Discovery BoxMatthew 27:35-38 
Context27:35 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
Context27:44 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).
