In biblical literature, the term "gins" refers to traps or snares, often used metaphorically to describe the dangers and entrapments that can lead individuals away from righteousness and into sin. The concept of gins is prevalent throughout the Bible, symbolizing the cunning and deceitful tactics employed by the wicked or by Satan to ensnare the faithful.

Old Testament References

The imagery of gins is frequently found in the Old Testament, particularly in the poetic and wisdom literature. In the Psalms, the psalmist often cries out to God for deliverance from such snares. For instance, Psalm 140:5 states, "The proud have hidden a snare for me; they have spread out the cords of their net and set traps along my path." Here, the psalmist acknowledges the presence of hidden dangers laid by adversaries, seeking divine protection.

Similarly, in Proverbs, the wise are cautioned against falling into the traps set by the wicked. Proverbs 22:5 warns, "Thorns and snares lie on the path of the perverse; he who guards his soul stays far from them." This verse underscores the importance of vigilance and moral integrity to avoid the pitfalls of sin.

Prophetic Literature

The prophets also employ the metaphor of gins to describe the spiritual and moral dangers facing the people of Israel. In Hosea 9:8 , the prophet laments, "The prophet is the watchman of Ephraim with my God, yet the snare of a fowler lies on all his paths, and hostility is in the house of his God." This passage highlights the pervasive nature of spiritual traps and the need for constant watchfulness.

New Testament Context

While the specific term "gins" is less common in the New Testament, the concept of spiritual entrapment remains significant. Jesus warns His disciples about the deceitfulness of sin and the snares of the enemy. In Luke 21:34 , He cautions, "But watch yourselves, or your hearts will be weighed down by dissipation, drunkenness, and the worries of life—and that day will spring upon you suddenly like a snare."

The Apostle Paul also speaks to the dangers of spiritual snares in his epistles. In 1 Timothy 6:9 , he writes, "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, Paul identifies the love of money as a potential trap that can lead believers away from their faith.

Theological Implications

The recurring theme of gins in the Bible serves as a reminder of the constant spiritual warfare faced by believers. It emphasizes the need for discernment, prayer, and reliance on God's guidance to navigate the moral and spiritual challenges of life. The imagery of gins calls Christians to be vigilant, to guard their hearts, and to seek refuge in the Lord, who is able to deliver them from all snares.

Practical Application

In practical terms, understanding the concept of gins encourages believers to be aware of the subtle and overt temptations that can lead them astray. It calls for a proactive approach to spiritual growth, including regular study of Scripture, prayer, and fellowship with other believers. By doing so, Christians can strengthen their defenses against the snares of the enemy and remain steadfast in their walk with God.

Genesis.
... The third dun light unveiled earth's [1248] face, and soon. (Its name assigned
[1249] ) the dry land's story 'gins: ... But yet her breast 'gins be o'er come. ...
/.../unknown/fathers of the third century tertullian appendix/3 genesis.htm

Psalm 140
... and cords; yea, they a net. Have by the way-side for me spread; they gins for me
have set. ^6I said unto the Lord, Thou art. my God: unto the cry. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 140.htm

Psalm 141
... 9Lord, keep me safely from the snares. which they for me prepare; And from the subtile
gins of them. that wicked workers are. ^10Let workers of iniquity. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 141.htm

Of the Holy Martyrs Juventinus and Maximinus.
... or shall I say, less shame, began to arm himself against true religion, wearing
indeed a mask of moderation, but all the while preparing gins and traps which ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/chapter xi of the holy martyrs.htm

Homiletical.
... "Beware lest in self protection thou prove inferior to brutes, lest haply thou be
caught in the gins and be made the devil's prey, and be taken alive by him to ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/basil/basil letters and select works/iv homiletical.htm

Matt. Iv. 1
... He promises by rapine, that he may deprive us of the kingdom, and of righteousness;
and sets treasures in the earth as a kind of gins or traps, that he may ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xiii matt iv 1.htm

A Discourse of the Building, Nature, Excellency, and Government of ...
... Since snares, and traps, and gins are for us set, Since here's a hole, and there
is spread a net, O let no body at my muse deride, No man can travel here ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse of the building.htm

Satan Considering the Saints
... house and in the street. There are gins and trap-falls in company; there
are pits when we are alone. We may find temptations in ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 11 1865/satan considering the saints.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... far more dangerous; for, from the place where he now stood, even to the end of the
valley, the way was all along set so full of snares, traps, gins, and nets ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the pilgrims progress.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

Gins (2 Occurrences)
...Gins (2 Occurrences). Psalms 140:5 The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords;
they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set gins for me. Selah. ...
/g/gins.htm - 6k

Gird (44 Occurrences)

/g/gird.htm - 20k

Gin (10 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT). Psalms 141:9 Keep me from the snares which they
have laid for me, and the gins of the workers of iniquity. ...
/g/gin.htm - 12k

Ginnethon's (1 Occurrence)

/g/ginnethon's.htm - 6k

Wayside (16 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Psalms 140:5 The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; they have
spread a net by the wayside; they have set gins for me. Selah. ...
/w/wayside.htm - 11k

Snares (24 Occurrences)
... Selah. (YLT NAS RSV). Psalms 141:9 Keep me from the snares which they have laid
for me, and the gins of the workers of iniquity. (KJV YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/s/snares.htm - 12k

Hunting (9 Occurrences)
... 19:3-8), and it must have been necessary to hunt and destroy them. Various snares
and gins were used in hunting (Psalm 91:3; Amos 3:5; 2 Samuel 23:20). ...
/h/hunting.htm - 22k

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