To hunt, catch, or ensnare — used of trapping animals or, metaphorically, entrapping someone in speech
Agreuō (from agra, 'a hunt') means to catch or trap, originally used of hunting wild animals. Its single New Testament occurrence (Mark 12:13) describes the attempt by Pharisees and Herodians to 'catch' (agreuō) Jesus in his words — to entrap him with a political question about paying taxes to Caesar. The word carries the sinister imagery of a snare laid for prey.
Mark 12:13–17 is a masterclass in wisdom under pressure. Jesus' enemies attempted to impale him on a political dilemma: endorse the Roman tax and alienate Jewish nationalists, or oppose it and face Roman charges of sedition. Jesus' response — 'Give back to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's' — transcended the trap entirely, distinguishing the legitimate spheres of civil and divine authority. Those who sought to snare the Son of God were themselves left 'amazed at him' (Mark 12:17). The hunted became the teacher; the trappers were caught by their own question.