Matthew 9:3

Then ¹  some of the experts in the law ²  said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming!” ³ 

At this, some of the teachers of the law said to themselves, "This fellow is blaspheming!"

And some of the scribes said to themselves, "This fellow blasphemes."

"Blasphemy! This man talks like he is God!" some of the teachers of religious law said among themselves.

Some religion scholars whispered, "Why, that's blasphemy!"

And some of the scribes said among themselves, This man has no respect for God.

Then some of the scribes said to themselves, "This man is blaspheming."

And at once some of the scribes said within themselves, "This Man blasphemes!"

Then ¹  some of the experts in the law ²  said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming!” ³ 

¹ tn Grk “And behold.” The Greek word ἰδού (idou) has not been translated because it has no exact English equivalent here, but adds interest and emphasis (BDAG 468 s.v. 1). Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events in the narrative.

² tn Or “some of the scribes.” See the note on the phrase “experts in the law” in 2:4.

³ sn Blaspheming meant to say something that dishonored God. To claim divine prerogatives or claim to speak for God when one really does not would be such an act of offense. The remark raised directly the issue of the nature of Jesus’ ministry.