Matthew 21:46
But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
But
G2532
καὶ
But
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ζητοῦντες
when they sought
G2212
ζητοῦντες
when they sought
Strong's:
G2212
Word #:
2 of 12
to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 12
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
κρατῆσαι
to lay hands
G2902
κρατῆσαι
to lay hands
Strong's:
G2902
Word #:
4 of 12
to use strength, i.e., seize or retain (literally or figuratively)
ἐφοβήθησαν
they feared
G5399
ἐφοβήθησαν
they feared
Strong's:
G5399
Word #:
5 of 12
to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄχλους
the multitude
G3793
ὄχλους
the multitude
Strong's:
G3793
Word #:
7 of 12
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
ἐπειδὴ
because
G1894
ἐπειδὴ
because
Strong's:
G1894
Word #:
8 of 12
since now, i.e., (of time) when, or (of cause) whereas
ὡς
for
G5613
ὡς
for
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
9 of 12
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
προφήτην
a prophet
G4396
προφήτην
a prophet
Strong's:
G4396
Word #:
10 of 12
a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet
Historical Context
This occurred Tuesday of Passion Week, days before Jesus's arrest. The leaders delayed action until they could arrest Jesus privately (26:3-5), away from crowds who might riot. During festivals (Passover was imminent), Roman authorities watched for disturbances—insurrection brought swift, brutal response. The leaders' restraint was tactical, not righteous. By Thursday night, they arrested Jesus in Gethsemane's isolation (26:47-56), then manipulated Friday's crowd. Political calculation, not truth, guided their actions.
Questions for Reflection
- When have you compromised truth for fear of others' opinions rather than fearing God?
- How does the leaders' murderous response to Jesus's teaching warn against defensiveness when confronted by God's Word?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
But when they sought to lay hands on him (καὶ ζητοῦντες αὐτὸν κρατῆσαι)—The verb ζητέω (zēteō, 'to seek, to endeavor') with κρατέω (krateō, 'to seize, to arrest') shows deliberate intent to arrest Jesus. Their response to truth was violence—not refutation but removal of the truth-teller. When people can't answer Christ's arguments, they silence His voice. This murderous intent fulfills the parable they just heard—like the tenants killing the son (21:38-39), they now plot Jesus's murder.
They feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet (ἐφοβήθησαν τοὺς ὄχλους, ἐπεὶ εἰς προφήτην αὐτὸν εἶχον)—The verb φοβέομαι (phobeomai, 'to fear, to be afraid') shows pragmatic calculation, not moral restraint. They didn't fear God but public opinion. The crowds held (ἔχω) Jesus εἰς προφήτην ('as a prophet'), making arrest politically dangerous. This exposes leadership motivated by crowd-pleasing rather than truth-seeking. Within days, they would manipulate these same crowds to demand crucifixion (27:20-23). Popular opinion is fickle; truth is eternal.