In what way do people equate the scholars and monks to Allah according to the verse 9:31?

> They have taken their scholars and monks as lords besides Allah , and [also] the Messiah, the son of Mary. And they were not commanded except to worship one God; there is no deity except Him. Exalted is He above whatever they associate with Him. -- Qur'an 9:31 They have taken their scholars and monks as lords besides Allah? Have the Christians and Jews believed in the divinity of their priest, pastors, monks etc. beside Allah? Do we see them worshiping Saints aside from Allah? if no then what does the verse imply, since AFAIK they seem to only worship a trinitarian belief and/or monotheistic belief?