Snares
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In biblical literature, the term "snares" is often used metaphorically to describe traps or pitfalls that can lead individuals away from righteousness and into sin. The concept of snares is prevalent throughout both the Old and New Testaments, serving as a warning against the dangers of temptation, deceit, and the enticements of the world.

Old Testament References

The imagery of snares is frequently employed in the Psalms and Proverbs to illustrate the dangers posed by the wicked and the consequences of straying from God's commandments. In Psalm 91:3, the psalmist declares, "Surely He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly plague." Here, the snare represents the hidden dangers and traps set by enemies, both physical and spiritual, from which God promises deliverance.

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 highlights the moral and spiritual dangers that await those who choose a path of wickedness, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and adherence to divine wisdom.

The concept of snares is also evident in the historical narratives of the Old Testament. In Judges 2:3, God warns the Israelites, "Therefore I now say, I will not drive them out before you; they will be thorns in your sides, and their gods will be a snare to you." This passage underscores the spiritual peril of idolatry and the consequences of failing to fully obey God's commands.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, the theme of snares continues, often in the context of spiritual warfare and the Christian's struggle against sin. The Apostle Paul, in 1 Timothy 6:9, cautions, "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 snare is associated with the love of money and the moral and spiritual dangers it poses.

Similarly, in 2 Timothy 2:26, Paul speaks of those who have been ensnared by the devil, "and that they will come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will." This passage highlights the spiritual battle against evil forces and the need for repentance and divine intervention to break free from such snares.

Theological Implications

The recurring theme of snares in Scripture serves as a powerful reminder of the constant vigilance required in the Christian life. Believers are called to be aware of the subtle and overt traps set by the world, the flesh, and the devil. The Bible encourages reliance on God's wisdom and strength to navigate these dangers, as seen in Psalm 119:110, "The wicked have set a snare for me, but I have not strayed from Your precepts."

The metaphor of snares also emphasizes the importance of community and accountability among believers. Hebrews 3:13 exhorts, "But exhort one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness." This communal aspect of the faith helps individuals remain steadfast and avoid the snares that can lead to spiritual downfall.

In summary, the biblical concept of snares serves as a vivid illustration of the spiritual dangers that threaten to entrap believers. Through vigilance, adherence to God's Word, and reliance on the Holy Spirit, Christians are equipped to recognize and avoid these snares, maintaining their walk in righteousness and faithfulness.
Strong's Hebrew
4685b. matsod -- a hunting implement, net
... Word Origin from tsud Definition a hunting implement, net NASB Word Usage booty
(1), net (1), snares (1). 4685a, 4685b. matsod. 4685c . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/4685b.htm - 5k

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
... root Definition to knock, strike, hit, strike or bring down NASB Word Usage ensnared
(1), lay snares (1), laying a snare (1), seize (1), snared (1). ...
/hebrew/5367.htm - 6k

6341a. pach -- a bird trap
... Word Origin from an unused word Definition a bird trap NASB Word Usage snare (15),
snares (4), trap (5). 6341, 6341a. pach. 6341b . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/6341a.htm - 5k

Library

Snares of Satan.
... 32. SNARES OF SATAN. [Illustration: Chapter header.] The great controversy
between Christ and Satan, that has been carried forward ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /32 snares of satan.htm

Snares of Satan
... Chapter 32 Snares of Satan. The great controversy between Christ and Satan,
that has been carried forward for nearly six thousand ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 32 snares of satan.htm

Among Snares
... The DESIRE of AGES Chapter 50 Among Snares. [This chapter is based on John
7:16-36, 40-53; 8:1-11.] All the while Jesus was at Jerusalem ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 50 among snares.htm

Snares Laid for the Gentiles.
... Homily III. Chapter IV."Snares Laid for the Gentiles. "And with us, indeed,
who have had handed down from our forefathers the ...
/.../unknown/the clementine homilies/chapter iv snares laid for the.htm

That we must not Lay Snares against Our Neighbour.
... Third Book. 108. That we must not lay snares against our neighbour. In Solomon,
in the Proverbs: "He who diggeth a pit for his neighbour ...
/.../cyprian/three books of testimonies against the jews/108 that we must not.htm

Be on Your Guard against the Snares of the Devil.
... Chapter VIII."Be on your guard against the snares of the devil. Not that
I know there is anything of this kind among you; but ...
/.../the epistle of ignatius to the trallians/chapter viii be on your guard.htm

Of the Measure of the Interior Court by the Reed of God, with the ...
... Of the Measure of the Interior Court by the Reed of God, with the Snares of the
Seven-headed Dragon, and his Battle with Michael concerning the Birth of the ...
/.../mede/a key to the apocalypse/synchronism vi of the measure.htm

How David, Upon Saul's Laying Snares for Him, did yet Escape the ...
... How David, Upon Saul's Laying Snares For Him, Did Yet Escape The Dangers He Was
In By The Affection And Care Of Jonathan And The Contrivances Of His Wife Michal ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 11 how david upon.htm

An Instance of a Lukewarm Monk Caught in the Snares of ...
... Prolegomena. Chapter XII. An instance of a lukewarm monk caught in the
snares of covetousness. I know of one, who thinks himself ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter xii an instance of.htm

That those who are Snatched from the Jaws of the Devil, and ...
... 7. That those who are snatched from the jaws of the devil, and delivered from the
snares of this world, ought not again to return to the world, lest they ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/7 that those who are.htm

Thesaurus
Snares (24 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Snares (24 Occurrences). ... (See JPS). 2 Samuel 22:6 The
cords of Sheol were around me. The snares of death caught me. ...
/s/snares.htm - 12k

Traps (8 Occurrences)
... Joshua 23:13 Know for a certainty that the LORD your God will no more drive out
any of these nations from before you; but they shall be snares and traps unto ...
/t/traps.htm - 8k

Snare (69 Occurrences)
... smaller animals. The snares were set in a favorable location and grain scattered
to attract the attention of feathered creatures. They ...
/s/snare.htm - 31k

Fowler (3 Occurrences)
... The traps and snares used for this purpose are mentioned Hosea 5:1; Proverbs
7:23; 22:5; Amos 3:5; Psalm 69:22; comp. Deuteronomy 22:6, 7. ...
/f/fowler.htm - 11k

Encompassed (34 Occurrences)
... made me afraid. (DBY NAS RSV). 2 Samuel 22:6 The sorrows of hell encompassed
me; the snares of death seized me; (WBS). 1 Kings 7:15 ...
/e/encompassed.htm - 15k

Entangled (11 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 22:6 The cords of Sheol were around me. The snares of death caught me. ... Psalms
18:5 The cords of Sheol were around me. The snares of death came on me. ...
/e/entangled.htm - 9k

Prevented (19 Occurrences)
... of Sarai. (See NAS RSV). 2 Samuel 22:6 The sorrows of hell compassed me
about; the snares of death prevented me; (KJV). 2 Samuel 22 ...
/p/prevented.htm - 11k

Confronted (7 Occurrences)
... elders. (See NAS). 2 Samuel 22:6 The cords of Sheol were round about me;
The snares of death came upon me. (See JPS NAS RSV NIV). ...
/c/confronted.htm - 8k

Coiled (2 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 22:6 The cords of Sheol were around me. The snares of death caught me. ... Psalms
18:5 The cords of Sheol were around me. The snares of death came on me. ...
/c/coiled.htm - 6k

Sorrows (37 Occurrences)
... your thousands. (BBE). 2 Samuel 22:6 The sorrows of hell compassed me about;
the snares of death prevented me; (KJV WBS). Job 9:28 ...
/s/sorrows.htm - 17k

Resources
How is the fear of man a snare (Proverbs 29:25)? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves (Matthew 10:16)? | GotQuestions.org

What is Beulah Land? | GotQuestions.org

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Snares (24 Occurrences)

1 Corinthians 3:19
This world's wisdom is "foolishness" in God's sight; for it is written, "He snares the wise with their own cunning."
(WEY)

Joshua 23:13
Know for a certainty that the LORD your God will no more drive out any of these nations from before you; but they shall be snares and traps unto you, and scourges in your sides, and thorns in your eyes, until ye perish from off this good land which the LORD your God hath given you.
(KJV DBY WBS NIV)

Judges 2:3
Wherefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be as thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare unto you.
(See JPS)

2 Samuel 22:6
The cords of Sheol were around me. The snares of death caught me.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Job 18:2
How long will ye hunt for words? Consider, and afterwards we will speak.
(See JPS)

Job 22:10
Therefore snares are around you. Sudden fear troubles you,
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Job 30:12
On my right hand rise the rabble. They thrust aside my feet, They cast up against me their ways of destruction.
(See NIV)

Job 34:30
From the reigning of a profane man, From the snares of a people;
(YLT NAS NIV)

Job 40:24
He taketh it with his eyes: his nose pierceth through snares.
(KJV WBS YLT)

Psalms 11:6
Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup.
(KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS)

Psalms 18:5
The cords of Sheol were around me. The snares of death came on me.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Psalms 38:12
They also who seek after my life lay snares. Those who seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and meditate deceits all day long.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV)

Psalms 64:5
They encourage themselves in evil plans. They talk about laying snares secretly. They say, "Who will see them?"
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Psalms 116:3
The cords of death surrounded me, the pains of Sheol got a hold of me. I found trouble and sorrow.
(See RSV)

Psalms 140:5
The proud hid a snare for me -- and cords, They spread a net by the side of the path, Snares they have set for me. 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)

Proverbs 13:14
The teaching of the wise is a spring of life, to turn from the snares of death.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 14:27
The fear of Yahweh is a fountain of life, turning people from the snares of death.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 22:5
Thorns and snares are in the path of the wicked: whoever guards his soul stays from them.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Ecclesiastes 7:26
I find more bitter than death the woman whose heart is snares and traps, whose hands are 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)

Jeremiah 5:26
For among my people are found wicked men: they lay wait, as he that setteth snares; they set a trap, they catch men.
(KJV WBS YLT)

Jeremiah 18:22
Let a cry be heard from their houses, when you shall bring a troop suddenly on them; for they have dug a pit to take me, and hid snares for my feet.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Ezekiel 19:8
Then the nations set against him on every side from the provinces; and they spread their net over him; he was taken in their pit.
(See RSV)

Hosea 9:8
Ephraim is looking 'away' from My God, The prophet! a snare of a fowler 'is' over all his ways, Hatred 'is' in the house of his God.
(See NIV)

Subtopics

Snares

Related Terms

Snares (24 Occurrences)

Estranged (12 Occurrences)

Separates (8 Occurrences)

Snarling (5 Occurrences)

Seeks (48 Occurrences)

Snared
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