Discovery BoxMatthew 22:36 
Context22:36 “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” 1
Matthew 6:27
Context6:27 And which of you by worrying can add even one hour to his life? 2
Matthew 9:5
Context9:5 Which is easier, 3 to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven’ or to say, ‘Stand up and walk’?
Matthew 23:17
Context23:17 Blind fools! Which is greater, the gold or the temple that makes the gold sacred?
Matthew 27:33
Context27:33 They 4 came to a place called Golgotha 5 (which means “Place of the Skull”) 6
1 tn Or possibly “What sort of commandment in the law is great?”
2 tn Or “a cubit to his height.” A cubit (πῆχυς, phcu") can measure length (normally about 45 cm or 18 inches) or time (a small unit, “hour” is usually used [BDAG 812 s.v.] although “day” has been suggested [L&N 67.151]). The term ἡλικία (Jhlikia) is ambiguous in the same way as πῆχυς (phcus). Most scholars take the term to describe age or length of life here, although a few refer it to bodily stature (see BDAG 436 s.v. 3 for discussion). Worry about length of life seems a more natural figure than worry about height. However, the point either way is clear: Worrying adds nothing to life span or height.
3 sn Which is easier is a reflective kind of question. On the one hand to declare sins are forgiven is easier, since one does not need to see it, unlike telling a paralyzed person to walk. On the other hand, it is harder, because for it to be true one must possess the authority to forgive the sin.
4 tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated.
5 tn This is an Aramaic name; see John 19:17.
6 sn A place called Golgotha (which means “Place of the Skull”). This location is north and just outside of Jerusalem. The hill on which it is located protruded much like a skull, giving the place its name. The Latin word for the Greek term κρανίον (kranion) is calvaria, from which the English word “Calvary” is derived (cf. Luke 23:33 in the KJV).
