Lexical Summary pagis: Snare, trap Original Word: παγίς Strong's Exhaustive Concordance snare. From pegnumi; a trap (as fastened by a noose or notch); figuratively, a trick or statagem (temptation) -- snare. see GREEK pegnumi HELPS Word-studies 3803 pagís (from 4078 /pḗgnymi, "set a trap") – properly, a trap set for animals; (figuratively) a moral snare that robs someone of their spiritual liberties (the Lord wishes to give). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom pégnumi Definition a trap, snare NASB Translation snare (4), trap (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3803: παγίςπαγίς, παγίδος, ἡ (from πήγνυμι to make fast, 2 aorist ἐπαγον; properly, that which holds fast (cf. Anth. Pal. C, 5)), the Sept. for פַּח, רֶשֶׁת, מוקֵשׁ, etc.; a snare, trap, noose; a. properly, of snares in which birds are entangled and caught, Proverbs 6:5; Proverbs 7:23; Psalm 90:3 b. tropically, a snare, i. e. whatever brings peril, loss, destruction: of a sudden and unexpected deadly peril, Romans 11:9 from Psalm 68:23 The term conveyed by Strong’s Greek 3803 paints the picture of a hidden device laid to catch the unwary. Across its five New Testament occurrences, the Spirit employs the image to expose spiritual dangers that may appear harmless yet suddenly bind the soul. Whether depicting divine judgment, satanic strategy, or self-inflicted ruin, the “snare” warns that what one pursues in disobedience can swiftly become the means of captivity. Old Testament Background In the Septuagint, the same word frequently translates Hebrew terms for nets or nooses (for example Psalm 91:3; 124:7; 140:5). A snare was baited, concealed, and triggered by the victim’s own movement—an apt metaphor for sin’s enticements. Paul’s citation in Romans 11:9 draws from Psalm 69:22, where David foretells that the rebels’ “table” will turn against them; the very blessing they misuse becomes their ruin. This continuity underscores Scripture’s unified testimony: the Lord allows the devices of the wicked to recoil upon them. New Testament Usage Romans 11:9 – Israel’s hardened majority “May their table become a snare and a trap” (Romans 11:9). Israel’s covenant privileges—likened to an abundant table—were despised, so God judicially allowed those blessings to become the means of stumbling. The verse therefore illustrates the moral law that light rejected becomes darkness (compare John 12:35-40). 1 Timothy 3:7 – Safeguard for overseers An elder “must have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the snare of the devil.” Public reproach arising from scandal hands Satan an opportunity to immobilize a shepherd’s testimony. The requirement demonstrates that character precedes charisma in God’s qualifications for spiritual leadership. 1 Timothy 6:9 – Peril of covetous ambition “Those who want to be rich … fall into temptation and a trap and many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction.” Love of money is pictured as baited iron jaws: pursuit seems profitable, but the moment greed is entertained the trigger is set. The passage traces a tragic progression—desire, snare, ruin—mirroring Proverbs 1:17-19. 2 Timothy 2:26 – The gospel’s liberating aim Faithful instruction is given “that they will come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, who has taken them captive to his will.” False teaching fashions cords as real as any addiction; only repentance granted by God (2 Timothy 2:25) breaks the mechanism. Spiritual warfare, therefore, is waged primarily through truth applied in meekness. Luke 21:35 – Suddenness of the Day of the Lord “It will come upon all who dwell on the face of the earth like a trap.” The end-time judgment springs upon a careless world as a hunter’s net upon birds. Christ’s warning to “be always on the watch” (Luke 21:36) calls for perpetual readiness, not speculative timetables. Theological Significance 1. Human responsibility: Each snare is triggered by the person caught; guilt is never imposed apart from voluntary engagement. Practical Ministry Applications • Discernment training: Equip believers to identify bait—whether doctrinal error, moral compromise, or material lure—before it is stepped on. Related Terms and Concepts Net (diktyon), stumbling block (skandalon), temptation (peirasmos), craftiness (panourgia). Each illustrates a facet of the same reality: sin and the devil seek to entangle, but the believer who walks in light avoids hidden pitfalls. Summary Strong’s 3803 portrays an unseen danger that tightens unexpectedly. Scripture employs it to expose Israel’s unbelief, safeguard church leaders, warn against greed, describe satanic bondage, and herald the sudden coming of judgment. The recurring lesson is clear: what appears advantageous outside of God’s will is often lethal. Yet through repentance and faith, the Lord delivers from every snare, leading His people in triumph and keeping them blameless for the day of Christ. Englishman's Concordance Luke 21:35 N-NFSGRK: ὡς παγίς ἐπεισελεύσεται γὰρ KJV: For as a snare shall it come on INT: as a snare will it come indeed Romans 11:9 N-AFS 1 Timothy 3:7 N-AFS 1 Timothy 6:9 N-AFS 2 Timothy 2:26 N-GFS Strong's Greek 3803 |
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