A.T. Robertson Commentary Luke 20:19

"And the scribes and the chief priests sought to lay hands on him in that very hour; and they feared the people: for they perceived that he spake this parable against them." — Luke 20:19 (ASV)

To lay hands on him (επιβαλειν επ' αυτον τας χειρας). Second aorist active infinitive of επιβαλλω, an old verb and either transitively as here or intransitively as in Mr 4:37. Vivid picture here where Mr 12:12; Matthew 21:46 has "to seize" (κρατησα).

In that very hour (εν αυτη τη ωρα). Luke's favourite idiom, in the hour itself. Not in Mark or Matthew and shows that the Sanhedrin were angry enough to force the climax then.

And they feared (κα εφοβηθησαν). Adversative use of κα = but they feared. Hence they refrained.

For they perceived (εγνωσαν γαρ). The reason for their rage. Second aorist active indicative of γινωσκω.

Against them (προς αυτους). As in Mr 12:12. The cap fitted them and they saw it.