Mark 12:12

12 And they sought to hold him, and they dreaded the people; for they knew that to them he said this parable; and they left him, and they went away.

Mark 12:12 Meaning and Commentary

Mark 12:12

They sought to lay held on him
That is, the chief priests, Scribes, and elders, after they had heard the parables he spake to them, were greatly irritated, and provoked, and had a good will to have seized him, and carried him away, and have had him before their court, and condemn him:

but feared the people;
lest they should rise up in his defence, and fall on them; for many of them liked; and were attached to his ministry; and others had received favours of one kind or another from him through his miracles:

for they knew that he had spoken the parable against them:
and that they were the husbandmen designed, who had not brought the fruit of the vineyard to their lord, but had ill treated his servants, and would his son.

And they left him;
in the temple, not daring to do any thing to him:

and went their way;
to their council chamber, perhaps to consult what measures to take, and how to destroy him.

Mark 12:12 In-Context

10 Whether ye have not read this scripture, The stone which the builders have despised, this is made into the head of the corner?

11 This thing is done of the Lord, and it is wonderful in our eyes.

12 And they sought to hold him, and they dreaded the people; for they knew that to them he said this parable; and they left him, and they went away.

13 And they sent to him [And they send to him] some of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to take him in word.

14 Which came, and said to him [Which coming say to him], Master, we know that thou art soothfast, and reckest not of any man; for neither thou beholdest into the face of any man, but thou teachest the way of God in truth. Is it leaveful that tribute be given to the emperor [Is it leaveful to give tribute to Caesar], or we shall not give?