20:20 Then 1 they watched him carefully and sent spies who pretended to be sincere. 2 They wanted to take advantage of what he might say 3 so that they could deliver him up to the authority and jurisdiction 4 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 “righteous,” but in this context the point is their false sincerity.
3 tn Grk “so that they might catch him in some word.”
4 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).
5 tn Grk “who,” continuing the sentence begun in v. 46.
6 sn How they were able to devour widows’ houses is debated. Did they seek too much for contributions, or take too high a commission for their work, or take homes after debts failed to be paid? There is too little said here to be sure.
7 tn Grk “houses,” “households”; however, the term can have the force of “property” or “possessions” as well (O. Michel, TDNT 5:131; BDAG 695 s.v. οἶκια 1.a).