Matthew 27:35-38

27:35 When 1  they had crucified 2  him, they divided his clothes by throwing dice. 3  27:36 Then they sat down and kept guard over him there. 27:37 Above 4  his head they put the charge against him, 5  which read: 6  “This is Jesus, the king of the Jews.” 27:38 Then two outlaws were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left.

Matthew 27:44

27:44 The 7  robbers who were crucified with him also spoke abusively to him. 8 

1 tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated.

2 sn See the note on crucified in 20:19.

3 tn Grk “by throwing the lot” (probably by using marked pebbles or broken pieces of pottery). A modern equivalent, “throwing dice,” was chosen here because of its association with gambling. According to L&N 6.219 a term for “dice” is particularly appropriate.

sn An allusion to Ps 22:18.

4 tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated.

5 sn Mention of the inscription is an important detail, because the inscription would normally give the reason for the execution. It shows that Jesus was executed for claiming to be a king. It was also probably written with irony from the executioners’ point of view.

6 tn Grk “was written.”

7 tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated.

8 sn Matthew’s wording suggests that both of the criminals spoke abusively to him. If so, one of them quickly changed his attitude toward Jesus (see Luke 23:40-43).