Mark 3:2
Context3:2 They watched 1 Jesus 2 closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath, 3 so that they could accuse him.
Mark 14:48
Context14:48 Jesus said to them, “Have you come with swords and clubs to arrest me like you would an outlaw? 4
Mark 15:24
Context15:24 Then 5 they crucified 6 him and divided his clothes, throwing dice 7 for them, to decide what each would take.
1 sn The term translated watched…closely is emotive, since it carries negative connotations. It means they were watching him out of the corner of their eye or spying on him.
2 tn Grk “him”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
3 sn The background for this is the view that only if life was endangered should one attempt to heal on the Sabbath (see the Mishnah, m. Shabbat 6.3; 12.1; 18.3; 19.2; m. Yoma 8.6).
4 tn Or “a revolutionary.” This term can refer to one who stirs up rebellion: BDAG 594 s.v. λῃστής 2 has “revolutionary, insurrectionist,” 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).
5 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.
6 sn See the note on Crucify in 15:13.
7 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.