Luke 19:48

48 but they could not find a way to do it, because all the people kept listening to him, not wanting to miss a single word.

Luke 19:48 Meaning and Commentary

Luke 19:48

And could not find what they might do
The Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Ethiopic versions, and so Beza's most ancient copy, add, "to him"; they could not find an opportunity of seizing him, nor any advantage against him; they knew not what steps to take, nor how to bring about their wicked design of destroying him.

For all the people were very attentive to hear him;
there were great crowds always about him, that hung upon him, as the word rendered "attentive" signifies; they heard him with great eagerness and diligence, and were ready to catch every word that dropped from his lips; and were exceedingly taken with him, having never heard any man speak like him: wherefore having so many followers, and being so high in the opinion and affection of the people, the sanhedrim were at a loss what method to make use of to gain their point; and they feared the people, should they seize him publicly, lest they should rise and rescue him, and cause a tumult and disturbance.

Luke 19:48 In-Context

46 saying to them, "It is written in the Scriptures that God said, "My Temple will be a house of prayer.' But you have turned it into a hideout for thieves!"

47 Every day Jesus taught in the Temple. The chief priests, the teachers of the Law, and the leaders of the people wanted to kill him,

48 but they could not find a way to do it, because all the people kept listening to him, not wanting to miss a single word.