This verb means to hunt or catch prey, whether animals in literal hunting or people in metaphorical entrapment. Classical usage covered hunting wild beasts, catching birds or fish, and pursuing any quarry. Luke uses it metaphorically to describe the scribes and Pharisees lying in wait to catch Jesus in his words—hunting him verbally to find accusatory evidence. The verb captures active, intentional pursuit with the goal of capturing and destroying the prey. Like a hunter stalking game, Jesus's opponents sought opportunities to trap him in statements they could use against him.