The concept of being "ensnared" in the Bible often refers to being trapped or caught in a situation or sin that leads one away from God's will. This term is used metaphorically to describe spiritual and moral entrapment, highlighting the dangers of sin, temptation, and the deceitfulness of the world.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, the imagery of a snare is frequently used to describe the dangers that can lead the Israelites away from their covenant with God. In Proverbs 29:6, it is written, "An evil man is ensnared by his own sin, but a righteous man sings and rejoices." This verse contrasts the fate of the wicked, who are trapped by their own sinful actions, with the joy and freedom experienced by the righteous.

The Psalms also use this imagery to express a plea for divine protection. Psalm 141:9 states, "Keep me from the snares they have laid for me, and from the lures of evildoers." Here, the psalmist seeks God's help to avoid the traps set by those who oppose righteousness.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, the concept of being ensnared is often associated with the dangers of false teachings and the love of money. In 1 Timothy 6:9, Paul warns, "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." This passage highlights the spiritual peril of prioritizing wealth over faithfulness to God.

Similarly, 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 verse underscores the spiritual battle believers face and the need for repentance and divine intervention to break free from such captivity.

Theological Implications

Theologically, the concept of being ensnared serves as a warning against complacency in one's spiritual life. It emphasizes the need for vigilance, prayer, and reliance on God's wisdom to avoid the traps of sin and temptation. The Bible consistently teaches that while the world offers many lures, true freedom and joy are found in obedience to God and His commandments.

Practical Application

For believers, the idea of being ensnared calls for a proactive approach to spiritual growth. This includes regular study of Scripture, prayer, and fellowship with other believers to strengthen one's faith and discernment. It also involves a conscious effort to avoid situations and influences that could lead to spiritual compromise.

In summary, the biblical concept of being ensnared serves as a powerful reminder of the spiritual dangers that exist and the importance of remaining steadfast in faith and obedience to God.4170. moqesh -- a bait or lure, a snare
... Word Origin from yaqosh Definition a bait or lure, a snare NASB Word Usage bait
(1), barbs (1), ensnared (2), snare (12), snares (8), trap (4). ...
/hebrew/4170.htm - 6k

5367. naqash -- to knock, strike, hit, strike or bring down
... to knock, strike, hit, strike or bring down. Transliteration: naqash Phonetic Spelling:
(naw-kash') Short Definition: ensnared. Word Origin a prim. ...
/hebrew/5367.htm - 6k

3369. yaqosh -- to lay a bait or lure
... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to lay a bait or lure NASB Word Usage ensnared
(1), set (1), set a snare (1), snared (4), trapper (1). fowler lay a snare. ...
/hebrew/3369.htm - 6k

In the Next Place, Speaking as in the Person of a Teacher of Our ...
... as in the person of a teacher of our doctrine, he expresses himself as follows:
"Wise men reject what we say, being led into error, and ensnared by their wisdom ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter lxxii in the next.htm

Commandments to Men.
... and by her lusting after thee was guilty of adultery with thee: yet art thou not
so guilty, because thou didst not send to her, who was ensnared by thee; nor ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec ii commandments to men.htm

Of Monastic Vows.
... Being thus ensnared, they were compelled to remain, even though some could
have been freed by the kind provision of the Canons. ...
/.../various/the augsburg confession of faith/article xxvii of monastic vows.htm

There Remains the Pleasure of These Eyes of My Flesh...
... These seductions of the eyes I resist, lest my feet wherewith I walk upon Thy way
be ensnared; and I lift up mine invisible eyes to Thee, that Thou wouldest ...
/.../the confessions of saint augustine/chapter xxxiv there remains the.htm

Augustin and the Manich??ans.
... In the preceding Chapter we have given in Augustin's own words some account
of the process by which he became ensnared in Manich??an error. ...
/.../chapter ix name and the.htm

Spiritualism.
... Many will be ensnared through the belief that Spiritualism is a merely human imposture;
when brought face to face with manifestations which they cannot but ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /34 spiritualism.htm

Can Our Dead Speak to Us?
... Many will be ensnared through the belief that spiritualism is a merely human imposture;
when brought face to face with manifestations which they cannot but ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 34 can our dead.htm

The Evidences of Christianity Briefly Stated, and the New ...
... It may fortify you against the artifices, by which the unwary are often deceived
and ensnared, and may possibly enable you to put to silence their foolishness ...
/.../the evidences of christianity/the evidences of christianity briefly.htm

Against the Heresy of Artemon.
... But as he gave little heed to the visions, being ensnared by the dignity of presiding
among them, and by that sordid lust of gain which ruins very many, he was ...
/.../caius/fragments of caius/ii against the heresy of artemon.htm

Of Meditating on the Future Life.
... rise above them. In short, the whole soul, ensnared by the allurements of
the flesh, seeks its happiness on the earth. To meet this ...
/.../sergieff/on the christian life/chapter iv of meditating on.htm

Ensnared (10 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Ensnared (10 Occurrences). ... Job 34:30 That the hypocrite
reign not, lest the people be ensnared. (KJV DBY WBS). ...
/e/ensnared.htm - 9k

Ensnare (15 Occurrences)
... hands are chains. Whoever pleases God shall escape from her; but the sinner
will be ensnared by her. (Root in WEB NIV). Isaiah 29 ...
/e/ensnare.htm - 10k

Snared (11 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 12:30 take heed to yourself that you not be ensnared to follow them,
after that they are destroyed from before you; and that you not inquire after ...
/s/snared.htm - 10k

Inquiring (23 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 12:30 take heed to thyself that thou be not ensnared to follow them,
after that they are destroyed from before thee; and that thou inquire not ...
/i/inquiring.htm - 13k

Traps (8 Occurrences)
... whose hands are chains. Whoever pleases God shall escape from her; but the
sinner will be ensnared by her. (WEB). Jeremiah 5:26 For ...
/t/traps.htm - 8k

Trapped (10 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Proverbs 6:2 You are trapped by the words of your mouth. You are
ensnared with the words of your mouth. (WEB NIV). Proverbs ...
/t/trapped.htm - 9k

Ensue (1 Occurrence)

/e/ensue.htm - 7k

Captivate (2 Occurrences)
... all hearts. 3. (pa) Taken prisoner; made captive; ensnared; charmed.
Multi-Version Concordance Captivate (2 Occurrences). 2 Timothy ...
/c/captivate.htm - 7k

Snares (24 Occurrences)
... chains. Whoever pleases God shall escape from her; but the sinner will
be ensnared by her. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV). ...
/s/snares.htm - 12k

Hypocrite (10 Occurrences)
... taketh away his soul? (KJV WBS). Job 34:30 That the hypocrite reign not,
lest the people be ensnared. (KJV WBS). Proverbs 11:9 An ...
/h/hypocrite.htm - 10k

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