Then the Pharisees went and took counsel against Jesus, how they might trap Him with words.
The Pharisees, who were outwardly pious, now unite with a crafty intention to trap Jesus with words. This shows the manifestation of human pride and self-righteousness, when the truth is not received in the heart but is hindered by scheming. They tried to catch Jesus in his words, so that they might find a reason to accuse him before the people or the authorities. Thus begins the final conspiratorial stage against Jesus, when human cunning collides with divine wisdom.