Mar 12:13-17 | RWP | e4.org | That they might catch him in talk ( ινα αυτον αγρευσωσιν λογω ). Ingressive aorist subjunctive. The verb is late from αγρα (a hunt or catching). It appears in the LXX and papyri. Here alone in the N.T. has the same idea, "that they may take hold of his speech" ( επιλαβωντα αυτου λογον ) while uses παγιδευσωσιν (to snare or trap). See discussion in Matthew. We have seen the scribes and Pharisees trying to do this very thing before ( .). Mark and Matthew note here the combination of Pharisees and Herodians as Mark did in . Matthew speaks of "disciples" or pupils of the Pharisees while Luke calls them "spies" ( ενκαθετους ).

‏ Mark 12:13-17

That they might catch him in talk ( ινα αυτον αγρευσωσιν λογω ). Ingressive aorist subjunctive. The verb is late from αγρα (a hunt or catching). It appears in the LXX and papyri. Here alone in the N.T. Lu 20:20 has the same idea, "that they may take hold of his speech" ( επιλαβωντα αυτου λογον ) while Mt 22:15 uses παγιδευσωσιν (to snare or trap). See discussion in Matthew. We have seen the scribes and Pharisees trying to do this very thing before (Lu 11:33f.). Mark and Matthew note here the combination of Pharisees and Herodians as Mark did in 3:6. Matthew speaks of "disciples" or pupils of the Pharisees while Luke calls them "spies" ( ενκαθετους ).

Shall we give or shall we not give? ( δωμεν η μη δωμεν; ). Mark alone repeats the question in this sharp form. The deliberative subjunctive, aorist tense active voice. For the discussion of the palaver and flattery of this group of theological students see on Mt 22:16-22.

Knowing their hypocrisy ( ειδως αυτων την υποχρισιν ). Mt 22:18 has "perceived their wickedness" ( γνους την πονηριαν αυτων ) while Lu 20:23 says, "perceived their craftiness" ( κατανοησας αυτων την πανουργιαν ). Each of these words throws a flash-light on the spirit and attitude of these young men. They were sly, shrewd, slick, but they did not deceive Jesus with their pious palaver. See on Matthew for further details.

Marvelled greatly at him ( εξεθαυμαζον επ' αυτω ). Imperfect tense with perfective use of the preposition εξ. Both Matthew and Luke use the ingressive aorist. Luke adds that they "held their peace" ( εσιγησαν ) while Matthew notes that they "went their way" ( απηλθαν ), went off or away.