Lexical Summary tsammim: Desert creatures, wild beasts Original Word: צַמִּים Strong's Exhaustive Concordance robber From the same as tsammah; a noose (as fastening); figuratively, destruction -- robber. see HEBREW tsammah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as tsammah Definition perhaps a snare, trap NASB Translation schemer (1), trap (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs צַמִּים noun masculine doubtful word, usually snare, trap (from "" מַּח Job 18:9); — חֵילָם ׳וְשָׁאַף צ Job 5:5 and a snare snappeth at his wealth (so Bu BevJphil. xxvi. 304 f.; Vrss Di Du and most modern צְמֵאִים, or צָמֵא, the thirsty, sometiems with change ofוְשָׁאַף); Job 18:9 ("" מַּח; CheJq ix (1897), 578 צִירִים pangs, compare Isaiah 13:8). Topical Lexicon Meaning and Imagery צַמִּים depicts a concealed, often spring-loaded snare set on the ground to seize an unsuspecting victim. The image invites thoughts of stealth, surprise, and inescapability. In the book of Job the figure is applied to the fate of the wicked whose own schemes recoil upon them. Occurrences in Job Job 5:5 shows the snare from the victim’s viewpoint: marauders strip a wicked man’s fields, and “the thirsty pant after his wealth.” The Hebrew places צַמִּים in parallel with the plunderers, suggesting a devouring force that stalks his substance the way a hidden trap stalks prey. Job 18:9 speaks from the hunter’s side: “A trap seizes him by the heel; a snare holds him fast”. Here the word appears in climactic position among seven images of entrapment (net, snare, trap, rope, noose, snare, fire), emphasizing certainty of capture and the justice of God’s retribution. Theological Themes 1. Divine recompense: Both verses belong to speeches stressing that evil is never finally secure. The snare motif assures hearers that God’s moral government remains intact, even when circumstances are ambiguous. Historical Background Ancient trappers used spring poles, bent saplings, or noosed cords hidden under loose soil. The device relied on tension suddenly released, clamping the foot or heel. Such snares required intimate knowledge of animal paths—an apt metaphor for the calculated plots of the wicked and, ironically, for the precision of God’s judgment. Broader Biblical Parallels Although other Hebrew terms (מוֹקֵשׁ, פַּח, שַׁחַת) also denote snares, the imagery is consistent: Together these passages form a theology of entrapment: sin ensnares, idolatry ensnares, human scheming ensnares—but God both judges through snares and rescues His own from them. Christological Reflection At Calvary the forces of evil laid every possible trap for Jesus. Yet Acts 2:24 declares that “it was impossible for death to keep its hold on Him.” The resurrection broke the ultimate snare, providing believers with confidence that no device of Satan can finally imprison those who are “in Christ” (Romans 8:1). Ministry Application • Pastoral warning: hidden habits, unconfessed sins, and ungodly alliances function like ground-level snares. Regular self-examination (Psalm 139:23-24) keeps the path clear. Homiletic Insights A sermon or study can trace the development of the snare motif from Job’s poetry through prophetic literature to New Testament fulfillment. Illustrations from modern wildlife trapping effectively convey the suddenness and violence of spiritual bondage, while testimonies of deliverance underscore the power of Christ to “set the captives free” (Luke 4:18). Summary צַמִּים paints a vivid portrait of unseen danger and inevitable justice. It warns the complacent, consoles the afflicted, and ultimately magnifies the God who both exposes and breaks every snare. Forms and Transliterations צַמִּ֣ים צַמִּֽים׃ צמים צמים׃ ṣam·mîm ṣammîm tzamMimLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Job 5:5 HEB: יִקָּחֵ֑הוּ וְשָׁאַ֖ף צַמִּ֣ים חֵילָֽם׃ NAS: it to a [place of] thorns, And the schemer is eager KJV: of the thorns, and the robber swalloweth up INT: and take is eager and the schemer their wealth Job 18:9 2 Occurrences |
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