A.T. Robertson Commentary Matthew 26:4

"and they took counsel together that they might take Jesus by subtlety, and kill him." — Matthew 26:4 (ASV)

They took counsel together (συνεβουλευσαντο). Aorist middle indicative, indicating their puzzled state of mind. They have had no trouble in finding Jesus (John 11:57). Their problem now is how to

take Jesus by subtilty and kill him (ινα τον Ιησουν δολω κρατησοσιν κα αποκτεινωσιν). The Triumphal Entry and the Tuesday debate in the temple revealed the powerful following that Jesus had among the crowds from Galilee.