Luke 19:48
And could not find what they might do: for all the people were very attentive to hear him.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τί
what
G5101
τί
what
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
5 of 13
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ποιήσωσιν
they might do
G4160
ποιήσωσιν
they might do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
6 of 13
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λαὸς
the people
G2992
λαὸς
the people
Strong's:
G2992
Word #:
8 of 13
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
9 of 13
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἐξεκρέματο
were very attentive
G1582
ἐξεκρέματο
were very attentive
Strong's:
G1582
Word #:
11 of 13
to hang upon the lips of a speaker, i.e., listen closely
Historical Context
Passover brought up to 200,000 pilgrims to Jerusalem, creating volatile political situation. Roman garrison was on high alert for messianic uprisings. The Jewish leaders had to move carefully—arresting Jesus publicly could spark riot, bringing Roman crackdown. Thus they sought nighttime betrayal (22:6) and manipulated crowds during early-morning trials when supporters were absent.
Questions for Reflection
- How does popular support for truth-tellers sometimes provide temporary protection from institutional opposition?
- What does the people's hunger for Jesus's teaching reveal about the failure of religious leaders to feed their flock?
- When have you witnessed the contrast between institutional religion's rejection and ordinary people's hunger for genuine spiritual teaching?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And could not find what they might do (καὶ οὐχ εὕρισκον τὸ τί ποιήσωσιν, kai ouch heuriskon to ti poiēsōsin)—Despite murderous intent, the leaders are stymied. Heuriskō (to find) in the imperfect tense shows repeated failure. They couldn't find a strategy (ti poiēsōsin, what they might do) because public support protected Jesus. The deliberative subjunctive poiēsōsin conveys their strategic dilemma: how to eliminate Jesus without triggering popular revolt?
For all the people were very attentive to hear him (ὁ λαὸς γὰρ ἅπας ἐξεκρέματο αὐτοῦ ἀκούων, ho laos gar hapas exekremato autou akouōn)—Exkremamai (to hang upon, be intent on) is vivid: the people hung on Jesus's words, utterly captivated. The imperfect tense shows continuous state; the present participle akouōn (hearing) emphasizes ongoing attention. Hapas (all, the whole) indicates widespread support—the common people recognized authentic teaching despite elite rejection.
This creates ironic contrast: religious professionals seek to destroy Jesus while ordinary people hunger for His teaching. Eventually, the leaders will manipulate a crowd (23:18-23), but for now, popular support delays their plot.