Definition: And they could not take hold of his words before the people: and they marvelled at his answer, and held their peace.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Luke 20:26. It's a really interesting and slightly mysterious part of Jesus’ teachings. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: Jesus was answering a question from the Jewish leaders – they were worried about his future role and what he would do after his ministry. They were trying to stop him from spreading his message. Let's unpack it word by word: "And they could not take hold of his words..." - This means they couldn’t grasp or understand what Jesus was saying. They weren’t listening carefully enough, or perhaps they didn't fully comprehend the meaning. "...before the people:" – This is crucial. They were before the crowd. It wasn’t just a private conversation; it was happening in front of a large group of people. "...and they marvelled at his answer..." - They were astonished and amazed by Jesus’ response. "...and held their peace." – This is the key part! They were silent, quiet, and respectful. It wasn't a loud or argumentative reaction; they simply remained calm and obedient. So, what does it all mean? Jesus was demonstrating that his words were powerful and significant even when people weren’t fully understanding them . It suggests: His teachings were profound: He wasn’t just talking about simple things; he was offering something important to the entire world. He needed quietude to be effective: Simply speaking out loud might not be enough for a message like his to resonate deeply with people. Respect and obedience are important: The silence shows that those listening were respecting his authority and being receptive to what he was saying. In essence, it's about the power of Jesus’ words and the importance of allowing him to speak, even when it’s difficult. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Connect this passage to another Bible story or concept?