The chief priests and the Pharisees is a slight shift from verse 23, which has “the chief priests and the elders.” In the Marcan parallel (12.12) the pronoun “they” is used (with reference to “the chief priests and the scribes and the elders” of 11.27). The parallel in Luke (20.19) has “The scribes and the chief priests.” By placing the chief priests and the Pharisees together, Matthew reflects the historical opposition which Jesus shared from both of these groups during his earthly ministry, though they would not generally have been united in a single group as pictured here.

For Pharisees, see comments on 3.7.

Heard his parables, they perceived that he was speaking about them is somewhat stronger than what is found in the parallels of Mark (12.12) and Luke (20.19): “because they knew that he had told this parable against them.” Throughout this chapter Matthew constantly emphasizes that Jesus’ opponents are their own judges (see verses 16, 26, 41).

Note that Good News Translation has translated perceived as “knew.” “Recognized” can also be used.

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Stine, Philip C. A Handbook on the Gospel of Matthew. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1988. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .