Lexical Summary qush: Cush Original Word: קוֹשׁ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance lay a snare A primitive root; to bend; used only as denominative for yaqosh, to set a trap -- lay a snare. see HEBREW yaqosh NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. root Definition to lay bait or lure NASB Translation ensnare (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [קוּשׁ] verb lay bait or lure ("" √ of יקשׁ); — Qal Imperfect3masculine plural יְקשׁוּן Isaiah 29:21, with ל person (figurative). Topical Lexicon Concept OverviewThe noun קוֹשׁ pictures a concealed device intended to entangle or indict. Used figuratively, it exposes calculated manipulation that violates covenant standards of truth and equity. Occurrence in Isaiah 29:21 Isaiah denounces those “who ensnare the mediator at the gate” (Isaiah 29:21). The snare is verbal and judicial: corrupt officials exploit legal processes to silence anyone who calls for righteousness. This perversion of justice joins other sins that bring divine judgment (Isaiah 29:5-6) and is set in contrast to the coming day when the ruthless will be removed (Isaiah 29:20). Injustice at the City Gate The city gate functioned as the public court (Deuteronomy 16:18; Ruth 4:1). Turning that place into a snare subverted its God-ordained role. Isaiah’s indictment echoes earlier covenant stipulations that leaders “judge the people with righteous judgment” (Deuteronomy 16:18-20) and foreshadows prophetic warnings against those who “frame injustice by statute” (Psalm 94:20). Snare as Metaphor for Sin and Deception Throughout Scripture the idea of a snare, though often expressed with other Hebrew terms, illustrates קוֹשׁ belongs to this larger biblical motif, emphasizing the treachery of hidden entrapments. Continuity in Salvation History Prophets expose leaders who “build Zion with bloodshed and Jerusalem with iniquity” (Micah 3:10). The Gospels record similar schemes against Jesus: “They watched Him and sent spies…in order to catch Him in something He said” (Luke 20:20). Every attempt failed, and Christ’s triumph vindicates Isaiah’s promise that oppression will cease (Isaiah 42:3-4). Ministry Applications 1. Practice transparent justice—refusing legal or social tactics that ensnare (James 2:6). Devotional Reflection Isaiah 29:21 challenges believers to ask: Do my words or systems lay hidden traps, or do they reflect the Lord’s uprightness? As the righteous look to Him, “our soul has escaped like a bird from the snare; the snare is broken, and we have escaped” (Psalm 124:7). Forms and Transliterations יְקֹשׁ֑וּן יקשון yə·qō·šūn yekoShun yəqōšūnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Isaiah 29:21 HEB: וְלַמּוֹכִ֥יחַ בַּשַּׁ֖עַר יְקֹשׁ֑וּן וַיַּטּ֥וּ בַתֹּ֖הוּ NAS: by a word, And ensnare him who adjudicates KJV: for a word, and lay a snare for him that reproveth INT: adjudicates the gate and ensnare and defraud meaningless 1 Occurrence |
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