Mark 12:12

And they sought to lay hold on him, but feared the people: for they knew that he had spoken the parable against them: and they left him, and went their way.

And {G2532} they sought {G2212} to lay hold {G2902} on him {G846}, but {G2532} feared {G5399} the people {G3793}: for {G1063} they knew {G1097} that {G3754} he had spoken {G2036} the parable {G3850} against {G4314} them {G846}: and {G2532} they left {G863} him {G846}, and went their way {G565}.

They set about to arrest him, for they recognized that he had told the parable with reference to themselves. But they were afraid of the crowd, so they left him and went away.

At this, the leaders sought to arrest Jesus, for they knew that He had spoken this parable against them. But fearing the crowd, they left Him and went away.

And they sought to lay hold on him; and they feared the multitude; for they perceived that he spake the parable against them: and they left him, and went away.

Context

Mark 12:12 immediately follows Jesus' powerful Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers (Mark 12:1-11). In this parable, Jesus depicts God as the vineyard owner, Israel as the vineyard, and the prophets as servants sent to collect fruit. The "wicked vinedressers" are the religious leaders of Israel who repeatedly reject and kill the servants, and ultimately, the owner's beloved son. The verse highlights the immediate and intense reaction of the chief priests, scribes, and elders present, who understood that Jesus was speaking directly about their own actions and impending judgment against God's Son, Jesus Himself.

Key Themes

  • Rejection of Divine Authority: The religious leaders clearly recognized that Jesus' parable was a direct indictment of their rejection of God's messengers throughout history, culminating in their current opposition to Him, the Son. Their desire to "lay hold on him" demonstrates their continued resistance to His authority.
  • Fear of Man Over God: Despite their understanding of Jesus' truth, their immediate concern was not repentance but self-preservation and public opinion. Their fear of "the people" (the crowd) prevented them from acting on their malicious intent right away, showcasing a common human failing to prioritize social standing over divine truth and righteousness. This contrasts sharply with the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom.
  • Clarity of Jesus' Message: The verse emphasizes that the leaders "knew that he had spoken the parable against them." Jesus' parables were not always obscure; sometimes, their meaning was strikingly clear, especially to those who were the subject of His divine critique.
  • Divine Judgment and Human Accountability: The leaders' reaction underscores their accountability before God for their actions and their understanding of Jesus' identity and message, which they chose to reject.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "sought to lay hold on him" comes from the Greek verb krateō (κρατέω), which means "to seize," "to grasp," or "to hold fast." It suggests a strong, determined effort to arrest or control. Their intent was clear: to silence Jesus and neutralize His influence. The fact that they "feared the people" (ἐφοβοῦντο τὸν ὄχλον, ephobounto ton ochlon) indicates a pragmatic, rather than spiritual, restraint. They were more concerned with potential riots or loss of popular support than with the spiritual implications of their actions.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder of how human fear and self-interest can override a clear understanding of truth. Like the religious leaders, we can sometimes recognize God's message or a truth about ourselves, yet hesitate to act upon it due to fear of consequences, public opinion, or personal discomfort. The passage challenges believers to consider:

  • Are we willing to accept the truth of God's Word, even when it exposes our own failings or challenges our comfort zones?
  • Do we prioritize the approval of others over obedience to God and His truth?
  • What fears prevent us from fully embracing or proclaiming the message of Christ?

Ultimately, the leaders' decision to "leave him, and went their way" was a temporary reprieve, as their opposition to Jesus would eventually lead to His crucifixion, fulfilling the very parable He had spoken.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Mark 11:18

    And the scribes and chief priests heard [it], and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine.

  • John 7:30

    Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come.

  • Mark 11:32

    But if we shall say, Of men; they feared the people: for all [men] counted John, that he was a prophet indeed.

  • Matthew 22:22

    When they had heard [these words], they marvelled, and left him, and went their way.

  • John 7:25

    Then said some of them of Jerusalem, Is not this he, whom they seek to kill?

  • John 7:44

    And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him.

  • 2 Samuel 12:7

    And Nathan said to David, Thou [art] the man. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul;

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