Luke 20:20

παρατηρήσαντες : used absolutely = watching, not Him, but their opportunity; so Grotius and Field (Ot. Nor.); watching with close cunning observation (accurate et insidiose observare, Kypke). ἐγκαθέτους : some derive from ἐν and κάθημαι = sitters down, lying in wait (subsessores, Grotius), others from κατατίθημι. The most probable derivation is from καθίημι, to place in ambush (so Kypke, Schanz, etc.). Pricaeus cites Sir 8:11 : ἵνα μὴ ἐγκαθίσῃ ὡς ἔνεδρον τῷ στόματί σου, as probably in the mind of Lk. Here only in N.T. = “spies” (A.V [165], R.V [166]), “Aufpasser” (Weizsäcker). ὑποκρινομένους ἑ., passing themselves off as; that was the trick they had been put up to. δικαίους, honest men, sincerely anxious to know and do their duty. They might pose as such with the better chance of success if they were as Mt. states “disciples”; scholars of the scribes = ingenuous young men. αὐτοῦ λόγου : that they might lay hold either of a word of His, or of Him by a word (eum in sermone, Vulgate), or of Him, i.e., of a word spoken by Him; all three alternatives find support. ὥστε (εἰς τὸ T.R.), indicating aim and tendency. τ. ἀρχῇ καὶ τ. ἐξουσίᾳ : the repetition of the article raises a doubt whether both nouns refer to τοῦ ἡγεμόνος. So construed the clause will mean “to the rule and especially to the authority of the governor,” rule being general, and authority a more special definition of it. Some take ἀρχῇ as referring to the Sanhedrim. The probability is that both refer to Pilate. On the aim thus said to be in view Grotius remarks: “When disputes about religion do not suffice to oppress the innocent, matters relating to the state are wont to be taken up”.

[165] Authorised Version.

[166] Revised Version.