Jump to: ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the term "snare" is frequently used both literally and metaphorically to describe traps or devices that capture or ensnare. The concept of a snare is prevalent throughout the Bible, symbolizing the dangers and entrapments that can lead individuals away from righteousness and into sin.Old Testament Usage In the Old Testament, snares are often mentioned in the context of hunting and warfare. For example, in Psalm 91:3, the psalmist declares, "Surely He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly plague." Here, the snare represents a physical trap set by hunters to catch birds, symbolizing the dangers from which God delivers His faithful. The metaphorical use of snares is also prominent, particularly in the wisdom literature. Proverbs 22:5 warns, "Thorns and snares lie on the path of the perverse; he who guards his soul stays far from them." This verse illustrates how sinful behavior can lead to entrapment and spiritual peril. The Israelites were repeatedly cautioned against the snares of idolatry and pagan practices. In Exodus 23:33, God commands, "They must not remain in your land, lest they cause you to sin against Me; for if you serve their gods, it will surely be a snare to you." This warning highlights the spiritual danger of adopting the customs and beliefs of surrounding nations, which could lead the Israelites away from their covenant with God. New Testament Usage In the New Testament, the concept of a snare continues to be used metaphorically to describe spiritual and moral dangers. The Apostle Paul, in his pastoral epistles, advises Timothy about the perils of wealth and materialism. In 1 Timothy 6:9, Paul writes, "Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction." Here, the snare represents the enticements of wealth that can lead to spiritual downfall. The New Testament also addresses the snares of false teachings and heresies. In 2 Timothy 2:26, Paul speaks of those who have been led astray, saying, "Then they will come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will." This passage underscores the spiritual captivity that results from embracing false doctrines and the importance of returning to the truth of the Gospel. Theological Implications Theologically, the concept of a snare serves as a powerful reminder of the vigilance required in the Christian life. Believers are called to be aware of the various traps that can lead them away from their faith and into sin. The Bible consistently emphasizes the need for discernment, prayer, and reliance on God's guidance to avoid these spiritual pitfalls. The imagery of a snare also highlights the subtlety and deception often involved in temptation. Just as a physical snare is designed to be hidden and unsuspecting, spiritual snares can appear innocuous or even appealing, making it essential for believers to remain grounded in Scripture and the teachings of Christ. In summary, the biblical concept of a snare serves as a vivid illustration of the spiritual dangers that can entrap individuals, urging them to remain steadfast in their faith and to seek God's protection and wisdom in navigating the challenges of life. Easton's Bible Dictionary The expression (Amos 3:5), "Shall one take up a snare from the earth?" etc. (Authorized Version), ought to be, as in the Revised Version, "Shall a snare spring up from the ground?" etc. (see GIN.) Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A contrivance, often consisting of a noose of cord, or the like, by which a bird or other animal may be entangled and caught; a trap; a gin.2. (n.) Hence, anything by which one is entangled and brought into trouble. 3. (n.) The gut or string stretched across the lower head of a drum. 4. (n.) An instrument, consisting usually of a wire loop or noose, for removing tumors, etc., by avulsion. 5. (v. t.) To catch with a snare; to ensnare; to entangle; hence, to bring into unexpected evil, perplexity, or danger. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SNAREsnar (pach; pagis, but brochos, in 1 Corinthians 7:35): Over half a dozen Hebrew words are used to indicate different methods of taking birds and animals, of which the snare (pach) is mentioned oftener than any other. It was a noose of hair for small birds, of wire for larger birds or smaller animals. The snares were set in a favorable location and grain scattered to attract the attention of feathered creatures. They accepted the bribe of good feeding and walked into the snare, not suspecting danger. For this reason the snare became particularly applicable in describing a tempting bribe offered by men to lead their fellows into trouble, and the list of references is a long one, all of the same nature. See Exodus 10:7 1 Samuel 18:21; 1 Samuel 28:9; Psalm 11:6; Psalm 18:5, "snares of death"; used symbolically of anything that may kill: 91:3; 124:07:00; 140:05:00; 141:09:00; Proverbs 7:23; Proverbs 13:14; Proverbs 18:7; Proverbs 20:25; Proverbs 22:25; Proverbs 29:25 Ecclesiastes 9:12. But this is a people robbed and plundered; they are all of them snared in holes, and they are hid in prison-houses: they are for a prey, and none delivereth; for a spoil, and none saith, Restore" (Isaiah 41:22). Here it is specified that the snare was in a hole so covered as to conceal it. Jeremiah 18:22 clearly indicates that the digging of a pit to take prey was customary, and also the hiding of the snare for the feet. North American Indians in setting a snare usually figure on catching the bird around the neck. Jeremiah 50:24, "I have laid a snare for thee"; Hosea 9:8, "A fowler's snare is in all his ways"; Amos 3:5 seems to indicate that the snare was set for the feet; Luke 21:34, "But take heed to yourselves, lest haply.... that day come on you suddenly as a snare"; Romans 11:9, "Let their table be made a snare, and a trap"; 1 Corinthians 7:35, "not that I may cast a snare upon you"; 1 Timothy 3:7, "the snare of the devil"; also 6:9 "But they that are minded to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and hurtful lusts, such as drown men in destruction and perdition." SPIRIT, HOLY See HOLY SPIRIT. SPIRIT, UNCLEAN (OR EVIL) See DEMON, DEMONIAC. Greek 3803. pagis -- a trap, snare ... a trap, snare. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: pagis Phonetic Spelling: (pag-ece') Short Definition: a snare, trap Definition: a snare, trap ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3803.htm - 7k 4625. skandalon -- a stick for bait (of a trap), generally a snare ... 4624. skandalizo -- to put a snare (in the way), hence to cause to ... 1029. brochos -- a noose, halter 5604. odin -- a birth pang 1388. dolos -- a bait, fig. craft, deceit 1389. doloo -- to ensnare, fig. to adulterate Strong's Hebrew 4170. moqesh -- a bait or lure, a snare... 4169, 4170. moqesh or moqesh. 4171 . a bait or lure, a snare. Transliteration: moqesh or moqesh Phonetic Spelling: (mo-kashe') Short Definition: snare. ... /hebrew/4170.htm - 6k 4434. malkodeth -- a catching instrument, a snare, trap 6782. tsammim -- perhaps a snare, trap 4364b. mikmar -- a net, snare 7078. qenets -- a snare, net 4364a. makmor -- a net, snare 4364. makmar -- a net, snare 3369. yaqosh -- to lay a bait or lure 5367. naqash -- to knock, strike, hit, strike or bring down 3353. yaqush -- a fowler, trapper Library The Snare of the Fowler Have a Care. Psalm CXXIV. The Same Care must be Taken that Our Speech Proceed not from Evil ... Heathen Plots Psalm XCI. The Second Epistle. Two Ancient Proverbs 2 Timothy ii. 20, 21 Tenth Commandment Thesaurus Snare (69 Occurrences)... Easton's Bible Dictionary The expression (Amos 3:5), "Shall one take up a snare from the earth?" etc. ... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SNARE. ... /s/snare.htm - 31k Gin (10 Occurrences) Fowler (3 Occurrences) Trap (35 Occurrences) Fowler's (3 Occurrences) Ophrah (9 Occurrences) Bait (3 Occurrences) Snared (11 Occurrences) Snares (24 Occurrences) Serve (407 Occurrences) Resources How is the fear of man a snare (Proverbs 29:25)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the biblical punishment for adultery? | GotQuestions.org Is it true that fear is a liar? | GotQuestions.org Snare: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Snare (69 Occurrences)Matthew 5:29 Matthew 5:30 Mark 9:42 Mark 9:43 Mark 9:45 Mark 9:47 Luke 17:2 Luke 21:34 Luke 21:35 Romans 11:9 Romans 14:20 1 Corinthians 7:35 1 Timothy 3:7 1 Timothy 6:9 2 Timothy 2:26 Revelation 2:14 Exodus 10:7 Exodus 23:33 Exodus 34:12 Deuteronomy 7:16 Joshua 23:13 Judges 2:3 Judges 8:27 1 Samuel 18:21 1 Samuel 28:9 Job 5:5 Job 18:8 Job 18:9 Job 18:10 Job 40:24 Psalms 25:15 Psalms 38:12 Psalms 69:22 Psalms 91:3 Psalms 106:36 Psalms 109:11 Psalms 119:110 Psalms 124:7 Psalms 140:5 Psalms 141:9 Psalms 142:3 Proverbs 6:5 Proverbs 7:23 Proverbs 12:13 Proverbs 18:7 Proverbs 20:25 Proverbs 21:6 Proverbs 22:25 Proverbs 29:6 Proverbs 29:8 Proverbs 29:25 Ecclesiastes 7:26 Ecclesiastes 9:12 Isaiah 8:14 Isaiah 24:17 Isaiah 24:18 Isaiah 29:21 Jeremiah 5:26 Jeremiah 48:43 Jeremiah 48:44 Jeremiah 50:24 Lamentations 3:47 Ezekiel 12:13 Ezekiel 17:20 Ezekiel 18:30 Hosea 5:1 Hosea 9:8 Amos 3:5 Obadiah 1:7 Subtopics Snare of the Devices of Evil People to Deceive the Righteous Snare of the Evils in Life of Wicked People Snare: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms |
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