20:20 Then 6 they watched him carefully and sent spies who pretended to be sincere. 7 They wanted to take advantage of what he might say 8 so that they could deliver him up to the authority and jurisdiction 9 of the governor.
1 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.
2 tn Grk “behold.”
3 tn Grk “this one”; the referent (the child) is supplied in the translation for clarity.
4 sn The phrase the falling and rising of many emphasizes that Jesus will bring division in the nation, as some will be judged (falling) and others blessed (rising) because of how they respond to him. The language is like Isa 8:14-15 and conceptually like Isa 28:13-16. Here is the first hint that Jesus’ coming will be accompanied with some difficulties.
5 tn Grk “and for a sign of contradiction.”
6 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.
7 tn Grk “righteous,” but in this context the point is their false sincerity.
8 tn Grk “so that they might catch him in some word.”
9 tn This word is often translated “authority” in other contexts, but here, in combination with ἀρχή (arch), it refers to the domain or sphere of the governor’s rule (L&N 37.36).