Lexical Summary théreuó: To hunt, to catch, to pursue Original Word: θηρεύω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance catch. From thera; to hunt (an animal), i.e. (figuratively) to carp at -- catch. see GREEK thera NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom théra Definition to hunt NASB Translation catch (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2340: θηρεύωθηρεύω: 1 aorist infinitive θηρεῦσαί; (from θήρα, as ἀγρεύω from ἄγρα (cf. Schmidt, chapter 72, 3)); from Homer down; to go a hunting, to hunt, to catch in hunting; metaphorically, to lay wait for, strive to ensnare; to catch artfully: τί ἐκ στόματος τίνος, Luke 11:54. Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 2340 (θηρεύω) conveys the act of hunting, stalking, or lying in wait in order to seize a quarry. The single New Testament occurrence (Luke 11:54) uses the verb figuratively to depict malicious scheming against Jesus Christ. Throughout Scripture, hunting imagery often reflects either predatory wickedness or purposeful pursuit; Luke’s usage belongs firmly to the former, exposing hardened opposition to the truth. Biblical Usage Luke 11:54 records the scribes and Pharisees “waiting to catch Him in something He might say”. The participle “waiting to catch” renders θηρεῦσαι, presenting the religious leaders as hunters who have chosen their prey and now conceal themselves until the decisive moment. The context follows Jesus’ denunciation of their hypocrisy (Luke 11:37-52); the leaders respond not with repentance but with calculated hostility, determined to ensnare Him through verbal traps. Old Testament Background to Hunting as Metaphor 1 Samuel 26:20 portrays Saul’s relentless pursuit of David “as one hunts a partridge in the mountains.” Psalm 10:9 compares the wicked to a lion “in hiding,” while Psalm 140:5 and Psalm 142:3 speak of snares set for the righteous. Jeremiah 16:16 envisions future divine judgment executed by “many hunters.” Such passages form a backdrop for Luke’s metaphor, demonstrating a well-known biblical association between hunting and treacherous opposition. Theological Reflection on Sinful Entrapment 1. Rejection of Revelation: Having heard unmistakable truth from Jesus, the leaders weaponize His words against Him. Their hunting posture epitomizes Romans 1:18—suppressing the truth in unrighteousness. Christological Significance Hunted yet unassailable, Jesus continues His mission undeterred. Luke’s sentence foreshadows the mounting hostility that will culminate at the cross, where the “hunters” imagine victory even as God’s redemptive plan is fulfilled (Acts 2:23). The narrative turns the hunting image on its head: the Lamb who is hunted becomes the victorious Lion, triumphing over every scheme (Colossians 2:15). Contrast with Righteous Pursuit While θηρεύω depicts malicious capture, Jesus commissions disciples to “fish for people” (Matthew 4:19), a gracious pursuit motivated by love. The juxtaposition underscores the moral nature of pursuit: predatory exploitation versus redemptive rescue. Pastoral and Ministry Applications • Expect Schemes: Faithful proclamation may provoke calculated opposition (2 Timothy 3:12). Warnings Against Participating in Predatory Schemes Proverbs 1:11-19 warns against setting ambushes for the innocent; such paths “take away the life of their possessors.” Churches must guard against factional plotting, remembering that to persecute Christ’s body is to hunt the Lord Himself (Acts 9:4-5). Eschatological Glimpse Revelation 12:13 describes the dragon persecuting the woman, a cosmic amplification of the same hunting impulse. Luke 11:54 thus prefigures the broader conflict between the seed of the serpent and the Seed of the woman—a conflict resolved in the Lamb’s ultimate victory. Summary Strong’s Greek 2340 portrays a determined effort to trap. Luke employs the verb to unveil the heart of Jesus’ opponents—men outwardly zealous for God yet inwardly intent on destruction. The passage challenges readers to reject hostile scheming, rest in Christ when hunted, and pursue others not as predators but as ambassadors of reconciling grace. Forms and Transliterations εθηρεύθη εθήρευσαν εθήρευσάν εθηρεύσαντο θηρευόμενα θηρευόμενοι θηρεύοντες θηρευόντων θηρευσαι θηρεύσαι θηρεύσαί θηρεῦσαί θηρεύσαισαν θηρεύσας θηρεύσει θηρεύσεις θήρευσόν θηρεύσονται θηρεύσουσιν θηριάλωτον θηρίαλωτον θηριαλώτου θηριαλώτων θηριόβρωτος thereusai thereûsaí thēreusai thēreûsaíLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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