And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found none. And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death: Matthew (Matthew 26:59) says they "sought false witness." They knew they could find nothing valid; but having their Prisoner to bring before Pilate, they tried to make a case.
And found none - none that would suit their purpose, or make a decent ground of charge before Pilate.