{Who were lovers of money} (philarguroi huparchontes).
Literally, being lovers of money. Philarguroi is an old word,
but in the N.T. only here and  2Ti 3:2 . It is from philos and
arguros. {Heard} ((886b)ouon). Imperfect active, were listening
(all the while Jesus was talking to the disciples (verses
 1-13 ). {And they scoffed at him} (kai exemukt(8872)izon).
Imperfect active again of ekmukt(8872)iz(935c). LXX where late writers
use simple verb. In the N.T. only here and  Lu 23:35 . It means
to turn out or up the nose at one, to sneer, to scoff. The Romans
had a phrase, _naso adunco suspendere_, to hang on the hooked
nose (the subject of ridicule). These money-loving Pharisees were
quick to see that the words of Jesus about the wise use of money
applied to them. They had stood without comment the three
parables aimed directly at them (the lost sheep, the lost coin,
the lost son). But now they do not remain quiet while they hear
the fourth parable spoken to the disciples. No words were
apparently spoken, but their eyes, noses, faces were eloquent
with a fine disdain.