Topical Encyclopedia The term "ensnare" in the biblical context often refers to the act of trapping or capturing someone or something, typically in a metaphorical sense. It is used to describe situations where individuals are caught in sin, deceit, or the consequences of their actions. The concept of ensnarement is frequently associated with the dangers of temptation, false teachings, and the deceitfulness of sin.Old Testament References In the Old Testament, the idea of being ensnared is often linked to idolatry and the worship of false gods. For instance, in Exodus 23:33, God warns the Israelites about the inhabitants of the Promised Land: "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." Here, the snare is the temptation to adopt the idolatrous practices of surrounding nations, which would lead the Israelites away from their covenant with God. Similarly, in Deuteronomy 7:16, the Israelites are instructed to destroy the nations in the land so that they will not be ensnared by their gods: "You must destroy all the peoples the LORD your God gives over to you. Do not look on them with pity, and do not serve their gods, for that will be a snare to you." Wisdom Literature The Book of Proverbs frequently addresses the concept of ensnarement in the context of moral and ethical living. Proverbs 29:6 states, "An evil man is caught by his own sin, but a righteous one sings and rejoices." This verse highlights the self-destructive nature of sin, which acts as a snare for the wicked. Proverbs 22:25 warns against associating with a hot-tempered person, "or you may learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare." This reflects the biblical principle that bad company corrupts good character, leading one into moral traps. New Testament References In the New Testament, ensnarement is often associated with spiritual deception and the dangers of false teachings. In 2 Timothy 2:26, Paul speaks of those who have been ensnared by the devil: "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 battle believers face and the need for vigilance against the devil's schemes. The Apostle Paul also warns against the love of money as a potential snare in 1 Timothy 6:9: "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 pursuit of wealth is depicted as a trap that can lead to spiritual downfall. Theological Implications Theologically, the concept of ensnarement serves as a warning to believers to remain vigilant and steadfast in their faith. It emphasizes the importance of discernment, obedience to God's commandments, and reliance on the Holy Spirit to avoid the traps set by sin and the enemy. The Bible consistently calls believers to be aware of the snares of the world and to seek refuge in God's truth and righteousness. Practical Application In practical terms, Christians are encouraged to guard their hearts and minds against the influences that can lead them away from God. This includes being cautious about the company they keep, the teachings they accept, and the desires they pursue. By staying rooted in Scripture and maintaining a close relationship with God, believers can avoid the snares that threaten their spiritual well-being. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (v. t.) To catch in a snare; to entrap.Greek 1389. doloo -- to ensnare, fig. to adulterate ... 1388, 1389. doloo. 1390 . to ensnare, fig. ... See 1388 (). Word Origin from dolos Definition to ensnare, fig. to adulterate NASB Word Usage adulterating (1). ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1389.htm - 7k 1758. enecho -- to hold in or upon, ie to ensnare, by impl. to ... 3802. pagideuo -- to set a trap 163. aichmalotizo -- to take or lead captive 2221. zogreo -- to catch alive Strong's Hebrew 6351. pachach -- to ensnare... 6350, 6351. pachach. 6352 . to ensnare. Transliteration: pachach Phonetic Spelling: (paw-khakh') Short Definition: trapped. Word ... /hebrew/6351.htm - 6k 6983. qush -- to lay bait or lure 3369. yaqosh -- to lay a bait or lure Library Cix. Jewish Rulers Seek to Ensnare Jesus. Cix. Jewish Rulers Seek to Ensnare Jesus. Cix. Jewish Rulers Seek to Ensnare Jesus. Cix. Jewish Rulers Seek to Ensnare Jesus. Then Went the Pharisees and Considered How they Might Ensnare Him ... The Four-Fold Gospel Thursday Night - Before Annas and Caiaphas - Peter and Jesus. The Diatessaron of Tatian The Self-Evidencing Power of Truth. Profession of Soeur Therese Thesaurus Ensnare (15 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Ensnare (15 Occurrences). Matthew 22:15 Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might ensnare him in 'his' talk. ... /e/ensnare.htm - 10k Entangle (7 Occurrences) Snare (69 Occurrences) Ensnared (10 Occurrences) Noose (3 Occurrences) Lime (4 Occurrences) Try (84 Occurrences) Trying (68 Occurrences) Trap (35 Occurrences) Refuse (103 Occurrences) Resources What are the wiles of the devil in Ephesians 6:11? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Michal in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to have a holier-than-thou attitude? | GotQuestions.org Ensnare: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Ensnare (15 Occurrences)Matthew 22:15 Matthew 22:18 Mark 12:13 Mark 12:15 1 Corinthians 7:35 Job 34:30 Psalms 35:8 Psalms 119:61 Proverbs 5:22 Proverbs 22:25 Proverbs 29:8 Ecclesiastes 7:26 Isaiah 29:21 Ezekiel 13:18 Ezekiel 13:20 Subtopics Related Terms |