Mark 11:18 - Exposition

And the chief priests and the scribes —this is the right order of the words— heard it ( ἤκουσαν ), and sought ( ἐζήτουν ) —began to seek , or were seeking (imperfect)— how they might destroy him ( ἀπολέσουσιν ). They were seeking how they might, not only put him to death, but "utterly destroy him," stamp out his name and influence as a great spiritual energy in the world. This action of his raised them to the highest pitch of fury and indignation. Their authority and their interests were attacked. But the people still acknowledged his power; and the scribes and Pharisees feared the people.