5:33 Then 6 they said to him, “John’s 7 disciples frequently fast 8 and pray, 9 and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, 10 but yours continue to eat and drink.” 11
1 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “but” to indicate the implied contrast present in this context.
2 sn See the note on Pharisees in 5:17.
3 tn Or “and their scribes.” See the note on the phrase “experts in the law” in 5:21.
4 tn Or “grumbled”; a term often used in the OT for inappropriate grumbling: Exod 15:24; 16:7-8; Num 14:2, 26-35; 16:11.
5 sn The issue here is inappropriate associations (eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners) and the accusation comes not against Jesus, but his disciples.
6 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.
7 tc Most
sn John refers to John the Baptist.
8 sn John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees followed typical practices with regard to fasting and prayer. Many Jews fasted regularly (Lev 16:29-34; 23:26-32; Num 29:7-11). The zealous fasted twice a week on Monday and Thursday.
9 tn Grk “and offer prayers,” but this idiom (δέησις + ποιέω) is often simply a circumlocution for praying.
10 sn See the note on Pharisees in 5:17.
11 tn Grk “but yours are eating and drinking.” The translation “continue to eat and drink” attempts to reflect the progressive or durative nature of the action described, which in context is a practice not limited to the specific occasion at hand (the banquet).
12 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate a conclusion drawn from the previous illustrations.
13 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.
14 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.
15 tn Grk “the produce” (“the produce of the vine” is a figurative expression for wine).
16 sn Until the kingdom of God comes is a reference to the kingdom in all its power. See Luke 17:20-37. Jesus awaits celebration with the arrival of full kingdom blessing.
17 tn This verb is future indicative, and thus not subordinate to “grant” (διατίθεμαι, diatiqemai) as part of the result clause beginning with ἵνα ἔσθητε ({ina esqhte) at the beginning of v. 30. It is better understood as a predictive future.
18 sn The statement you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel looks at the future authority the Twelve will have when Jesus returns. They will share in Israel’s judgment.