¹ tn Or “in return.”

² tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the outcome or result. Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, a new sentence was started in the translation at this point.

³ sn The character of these actions reflects the grace and kindness of God, bearing witness to a “line of descent” or relationship of the individual to God (sons of the Most High). There is to be a unique kind of ethic at work with disciples. Jesus refers specifically to sons here because in the ancient world sons had special privileges which were rarely accorded to daughters. However, Jesus is most likely addressing both men and women in this context, so women too would receive these same privileges.

⁴ sn That is, “sons of God.”

⁵ tn Or “to the ungrateful and immoral.” The word “people” is not in the Greek text, but is implied.

⁶ tn Grk “Woe to you…because you…” The causal particle ὅτι (Joti) has not been translated here for rhetorical effect (and so to the end of this chapter).

⁷ tn Or “you tithe mint.”

⁸ sn These small herbs were tithed with great care (Mishnah, m. Demai 2:1).

⁹ 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.

¹⁰ sn Justice was a major theme of OT ethics (Mic 6:8; Zech 7:8-10).

¹¹ tn Grk “those”; but this has been translated as “the others” to clarify which are meant.

¹² 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.

¹³ tn Or “and treat [the other] with contempt.”

¹⁴ tn Grk “God and mammon.” This is the same word (μαμωνᾶς, mamwnas; 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. God must be first, not money or possessions.

¹⁵ tn Or “Be on guard against.” This is a present imperative and indicates that pride is something to constantly be on the watch against.

¹⁶ tn Or “of the scribes.” See the note on the phrase “experts in the law” in 5:21.

¹⁷ tn Grk “who,” continuing the sentence begun by the prior phrase.

¹⁸ sn There is later Jewish material in the Talmud that spells out such greetings in detail. See D. L. Bock, Luke (BECNT), 2:1642; H. Windisch, TDNT 1:498.

¹⁹ sn See Luke 14:1-14.

²⁰ sn See the note on synagogues in 4:15.