ministry of Jesus), it will someday (i.e., at the second advent) be great and quite expansive. The kingdom, however, is not to be equated with the church, but rather the church is an expression of the kingdom. Also, there is important OT background in the image of a small plant that grew and became a tree: Ezek 17:22-24 pictures the reemergence of the Davidic house where people can find calm and shelter. Like the mustard seed, it would start out small but grow to significant size.
525. Luke 13:20 tn Grk “And again.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
526. Luke 13:20 sn The kingdom of God is a major theme of Jesus’ teaching. See the note on this phrase in v. 18.
527. Luke 13:21 tn Grk “hid in.”
528. Luke 13:21 sn This measure was a saton, the Greek name for the Hebrew term “seah.” Three of these was a very large quantity of flour, since a saton is a little over 16 lbs (7 kg) of dry measure (or 13.13 liters). So this was over 47 lbs (21 kg) of flour total, enough to feed over a hundred people.
529. Luke 13:21 tn Grk “it was all leavened.”sn The parable of the yeast and the dough teaches that the kingdom of God will start small but eventually grow to permeate everything. Jesus’ point was not to be deceived by its seemingly small start, the same point made in the parable of the mustard seed, which preceded this one.
530. Luke 13:22 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.
531. Luke 13:22 tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
532. Luke 13:22 tn This is a distributive use of κατά (kata); see L&N 83:12.
533. Luke 13:22 tn Or “cities.”
534. Luke 13:22 tn Grk “making his journey toward.” This is the first of several travel notes in Luke’s Jerusalem journey section of Luke 9-19; other notes appear at 17:11; 18:31; 19:28, 41.
535. Luke 13:23 tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated.
536. Luke 13:23 tn Grk “said to.”
537. Luke 13:23 sn The warnings earlier in Jesus’ teaching have led to the question whether only a few will be saved.
538. Luke 13:23 tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “so” to indicate that Jesus’ reply was triggered by the preceding question.
539. Luke 13:24 tn Or “Make every effort” (L&N 68.74; cf. NIV); “Do your best” (TEV); “Work hard” (NLT); Grk “Struggle.” The idea is to exert one’s maximum effort (cf. BDAG 17 s.v. ἀγωνίζομαι 2.b, “strain every nerve to enter”) because of the supreme importance of attaining entry into the kingdom of God.
540. Luke 13:25 tn The syntactical relationship between vv. 24-25 is disputed. The question turns on whether v. 25 is connected to v. 24 or not. A lack of a clear connective makes an independent idea more likely. However, one must then determine what the beginning of the sentence connects to. Though it makes for slightly awkward English, the translation has opted to connect it to “he will answer” so that this functions, in effect, as an apodosis. One could end the sentence after “us” and begin a new sentence with “He will answer” to make simpler sentences, although the connection between the two sentences is thereby less clear. The point of the passage, however, is clear. Once the door is shut, because one failed to come in through the narrow way, it is closed permanently. The moral: Do not be too late in deciding to respond.
541. Luke 13:25 tn Or “the master of the household.”
542. Luke 13:25 tn Or “rises,” or “stands up.”
543. Luke 13:25 tn Or “Sir.”
544. Luke 13:25 tn Grk “Open to us.”
545. Luke 13:25 tn Grk “and answering, he will say to you.” This is redundant in contemporary English and has been simplified to “he will answer you.”
546. Luke 13:25 sn For the imagery behind the statement “I do not know where you come from,” see Ps 138:6; Isa 63:16; Jer 1:5; Hos 5:3.
547. Luke 13:26 sn This term refers to wide streets, and thus suggests the major streets of a city.
548. Luke 13:27 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “but” to indicate the contrast present in this context.
549. Luke 13:27 tc Most mss (P^75* A D L W Θ Ψ 070 ƒ^1,13 M) have ἐρεῖ λέγω ὑμῖν (erei legō humin; “he will say, ‘I say to you’”) here, while some have only ἐρεῖ ὑμῖν (“he will say to you” in א 579 lat sa) or simply ἐρεῖ (“he will say” in 1195). The variety of readings seems to have arisen from the somewhat unusual wording of the initial text, ἐρεῖ λέγων ὑμῖν (erei legōn humin; “he will say, saying to you” found in P^75c B 892). Given the indicative λέγω, it is difficult to explain how the other readings would have arisen. But if the participle λέγων were original, the other readings can more easily be explained as arising from it. Although the external evidence is significantly stronger in support of the indicative reading, the internal evidence is on the side of the participle. tn Grk “he will say, saying to you.” The participle λέγων (legōn) and its indirect object ὑμῖν (humin) are redundant in contemporary English and have not been translated.
550. Luke 13:27 sn The issue is not familiarity (with Jesus’ teaching) or even shared activity (eating and drinking with him), but knowing Jesus. Those who do not know him, he will not know where they come from (i.e., will not acknowledge) at the judgment.
551. Luke 13:27 tn Grk “all you workers of iniquity.” The phrase resembles Ps 6:8.
552. Luke 13:28 sn Weeping and gnashing of teeth is a figure for remorse and trauma, which occurs here because of exclusion from God’s promise.
553. Luke 13:28 tn Grk “and Isaac and Jacob,” but καί (kai) has not been translated since English normally uses a coordinating conjunction only between the last two elements in a series of three or more.
554. Luke 13:28 sn The kingdom of God is a major theme of Jesus’ teaching. See the note on this phrase in v. 18.
555. Luke 13:28 tn Or “being thrown out.” The present accusative participle, ἐκβαλλομένους (ekballomenous), related to the object ὑμᾶς (humas), seems to suggest that these evildoers will witness their own expulsion from the kingdom.
556. Luke 13:29 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events in the discourse.
557. Luke 13:29 tn Grk “they”; the referent (people who will come to participate in the kingdom) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
558. Luke 13:29 tn Grk “and recline at table,” as first century middle eastern meals were not eaten while sitting at a table, but while reclining on one’s side on the floor with the head closest to the low table and the feet farthest away. The phrase “take their places at the banquet table” has been used in the translation to clarify for the modern reader the festive nature of the imagery. The banquet imagery is a way of describing the fellowship and celebration of participation with the people of God at the end. Cf. BDAG 65 s.v. ἀνακλίνω 2, “In transf. sense, of the Messianic banquet w. the idea dine in style (or some similar rendering, not simply ‘eat’ as NRSV) Mt 8:11; Lk 13:29.”
559. Luke 13:29 sn The kingdom of God is a major theme of Jesus’ teaching. See the note on this phrase in v. 18.
560. Luke 13:30 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “but” to indicate the contrast present in this context.
561. Luke 13:30 tn Grk “behold.”
562. Luke 13:30 sn Some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last. Jesus’ answer is that some who are expected to be there (many from Israel) will not be there, while others not expected to be present (from other nations) will be present. The question is not, “Will the saved be few?” (see v. 23), but “Will it be you?”
563. Luke 13:31 tn Grk “At that very hour.”
564. Luke 13:31 sn See the note on Pharisees in 5:17.
565. Luke 13:31 tn Grk “him”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
566. Luke 13:31 tn Grk “Go away and leave from here,” which is redundant in English and has been shortened to “Get away from here.”
567. Luke 13:31 sn Herod refers here to Herod Antipas. See the note on Herod Antipas in 3:1.
568. Luke 13:32 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “but” to indicate the contrast present in this context.
569. Luke 13:32 tn The participle πορευθέντες (poreuthentes) has been taken as indicating attendant circumstance.
570. Luke 13:32 sn That fox. This is not fundamentally a figure for cleverness as in modern western culture, but could indicate (1) an insignificant person (Neh 4:3; 2 Esd 13:35 LXX); (2) a deceiver (Song Rabbah 2.15.1 on 2:15); or someone destructive, a destroyer (Ezek 13:4; Lam 5:18; 1 En. 89:10, 42-49, 55). Luke’s emphasis seems to be on destructiveness, since Herod killed John the Baptist, whom Luke calls “the greatest born of women” (Luke 7:28) and later stands opposed to Jesus (Acts 4:26-28). In addition, “a person who is designated a fox is an insignificant or base person. He lacks real power and dignity, using cunning deceit to achieve his aims” (H. W. Hoehner, Herod Antipas [SNTSMS], 347).
571. Luke 13:32 sn The third day is a figurative reference to being further on in time, not a reference to three days from now. Jesus is not even in Jerusalem yet, and the events of the last days in Jerusalem take a good week.
572. Luke 13:32 tn Or “I reach my goal.” The verb τελειόω (teleioō) is a key NT term for the completion of God’s plan: See Luke 12:50; 22:37; John 19:30; and (where it has the additional component of meaning “to perfect”) Heb 2:10; 5:8-9; 7:28.
573. Luke 13:33 tn This is the frequent expression δεῖ (dei, “it is necessary”) that notes something that is a part of God’s plan.
574. Luke 13:33 tn Or “unthinkable.” See L&N 71.4 for both possible meanings.
575. Luke 13:33 tn Or “should perish away from.”
576. Luke 13:33 sn Death in Jerusalem is another key theme in Luke’s material: 7:16, 34; 24:19; Acts 3:22-23. Notice that Jesus sees himself in the role of a prophet here. Jesus’ statement, it is impossible that a prophet should be killed outside Jerusalem, is filled with irony; Jesus, traveling about in Galilee (most likely), has nothing to fear from Herod; it is his own people living in the very center of Jewish religion and worship who present the greatest danger to his life. The underlying idea is that Jerusalem, though she stands at the very heart of the worship of God, often kills the prophets God sends to her (v. 34). In the end, Herod will be much less a threat than Jerusalem.
577. Luke 13:34 sn The double use of the city’s name betrays intense emotion.
578. Luke 13:34 tn Although the opening address (“Jerusalem, Jerusalem”) is direct (second person), the remainder of this sentence in the Greek text is third person (“who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her”). The following sentences then revert to second person (“your…you”), so to keep all this consistent in English, the third person pronouns in the present verse were translated as second person (“you who kill…sent to you”).
579. Luke 13:34 sn How often I have longed to gather your children. Jesus, like a lamenting prophet, speaks for God here, who longed to care tenderly for Israel and protect her.
580. Luke 13:34 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “but” to indicate the contrast present in this context.
581. Luke 13:34 tn Grk “you were not willing.”
582. Luke 13:35 sn Your house is forsaken. The language here is from Jer 12:7 and 22:5. It recalls exilic judgment.
583. Luke 13:35 sn A quotation from Ps 118:26. The judgment to come will not be lifted until the Lord returns. See Luke 19:41-44.
584. Luke 14:1 tn Grk “Now it happened that one.” The introductory phrase ἐγένετο (egeneto, “it happened that”), common in Luke (69 times) and Acts (54 times), is redundant in contemporary English and has not been translated. Here καί (kai) has been translated as “now” to indicate the transition to a new topic.
585. Luke 14:1 tn Grk “to eat bread,” an idiom for participating in a meal.
586. Luke 14:1 tn Grk “a ruler of the Pharisees.” He was probably a synagogue official.
587. Luke 14:1 sn See the note on Pharisees in 5:17.
588. Luke 14:1 sn Watching…closely is a graphic term meaning to lurk and watch; see Luke 11:53-54.
589. Luke 14:2 tn Grk “And there.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
590. Luke 14:2 tn Grk “behold.” The Greek word ἰδού (idou) at the beginning of this statement adds interest and emphasis (BDAG 468 s.v. 1). Here it has been translated as “right” in the phrase “right in front of him,” giving a similar effect of vividness in the translation.
591. Luke 14:2 sn This condition called edema or dropsy involves swollen limbs resulting from the accumulation of fluid in the body’s tissues, especially the legs.
592. Luke 14:3 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate the sequence of events (Jesus’ question was prompted by the man’s appearance).
593. Luke 14:3 tn Grk “Jesus, answering, said.” This is redundant in contemporary English. In addition, since the context does not describe a previous question to Jesus (although one may well be implied), the phrase has been translated here as “Jesus asked.”
594. Luke 14:3 tn That is, experts in the interpretation of the Mosaic law (traditionally, “lawyers”).
595. Luke 14:3 sn “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?” Will the Pharisees and experts in religious law defend tradition and speak out against doing good on the Sabbath? Has anything at all been learned since Luke 13:10-17? Has repentance come (13:6-9)?
596. Luke 14:4 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate the sequence of events (Jesus’ healing the man was in response to their refusal to answer).
597. Luke 14:4 tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
598. Luke 14:4 tn Grk “taking hold [of the man].” The participle ἐπιλαβόμενος (epilabomenos) has been taken as indicating attendant circumstance.
599. Luke 14:4 tn Or “and let him go.”
600. Luke 14:5 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.
601. Luke 14:5 tc Here “son,” found in P^45,75 (A) B W M, is the preferred reading. The other reading, “donkey” (found in א K L Ψ ƒ^1,13 33 579 892 1241 2542 al lat bo), looks like an assimilation to Luke 13:15 and Deut 22:4; Isa 32:20, and was perhaps motivated by an attempt to soften the unusual collocation of “son” and “ox.” The Western ms D differs from all others and reads “sheep.”
602. Luke 14:6 tn καί (kai) has been translated here as “but” to indicate the contrast present in this context. The experts, who should be expected to know the law, are unable to respond to Jesus’ question.
603. Luke 14:6 sn They could not reply. Twice in the scene, the experts remain silent (see v. 4). That, along with the presence of power working through Jesus, serves to indicate endorsement of his work and message.
604. Luke 14:7 tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.
605. Luke 14:7 tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
606. Luke 14:7 tn Grk “those who were invited.”
607. Luke 14:7 tn Or “the best places.” The “places of honor” at the meal would be those closest to the host.
608. Luke 14:8 tn Or “banquet.” This may not refer only to a wedding feast, because this term can have broader sense (note the usage in Esth 2:18; 9:22 LXX). However, this difference does not affect the point of the parable.
609. Luke 14:8 tn Grk “do not recline in the place of honor.” 1st century middle eastern meals were not eaten while sitting at a table, but while reclining on one’s side on the floor with the head closest to the low table and the feet farthest away.
610. Luke 14:8 tn Grk “by him”; the referent (the host) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
611. Luke 14:9 tn Grk “host, and.” Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate this action is a result of the situation described in the previous verse. Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, a new sentence was started here in the translation.
612. Luke 14:9 tn Or “then in disgrace”; Grk “with shame.” In this culture avoiding shame was important.
613. Luke 14:9 tn Grk “lowest place” (also in the repetition of the phrase in the next verse).
614. Luke 14:10 tn Grk “the one who invited you.”
615. Luke 14:10 tn Grk “Go up higher.” This means to move to a more important place.
616. Luke 14:11 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “but” to indicate the contrast present in this context, which involves the reversal of expected roles.
617. Luke 14:11 sn The point of the statement the one who humbles himself will be exalted is humility and the reversal imagery used to underline it is common: Luke 1:52-53; 6:21; 10:15; 18:14.
618. Luke 14:12 tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated.
619. Luke 14:12 sn That is, the leader of the Pharisees (v. 1).
620. Luke 14:12 tn The meaning of the two terms for meals here, ἄριστον (ariston) and δεῖπνον (deipnon), essentially overlap (L&N 23.22). Translators usually try to find two terms for a meal to use as equivalents (e.g., lunch and dinner, dinner and supper, etc.). In this translation “dinner” and “banquet” have been used, since the expected presence of rich neighbors later in the verse suggests a rather more elaborate occasion than an ordinary meal.
621. Luke 14:13 tn This term, δοχή (dochē), is a third term for a meal (see v. 12) that could also be translated “banquet, feast.”
622. Luke 14:13 sn Normally the term means crippled as a result of being maimed or mutilated (L&N 23.177).
623. Luke 14:13 tn Here “and” has been supplied between the last two elements in the series in keeping with English style.
624. Luke 14:13 sn This list of needy is like Luke 7:22. See Deut 14:28-29; 16:11-14; 26:11-13.
625. Luke 14:14 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate that this follows from the preceding action. Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, a new sentence was started here in the translation.
626. Luke 14:14 sn You will be blessed. God notes and approves of such generosity.
627. Luke 14:14 sn The passive verb will be repaid looks at God’s commendation.
628. Luke 14:15 tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated.
629. Luke 14:15 tn The reference to “Jesus” has been specified in the translation for clarity.
630. Luke 14:15 tn Grk “whoever” (the indefinite relative pronoun). This has been translated as “everyone who” to conform to contemporary English style.
631. Luke 14:15 tn Or “will dine”; Grk “eat bread.” This refers to those who enjoy the endless fellowship of God’s coming rule.
632. Luke 14:15 sn The kingdom of God is a major theme of Jesus’ teaching. The nature of the kingdom of God in the NT and in Jesus’ teaching has long been debated by interpreters and scholars, with discussion primarily centering around the nature of the kingdom (earthly, heavenly, or both) and the kingdom’s arrival (present, future, or both). An additional major issue concerns the relationship between the kingdom of God and the person and work of Jesus himself. See Luke 6:20; 11:20; 17:20-21.
633. Luke 14:16 tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
634. Luke 14:16 tn Or “dinner.”
635. Luke 14:16 sn Presumably those invited would have sent a reply with the invitation stating their desire to attend, much like a modern R.S.V.P. Then they waited for the servant to announce the beginning of the celebration (D. L. Bock, Luke [BECNT], 2:1272).
636. Luke 14:16 tn The word “guests” is not in the Greek text but is implied.
637. Luke 14:17 tn Grk “And at.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
638. Luke 14:17 tn Or “dinner.”
639. Luke 14:17 tn See the note on the word “slave” in 7:2.
640. Luke 14:18 tn Or “all unanimously” (BDAG 107 s.v. ἀπό 6). “One after another” is suggested by L&N 61.2.
641. Luke 14:18 sn To make excuses and cancel at this point was an insult in the culture of the time. Regardless of customs concerning responses to invitations, refusal at this point was rude.
642. Luke 14:18 sn I have bought a field. An examination of newly bought land was a common practice. It was this person’s priority.
643. Luke 14:18 sn The expression Please excuse me is probably a polite way of refusing, given the dynamics of the situation, although it is important to note that an initial acceptance had probably been indicated and it was now a bit late for a refusal. The semantic equivalent of the phrase may well be “please accept my apologies.”
644. Luke 14:19 tn Grk “And another.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
645. Luke 14:19 sn Five yoke of oxen. This was a wealthy man, because the normal farmer had one or two yoke of oxen.
646. Luke 14:19 tn The translation “going out” for πορεύομαι (poreuomai) is used because “going” in this context could be understood to mean “I am about to” rather than the correct nuance, “I am on my way to.”
647. Luke 14:20 tn Grk “And another.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
648. Luke 14:20 sn I just got married, and I cannot come. There is no request to be excused here; just a refusal. Why this disqualifies attendance is not clear. The OT freed a newly married man from certain responsibilities such as serving in the army (Deut 20:7; 24:5), but that would hardly apply to a banquet. The invitation is not respected in any of the three cases.
649. Luke 14:21 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate the result of the preceding responses.
650. Luke 14:21 tn Grk “being furious, said.” The participle ὀργισθείς (orgistheis) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.
651. Luke 14:21 sn It was necessary to go out quickly because the banquet was already prepared. All the food would spoil if not eaten immediately.
652. Luke 14:21 tn Or “town.”
653. Luke 14:21 sn The poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame. Note how the list matches v. 13, illustrating that point. Note also how the party goes on; it is not postponed until a later date. Instead new guests are invited.
654. Luke 14:21 tn Grk “and the crippled.” Normally crippled as a result of being maimed or mutilated (L&N 23.177). Καί (kai) has not been translated here and before the following category (Grk “and the blind and the lame”) since English normally uses a coordinating conjunction only between the last two elements in a series of three or more.
655. Luke 14:22 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the order of events within the parable.
656. Luke 14:22 sn And still there is room. This comment suggests the celebration was quite a big one, picturing the openness of God’s grace.
657. Luke 14:23 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate the master’s response to the slave’s report.
658. Luke 14:23 tn Grk “the”; in context the article is used as a possessive pronoun (ExSyn 215).
659. Luke 14:23 sn Go out to the highways and country roads. This suggests the inclusion of people outside the town, even beyond the needy (poor, crippled, blind, and lame) in the town, and so is an allusion to the inclusion of the Gentiles.
660. Luke 14:23 tn The Greek word φραγμός (phragmos) refers to a fence, wall, or hedge surrounding a vineyard (BDAG 1064 s.v. 1). “Highways” and “country roads” probably refer not to separate places, but to the situation outside the town where the rural roads run right alongside the hedges or fences surrounding the fields (cf. J. A. Fitzmyer, Luke [AB], 1057).
661. Luke 14:23 tn Traditionally “force” or “compel,” but according to BDAG 60 s.v. ἀναγκάζω 2 this is a weakened nuance: “strongly urge/invite.” The meaning in this context is more like “persuade.”
662. Luke 14:23 tn The word “people” is not in the Greek text, but is implied. Direct objects were frequently omitted in Greek when clear from the context.
663. Luke 14:23 sn So that my house will be filled. God will bless many people.
664. Luke 14:24 tn The Greek word here is ἀνήρ (anēr), which frequently stresses males or husbands (in contrast to women or wives). However, the emphasis in the present context is on identifying these individuals as the ones previously invited, examples of which were given in vv. 18-20. Cf. also BDAG 79 s.v. ἀνήρ 2.
665. Luke 14:24 sn None of those individuals who were invited. This is both the point and the warning. To be a part of the original invitation does not mean one automatically has access to blessing. One must respond when the summons comes in order to participate. The summons came in the person of Jesus and his proclamation of the kingdom. The statement here refers to the fact that many in Israel will not be blessed with participation, for they have ignored the summons when it came.
666. Luke 14:24 tn Or “dinner.”
667. Luke 14:25 sn It is important to note that the following remarks are not just to disciples, but to the large crowds who were following Jesus.
668. Luke 14:25 tn Grk “him”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
669. Luke 14:26 tn This figurative use operates on a relative scale. God is to be loved more than family or self.
670. Luke 14:26 tn Grk “his own soul,” but ψυχή (psuchē) is frequently used of one’s physical life. It clearly has that meaning in this context.
671. Luke 14:27 sn It was customary practice in a Roman crucifixion for the prisoner to be made to carry his own cross. Jesus is speaking figuratively here in the context of rejection. If the priority is not one’s allegiance to Jesus, then one will not follow him in the face of possible rejection; see Luke 9:23.
672. Luke 14:27 tn Grk “and come after.” In combination with the verb ἔρχομαι (erchomai) the improper preposition ὀπίσω (opisō) means “follow.”
673. Luke 14:28 tn The participle καθίσας (kathisas) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.
674. Luke 14:28 tn The first illustration involves checking to see if enough funds exist to build a watchtower. Both ψηφίζω (psēphizō, “compute”) and δαπάνη (dapanē, “cost”) are economic terms.
675. Luke 14:29 tn Grk “to complete it, lest.” Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, a new sentence was started here in the translation and ἵνα μήποτε (hina mēpote, “lest”) has been translated as “Otherwise.”
676. Luke 14:29 tn The participle θέντος (thentos) has been taken temporally.
677. Luke 14:29 tn The words “the tower” are not in the Greek text, but are implied. Direct objects were frequently omitted in Greek when clear from the context.
678. Luke 14:29 tn The word “it” is not in the Greek text, but is implied. Direct objects were frequently omitted in Greek when clear from the context.
679. Luke 14:29 tn Or “mock,” “ridicule.” The person who did not plan ahead becomes an object of joking and ridicule.
680. Luke 14:30 tn Grk “make fun of him, saying.”
681. Luke 14:30 sn The phrase this man is often used in Luke in a derogatory sense; see “this one” and expressions like it in Luke 5:21; 7:39; 13:32; 23:4, 14, 22, 35.
682. Luke 14:30 sn The failure to finish the building project leads to embarrassment (in a culture where avoiding public shame was extremely important). The half completed tower testified to poor preparation and planning.
683. Luke 14:31 tn The participle καθίσας (kathisas) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.
684. Luke 14:31 tn On the meaning of this verb see also L&N 55.3, “to meet in battle, to face in battle.”
685. Luke 14:32 tn Grk “And if not.” Here δέ (de) has not been translated; “succeed” is implied and has been supplied in the translation for clarity.
686. Luke 14:32 tn Grk “a messenger.”
687. Luke 14:32 sn This image is slightly different from the former one about the tower (vv. 28-30). The first part of the illustration (sit down first and determine) deals with preparation. The second part of the illustration (ask for terms of peace) has to do with recognizing who is stronger. This could well suggest thinking about what refusing the “stronger one” (God) might mean, and thus constitutes a warning. Achieving peace with God, the more powerful king, is the point of the illustration.
688. Luke 14:33 tn Grk “Likewise therefore every one of you who does not renounce all his own possessions cannot be my disciple.” The complex double negation is potentially confusing to the modern reader and has been simplified in the translation. See L&N 57.70.sn The application of the saying is this: Discipleship requires that God be in first place. The reference to renunciation of all his own possessions refers to all earthly attachments that have first place.
689. Luke 14:34 tn Grk “Now salt…”; here οὖν has not been translated.sn Salt was used as seasoning or fertilizer (BDAG 41 s.v. ἅλας a), or as a preservative. If salt ceased to be useful, it was thrown away. With this illustration Jesus warned about a disciple who ceased to follow him.
690. Luke 14:34 sn The difficulty of this saying is understanding how salt could lose its flavor since its chemical properties cannot change. It is thus often assumed that Jesus was referring to chemically impure salt, perhaps a natural salt which, when exposed to the elements, had all the genuine salt leached out, leaving only the sediment or impurities behind. Others have suggested the background of the saying is the use of salt blocks by Arab bakers to line the floor of their ovens: Under the intense heat these blocks would eventually crystallize and undergo a change in chemical composition, finally being thrown out as unserviceable. A saying in the Talmud (b. Bekhorot 8b) attributed to R. Joshua ben Chananja (ca. a.d. 90), recounts how when he was asked the question “When salt loses its flavor, how can it be made salty again?” is said to have replied, “By salting it with the afterbirth of a mule.” He was then asked, “Then does the mule (being sterile) bear young?” to which he replied: “Can salt lose its flavor?” The point appears to be, both are impossible. The saying, while admittedly late, suggests that culturally the loss of flavor by salt was regarded as an impossibility. Genuine salt can never lose its flavor. In this case the saying by Jesus here may be similar to Matt 19:24, where it is likewise impossible for the camel to go through the eye of a sewing needle.
691. Luke 14:35 tn Or “It is not useful” (L&N 65.32).
692. Luke 14:35 tn Grk “they throw it out.” The third person plural with unspecified subject is a circumlocution for the passive here.
693. Luke 14:35 tn The translation “had better listen!” captures the force of the third person imperative more effectively than the traditional “let him hear,” which sounds more like a permissive than an imperative to the modern English reader. This was Jesus’ common expression to listen and heed carefully (cf. Matt 11:15; 13:9, 43; Mark 4:9, 23; Luke 8:8).
694. Luke 15:1 sn See the note on tax collectors in 3:12.
695. Luke 15:1 tn Grk “were drawing near.”
696. Luke 15:2 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “but” to indicate the contrast present in this context.
697. Luke 15:2 sn See the note on Pharisees in 5:17.
698. Luke 15:2 tn Or “and the scribes.” See the note on the phrase “experts in the law” in 5:21.
699. Luke 15:2 tn Or “grumbling”; Grk “were complaining, saying.” The participle λέγοντες (legontes) is redundant in contemporary English and has not been translated.
700. Luke 15:2 tn Or “accepts,” “receives.” This is not the first time this issue has been raised: Luke 5:27-32; 7:37-50.
701. Luke 15:3 tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “so” to indicate that Jesus’ telling of the parable is in response to the complaints of the Pharisees and experts in the law.
702. Luke 15:3 tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
703. Luke 15:3 sn Them means at the minimum the parable is for the leadership, but probably also for those people Jesus accepted, but the leaders regarded as outcasts.
704. Luke 15:3 tn Grk “parable, saying.” The participle λέγων (legōn) is redundant in contemporary English and has not been translated.
705. Luke 15:4 tn Grk “What man.” The Greek word ἄνθρωπος (anthrōpos) is used here in a somewhat generic sense.
706. Luke 15:4 sn This individual with a hundred sheep is a shepherd of modest means, as flocks often had up to two hundred head of sheep.
707. Luke 15:4 tn Or “desert,” but here such a translation might suggest neglect of the 99 sheep left behind.
708. Luke 15:4 tn Grk “go after,” but in contemporary English the idiom “to look for” is used to express this.
709. Luke 15:4 sn Until he finds it. The parable pictures God’s pursuit of the sinner. On the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd, see John 10:1-18.
710. Luke 15:5 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.
711. Luke 15:6 tn Grk “And coming into his…” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
712. Luke 15:6 sn A touch of drama may be present, as the term calls together can mean a formal celebration (1 Kgs 1:9-10).
713. Luke 15:6 tn Grk “the”; in context the article is used as a possessive pronoun (ExSyn 215). It occurs before “neighbors” as well (“his friends and his neighbors”) but has not been translated the second time because of English style.
714. Luke 15:7 sn There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents. The pursuit of the sinner is a priority in spite of the presence of others who are doing well (see also Luke 5:32; 19:10). The theme of repentance, a major Lukan theme, is again emphasized.
715. Luke 15:7 tn Here δικαίοις (dikaiois) is an adjective functioning substantivally and has been translated “righteous people.”
716. Luke 15:7 tn Or “who do not need to repent”; Grk “who do not have need of repentance.”
717. Luke 15:8 sn This silver coin is a drachma, equal to a denarius, that is, a day’s pay for the average laborer.
718. Luke 15:8 tn Grk “What woman who has ten silver coins, if she loses.” The initial participle ἔχουσα (echousa) has been translated as a finite verb parallel to ἀπολέσῃ (apolesē) in the conditional clause to improve the English style.
719. Luke 15:8 tn Grk “one coin.”
720. Luke 15:8 tn Grk “and sweep,” but καί (kai) has not been translated since English normally uses a coordinating conjunction only between the last two elements in a series of three or more.
721. Luke 15:9 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.
722. Luke 15:9 tn Grk “the”; in context the article is used as a possessive pronoun (ExSyn 215).
723. Luke 15:9 sn Rejoice. Besides the theme of pursuing the lost, the other theme of the parable is the joy of finding them.
724. Luke 15:9 tn Grk “drachma.”
725. Luke 15:10 sn The whole of heaven is said to rejoice. Joy in the presence of God’s angels is a way of referring to God’s joy as well without having to name him explicitly. Contemporary Judaism tended to refer to God indirectly where possible out of reverence or respect for the divine name.
726. Luke 15:11 tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.
727. Luke 15:11 tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
728. Luke 15:12 tn Grk “And the.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
729. Luke 15:12 tn Grk “the”; in context the article is used as a possessive pronoun (ExSyn 215).
730. Luke 15:12 tn L&N 57.19 notes that in nonbiblical contexts in which the word οὐσία (ousia) occurs, it refers to considerable possessions or wealth, thus “estate.”
731. Luke 15:12 tn L&N 57.3, “to belong to or come to belong to, with the possible implication of by right or by inheritance.”
732. Luke 15:12 tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “so” to indicate the father’s response to the younger son’s request.
733. Luke 15:12 tn Grk “the”; in context the article is used as a possessive pronoun (ExSyn 215).
734. Luke 15:12 sn He divided his assets between them. There was advice against doing this in the OT Apocrypha (Sir 33:20). The younger son would get half of what the older son received (Deut 21:17).
735. Luke 15:13 tn Grk “And after.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
736. Luke 15:13 tn Grk “after not many days.”
737. Luke 15:13 tn Or “wasted.” This verb is graphic; it means to scatter (L&N 57.151).
738. Luke 15:13 tn Or “estate” (the same word has been translated “estate” in v. 12).
739. Luke 15:14 tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “then” to indicate the sequence of events in the parable. Greek style often begins sentences or clauses with “and,” but English style generally does not.
740. Luke 15:15 tn Grk “joined himself to” (in this case an idiom for beginning to work for someone).
741. Luke 15:15 tn Grk “and he.” Here the conjunction καί (kai) and the personal pronoun have been translated by a relative pronoun to improve the English style.
742. Luke 15:15 sn To a Jew, being sent to the field to feed pigs would be an insult, since pigs were considered unclean animals (Lev 11:7).
743. Luke 15:16 tn Grk “And he.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
744. Luke 15:16 tn Or “would gladly have eaten”; Grk “was longing to be filled with.”
745. Luke 15:16 tn This term refers to the edible pods from a carob tree (BDAG 540 s.v. κεράτιον). They were bean-like in nature and were commonly used for fattening pigs, although they were also used for food by poor people (L&N 3.46).
746. Luke 15:16 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “but” to indicate the contrast present in this context.
747. Luke 15:17 tn Grk “came to himself” (an idiom).
748. Luke 15:17 tn Grk “bread,” but used figuratively for food of any kind (L&N 5.1).
749. Luke 15:18 sn In the confession “I have sinned” there is a recognition of wrong that pictures the penitent coming home and “being found.”
750. Luke 15:18 sn The phrase against heaven is a circumlocution for God.
751. Luke 15:18 tn According to BDAG 342 s.v. ἐνωπιον 4.a, “in relation to ἁμαρτάνειν ἐ. τινος sin against someone Lk 15:18, 21 (cp. Jdth 5:17; 1 Km 7:6; 20:1).”
752. Luke 15:19 tn Or “make me.” Here is a sign of total humility.
753. Luke 15:20 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate the result of the son’s decision to return home. Greek style often begins sentences or clauses with “and,” but English style generally does not.
754. Luke 15:20 tn Grk “a long way off from [home].” The word “home” is implied (L&N 85.16).
755. Luke 15:20 tn Or “felt great affection for him,” “felt great pity for him.”sn The major figure of the parable, the forgiving father, represents God the Father and his compassionate response. God is ready with open arms to welcome the sinner who comes back to him.
756. Luke 15:20 tn Grk “he fell on his neck,” an idiom for showing special affection for someone by throwing one’s arms around them. The picture is of the father hanging on the son’s neck in welcome.
757. Luke 15:20 tn Grk “him”; the referent (the son) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
758. Luke 15:21 tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.
759. Luke 15:21 sn The phrase against heaven is a circumlocution for God. 1st century Judaism tended to minimize use of the divine name out of reverence.
760. Luke 15:21 sn The younger son launches into his confession just as he had planned. See vv. 18-19.
761. Luke 15:22 tn See the note on the word “slave” in 7:2.
762. Luke 15:22 sn With the instructions Hurry! Bring the best robe, there is a total acceptance of the younger son back into the home.
763. Luke 15:22 tn Grk “hand,” but χείρ (cheir) can refer to either the whole hand or any relevant part of it (L&N 8.30).
764. Luke 15:22 sn The need for sandals underlines the younger son’s previous destitution, because he was barefoot.
765. Luke 15:23 tn Grk “And bring.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style. Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, a new sentence was started here in the translation.
766. Luke 15:23 tn Or “the prize calf” (L&N 65.8). See also L&N 44.2, “grain-fattened.” Such a calf was usually reserved for religious celebrations.
767. Luke 15:23 tn The participle φαγόντες (phagontes) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.
768. Luke 15:24 sn This statement links the parable to the theme of 15:6, 9.
769. Luke 15:24 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate the result of the father’s remarks in the preceding verses.
770. Luke 15:25 tn Grk “And as.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
771. Luke 15:25 sn This would have been primarily instrumental music, but might include singing as well.
772. Luke 15:26 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate the result of the older son hearing the noise of the celebration in progress.
773. Luke 15:26 tn The Greek term here, παῖς (pais), describes a slave, possibly a household servant regarded with some affection (L&N 87.77).
774. Luke 15:27 tn Grk “And he said to him.” Here δέ (de) has not been translated. The rest of the phrase has been simplified to “the slave replied,” with the referent (the slave) specified in the translation for clarity.
775. Luke 15:27 tn See note on the phrase “fattened calf” in v. 23.
776. Luke 15:27 tn Grk “him”; the referent (the younger son) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
777. Luke 15:28 tn Grk “he”; the referent (the older son, v. 25) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
778. Luke 15:28 tn The aorist verb ὠργίσθη (ōrgisthē) has been translated as an ingressive aorist, reflecting entry into a state or condition.
779. Luke 15:28 sn Ironically the attitude of the older son has left him outside and without joy.
780. Luke 15:29 tn Grk “but answering, he said.” This is somewhat redundant in contemporary English and has been simplified to “but he answered.”
781. Luke 15:29 tn Or simply, “have served,” but in the emotional context of the older son’s outburst the translation given is closer to the point.
782. Luke 15:29 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “yet” to bring out the contrast indicated by the context.
783. Luke 15:29 sn You never gave me even a goat. The older son’s complaint was that the generous treatment of the younger son was not fair: “I can’t get even a little celebration with a basic food staple like a goat!”
784. Luke 15:30 sn Note the younger son is not “my brother” but this son of yours (an expression with a distinctly pejorative nuance).
785. Luke 15:30 sn This is another graphic description. The younger son’s consumption had been like a glutton. He had both figuratively and literally devoured the assets which were given to him.
786. Luke 15:30 sn The charge concerning the prostitutes is unproven, but essentially the older brother accuses the father of committing an injustice by rewarding his younger son’s unrighteous behavior.
787. Luke 15:30 sn See note on the phrase “fattened calf” in v. 23.
788. Luke 15:31 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events in the parable.
789. Luke 15:31 tn Grk “he”; the referent (the father) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
790. Luke 15:32 tn Or “necessary.”
791. Luke 15:32 sn By referring to him as your brother, the father reminded the older brother that the younger brother was part of the family.
792. Luke 15:32 sn The theme he was lost and is found is repeated from v. 24. The conclusion is open-ended. The reader is left to ponder with the older son (who pictures the scribes and Pharisees) what the response will be. The parable does not reveal the ultimate response of the older brother. Jesus argued that sinners should be pursued and received back warmly when they returned.
793. Luke 16:1 tn Grk “He”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
794. Luke 16:1 tn These are not formal legal charges, but reports from friends, acquaintances, etc.; Grk “A certain man was rich who had a manager, and this one was reported to him as wasting his property.”
795. Luke 16:1 sn His manager was the steward in charge of managing the house. He could have been a slave trained for the role.
796. Luke 16:1 tn Or “squandering.” This verb is graphic; it means to scatter (L&N 57.151).
797. Luke 16:2 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate the result of the reports the man received about his manager.
798. Luke 16:2 tn Grk “him”; the referent (the manager) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
799. Luke 16:2 sn Although phrased as a question, the charges were believed by the owner, as his dismissal of the manager implies.
800. Luke 16:2 tn Or “stewardship”; the Greek word οἰκονομία (oikonomia) is cognate with the noun for the manager (οἰκονόμος, oikonomos).
801. Luke 16:3 tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events in the parable.
802. Luke 16:3 tn Grk “the stewardship,” “the management.”
803. Luke 16:3 tn Here “dig” could refer (1) to excavation (“dig ditches,” L&N 19.55) or (2) to agricultural labor (“work the soil,” L&N 43.3). In either case this was labor performed by the uneducated, so it would be an insult as a job for a manager.
804. Luke 16:3 tn Grk “I do not have strength to dig; I am ashamed to beg.”sn To beg would represent a real lowering of status for the manager, because many of those whom he had formerly collected debts from, he would now be forced to beg from.
805. Luke 16:4 tn This is a dramatic use of the aorist and the verse is left unconnected to the previous verse by asyndeton, giving the impression of a sudden realization.
806. Luke 16:4 sn Thinking ahead, the manager develops a plan to make people think kindly of him (welcome me into their homes).
807. Luke 16:5 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate the result of the manager’s decision.
808. Luke 16:5 tn Grk “summoning.” The participle προσκαλεσάμενος (proskalesamenos) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.
809. Luke 16:6 tn Grk “He”; the referent (the first debtor) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
810. Luke 16:6 sn A measure (sometimes translated “bath”) was just over 8 gallons (about 30 liters). This is a large debt—about 875 gallons (3000 liters) of olive oil, worth 1000 denarii, over three year’s pay for a daily worker.
811. Luke 16:6 tn Grk “He”; the referent (the manager) has been specified in the translation for clarity. Here δέ (de) has not been translated for stylistic reasons.
812. Luke 16:6 sn The bill was halved (sit down quickly, and write fifty). What was the steward doing? This is debated. 1) Did he simply lower the price? 2) Did he remove interest from the debt? 3) Did he remove his own commission? It is hard to be sure. Either of the latter two options is more likely. The goal was clear: The manager would be seen in a favorable light for bringing a deflationary trend to prices.
813. Luke 16:7 tn Grk “He”; the referent (the second debtor) has been specified in the translation for clarity. Here δέ (de) has not been translated for stylistic reasons.
814. Luke 16:7 sn The 100 measures here was 100 cors. A cor was a Hebrew dry measure for grain, flour, etc., of between 10-12 bushels (about 390 liters). This was a huge amount of wheat, representing the yield of about 100 acres, a debt of between 2500-3000 denarii.
815. Luke 16:7 tn Grk “He”; the referent (the manager) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
816. Luke 16:7 sn The percentage of reduction may not be as great because of the change in material.
817. Luke 16:8 tn Grk “And the.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
818. Luke 16:8 sn Is the manager dishonest because of what he just did? Or is it a reference to what he had done earlier, described in v. 1? This is a difficult question, but it seems unlikely that the master, having fired the man for prior dishonesty, would now commend those same actions. It would also be unusual for Jesus to make that point of the story the example. Thus it is more likely the reference to dishonesty goes back to the earliest events, while the commendation is for the cleverness of the former manager reflected in vv. 5-7.
819. Luke 16:8 sn Where this parable ends is debated: Does it conclude with v. 7, after v. 8a, after v. 8b, or after v. 9? Verse 8a looks as if it is still part of the story, with its clear reference to the manager, while 8b looks like Jesus’ application, since its remarks are more general. So it is most likely the parable stops after v. 8a.
820. Luke 16:8 tn Grk “sons” (an idiom).
821. Luke 16:8 tn Grk “with their own generation.”
822. Luke 16:8 tn Grk “sons.” Here the phrase “sons of light” is a reference to the righteous. The point is that those of the world often think ahead about consequences better than the righteous do.
823. Luke 16:9 tn Grk “unrighteous mammon.” Mammon is the Aramaic term for wealth or possessions. The point is not that money is inherently evil, but that it is often misused so that it is a means of evil; see 1 Tim 6:6-10, 17-19. The call is to be generous and kind in its use. Zacchaeus becomes the example of this in Luke’s Gospel (19:1-10).
824. Luke 16:9 tn Grk “they may welcome you.”
825. Luke 16:9 tn Grk “eternal tents” (as dwelling places).
826. Luke 16:10 sn The point of the statement faithful in a very little is that character is shown in how little things are treated.
827. Luke 16:11 tn Or “faithful.”
828. Luke 16:11 tn Grk “the unrighteous mammon.” See the note on the phrase “worldly wealth” in v. 9.
829. Luke 16:11 sn Entrust you with the true riches is a reference to future service for God. The idea is like 1 Cor 9:11, except there the imagery is reversed.
830. Luke 16:12 tn Or “faithful.”
831. Luke 16:12 tn Grk “have not been faithful with what is another’s.”
832. Luke 16:12 tn Grk “what is your own.”
833. Luke 16:13 sn The contrast between hate and love here is rhetorical. The point is that one will choose the favorite if a choice has to be made.
834. Luke 16:13 tn Or “and treat [the other] with contempt.”
835. Luke 16:13 tn Grk “God and mammon.” This is the same word (μαμωνᾶς, mamōnas; often merely transliterated as “mammon”) translated “worldly wealth” in vv. 9, 11.sn The term money is used to translate mammon, the Aramaic term for wealth or possessions. The point is not that money is inherently evil, but that it is often misused so that it is a means of evil; see 1 Tim 6:6-10, 17-19. Here “money” is personified as a potential master and thus competes with God for the loyalty of the disciple. The passage is ultimately not a condemnation of wealth (there is no call here for absolute poverty) but a call for unqualified discipleship. God must be first, not money or possessions.
836. Luke 16:14 sn See the note on Pharisees in 5:17.
837. Luke 16:14 tn A figurative extension of the literal meaning “to turn one’s nose up at someone”; here “ridicule, sneer at, show contempt for” (L&N 33.409).
838. Luke 16:15 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “but” to indicate the contrast present in this context.
839. Luke 16:15 tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
840. Luke 16:15 tn Grk “before men.” The contrast is between outward appearance (“in people’s eyes”) and inward reality (“God knows your hearts”). Here the Greek term ἄνθρωπος (anthrōpos) is used twice in a generic sense, referring to both men and women, but “men” has been retained in the text to provide a strong verbal contrast with “God” in the second half of the verse.
841. Luke 16:15 tn Or “exalted.” This refers to the pride that often comes with money and position.
842. Luke 16:15 tn Or “is an abomination,” “is abhorrent” (L&N 25.187).
843. Luke 16:16 tn There is no verb in the Greek text; one must be supplied. Some translations (NASB, NIV) supply “proclaimed” based on the parallelism with the proclamation of the kingdom. The transitional nature of this verse, however, seems to call for something more like “in effect” (NRSV) or, as used here, “in force.” Further, Greek generally can omit one of two kinds of verbs—either the equative verb or one that is already mentioned in the preceding context (ExSyn 39).
844. Luke 16:16 sn John refers to John the Baptist.
845. Luke 16:16 sn Until John; since then. This verse indicates a shift in era, from law to kingdom.
846. Luke 16:16 sn The kingdom of God is a major theme of Jesus’ teaching. The nature of the kingdom of God in the NT and in Jesus’ teaching has long been debated by interpreters and scholars, with discussion primarily centering around the nature of the kingdom (earthly, heavenly, or both) and the kingdom’s arrival (present, future, or both). An additional major issue concerns the relationship between the kingdom of God and the person and work of Jesus himself. See Luke 6:20; 11:20; 17:20-21.
847. Luke 16:16 tn Many translations have “entereth violently into it” (ASV) or “is forcing his way into it” (NASB, NIV). This is not true of everyone. It is better to read the verb βιάζεται here as passive rather than middle, and in a softened sense of “be urged.” See Gen 33:11; Judg 13:15-16; 19:7; 2 Sam 3:25, 27 in the LXX. This fits the context well because it agrees with Jesus’ attempt to persuade his opponents to respond morally. For further discussion and details, see D. L. Bock, Luke (BECNT), 2:1352-53. For a summary of the lexical options see BDAG 175 s.v. βιάζω. Differences in the context suggest a different meaning for the same term in Matt 11:12.
848. Luke 16:17 tn Or “one small part of a letter” (L&N 33.37).
849. Luke 16:17 tn Grk “to fall”; that is, “to drop out of the text.” Jesus’ point may be that the law is going to reach its goal without fail, in that the era of the promised kingdom comes.
850. Luke 16:18 sn The examples of marriage and divorce show that the ethical standards of the new era are still faithful to promises made in the presence of God. To contribute to the breakup of a marriage, which involved a vow before God, is to commit adultery. This works whether one gets a divorce or marries a person who is divorced, thus finalizing the breakup of the marriage. Jesus’ point concerns the need for fidelity and ethical integrity in the new era.
851. Luke 16:19 sn Purple describes a fine, expensive dye used on luxurious clothing, and by metonymy, refers to clothing colored with that dye. It pictures someone of great wealth.
852. Luke 16:19 tn Or “celebrated with ostentation” (L&N 88.255), that is, with showing off. Here was the original conspicuous consumer.
853. Luke 16:20 tn The passive verb ἐβέβλητο (ebeblēto) does not indicate how Lazarus got there. Cf. BDAG 163 s.v. βάλλω 1.b, “he lay before the door”; Josephus, Ant. 9.10.2 (9.209).
854. Luke 16:20 sn This is the one time in all the gospels that a figure in a parable is mentioned by name. It will become important later in the account.
855. Luke 16:20 tn Or “was covered with ulcers.” The words “whose body” are implied in the context (L&N 23.180).
856. Luke 16:21 tn Grk “to eat his fill,” but this phrase has been simplified as “to eat” for stylistic reasons.
857. Luke 16:21 tn The term κύνες (kunes) refers to “wild” dogs (either “street” dogs or watchdogs), not house pets (L&N 4.34).
858. Luke 16:21 sn When the dogs came and licked his sores it meant that he was unclean. See the negative image of Rev 22:15 that draws on this picture.
859. Luke 16:22 tn Grk “Now it happened that the.” The introductory phrase ἐγένετο (egeneto, “it happened that”), common in Luke (69 times) and Acts (54 times), is redundant in contemporary English and has not been translated.
860. Luke 16:22 tn Grk “to Abraham’s bosom.” The phrase “carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom” describes being gathered to the fathers and is a way to refer to heaven (Gen 15:15; 47:30; Deut 31:16).
861. Luke 16:22 tn Grk “And the.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
862. Luke 16:22 sn The shorter description suggests a different fate, which is confirmed in the following verses.
863. Luke 16:23 sn The Greek term Hades stands for the Hebrew concept of Sheol. This is where the dead were gathered (Pss 16:10; 86:13). In the NT Hades sometimes has an additional negative force of awaiting judgment (Rev 20:13).
864. Luke 16:23 sn Hades is a place of torment, especially as one knows that he is separated from God.
865. Luke 16:23 tn Grk “he lifted up his eyes” (an idiom).
866. Luke 16:23 tn Grk “in his bosom,” the same phrase used in 16:22. This idiom refers to heaven and/or participation in the eschatological banquet. An appropriate modern equivalent is “at Abraham’s side.”
867. Luke 16:24 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate the implied result of previous actions in the narrative.
868. Luke 16:24 tn Grk “calling out he said”; this is redundant in contemporary English style and has been simplified to “he called out.”
869. Luke 16:24 sn The rich man had not helped Lazarus before, when he lay outside his gate (v. 20), but he knew him well enough to know his name. This is why the use of the name Lazarus in the parable is significant. (The rich man’s name, on the other hand, is not mentioned, because it is not significant for the point of the story.)
870. Luke 16:24 sn The dipping of the tip of his finger in water is evocative of thirst. The thirsty are in need of God’s presence (Ps 42:1-2; Isa 5:13). The imagery suggests the rich man is now separated from the presence of God.
871. Luke 16:24 tn Or “in terrible pain” (L&N 24.92).
872. Luke 16:24 sn Fire in this context is OT imagery; see Isa 66:24.
873. Luke 16:25 tn The Greek term here is τέκνον (teknon), which could be understood as a term of endearment.
874. Luke 16:25 tn Or “in terrible pain” (L&N 24.92). Here is the reversal Jesus mentioned in Luke 6:20-26.
875. Luke 16:26 tn Grk “And in all these things.” There is no way Lazarus could carry out this request even if divine justice were not involved.
876. Luke 16:26 sn The great chasm between heaven and hell is impassable forever. The rich man’s former status meant nothing now.
877. Luke 16:26 tn Grk “between us and you.”
878. Luke 16:27 tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “so” to indicate the rich man’s response to Abraham’s words.
879. Luke 16:27 tn Grk “he”; the referent (the rich man, v. 19) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
880. Luke 16:27 tn Grk “Then I beg you, father, that you send him”; the referent (Lazarus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
881. Luke 16:28 sn To warn them. The warning would consist of a call to act differently than their dead brother had, or else meet his current terrible fate.
882. Luke 16:28 tn Grk “lest they also come.”
883. Luke 16:29 tn Grk “says.” This is one of the few times Luke uses the historical present.
884. Luke 16:29 tn Or “obey”; Grk “hear.” This recalls the many OT texts calling for a righteous heart to respond to people in need (Deut 14:28-29; Isa 3:14-15; Amos 2:6-8; Mic 2:1-2; Zech 7:9-10).
885. Luke 16:30 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.
886. Luke 16:30 tn Grk “he”; the referent (the rich man, v. 19) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
887. Luke 16:30 sn If someone from the dead goes to them. The irony and joy of the story is that what is denied the rich man’s brothers, a word of warning from beyond the grave, is given to the reader of the Gospel in this exchange.
888. Luke 16:31 tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated.
889. Luke 16:31 tn Or “obey”; Grk “hear.” See the note on the phrase “respond to” in v. 29.
890. Luke 16:31 sn The concluding statement of the parable, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead, provides a hint that even Jesus’ resurrection will not help some to respond. The message of God should be good enough. Scripture is the sign to be heeded.