They were not able (ουκ ισχυσαν). They did not have strength. An old verb ισχυω from ισχυς (strength). They failed "to take hold (…

And they could not take hold of his words.—As St. Luke is fuller in his account of the plot of the questioners ([Referenc…

St. Cyril of Alexandria: Realizing the parable was spoken about them, it would have been fitting for the rulers of the Jews to…

And they could not take hold of his words before the people Which was what they wanted; that if he had dropped any sediti…

Those who are most crafty in their designs against Christ and his gospel cannot hide them. He did not give a direct answer but reproved them for at…