11:7 While they were going away, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness 1 to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 2
14:13 Now when Jesus heard this he went away from there privately in a boat to an isolated place. But when the crowd heard about it, 3 they followed him on foot from the towns. 4
26:47 While he was still speaking, Judas, 5 one of the twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent by the chief priests and elders of the people.
1 tn Or “desert.”
2 tn There is a debate as to whether one should read this figuratively (“to see someone who is easily blown over?”) or literally (Grk “to see the wilderness vegetation?… No, to see a prophet”). Either view makes good sense, but the following examples suggest the question should be read literally and understood to point to the fact that a prophet drew them to the desert.
3 tn The word “it” is not in the Greek text but is implied. Direct objects were often omitted in Greek when clear from the context.
4 tn Or “cities.”
5 tn Grk “behold, Judas.” 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).
6 tn Or “a revolutionary.” This term can refer to one who stirs up rebellion: BDAG 594 s.v. λῃστής 2 has “revolutionary, insurrectionist, guerrilla” citing evidence from Josephus (J. W. 2.13.2-3 [2.253-254]). However, this usage generally postdates Jesus’ time. It does refer to a figure of violence. Luke uses the same term for the highwaymen who attack the traveler in the parable of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:30).
7 tn Grk “and” (καί, kai), a conjunction that is elastic enough to be used to indicate a contrast, as here.