A.T. Robertson Commentary Luke 22:2

"And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might put him to death; for they feared the people." — Luke 22:2 (ASV)

Sought (εζητουν). Imperfect active of ζητεω, were seeking, conative imperfect.

How they might put him to death (το πως ανελωσιν αυτον). Second aorist active deliberative subjunctive (retained in indirect question) of αναιρεω, to take up, to make away with, to slay. Common in Old Greek. Luke uses it so here and in 23:32 and eighteen times in the Acts, a favourite word with him. Note the accusative neuter singular article το with the whole clause, "as to the how, etc."

For they feared (εφοβουντο γαρ). Imperfect middle describing the delay of the "how." The triumphal entry and the temple speeches of Jesus had revealed his tremendous power with the people, especially the crowds from Galilee at the feast. They were afraid to go on with their plan to kill him at the feast.