# They sought to arrest Jesus

"They" refers to the chief priests, scribes, and elders. This group may be referred to as the "Jewish leaders."

# sought

"wanted"

# but they feared the crowd

They were afraid of what the crowd would do to them if they arrested Jesus. This can be made clear. Alternate translation: "but they feared what the crowd would do if they arrested him" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

# against them

"to accuse them"