Topical Encyclopedia
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 ReferencesThe 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 ReferencesIn 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 ImplicationsThe 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.
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)....
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), laysnares (1), laying a snare (1), seize (1), snared (1)....
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.
Library
Snares of Satan.
... 32.SNARES OF SATAN. [Illustration: Chapter header.] The great controversy
between Christ and Satan, that has been carried forward...
Snares of Satan
... Chapter 32Snares of Satan. The great controversy between Christ and Satan,
that has been carried forward for nearly six thousand...
AmongSnares
... The DESIRE of AGES Chapter 50 AmongSnares. [This chapter is based on John
7:16-36, 40-53; 8:1-11.] All the while Jesus was at Jerusalem...
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...
That we must not LaySnares against Our Neighbour.
... Third Book. 108. That we must not laysnares against our neighbour. In Solomon,
in the Proverbs: "He who diggeth a pit for his neighbour...
Be on Your Guard against theSnares of the Devil.
... Chapter VIII."Be on your guard against thesnares of the devil. Not that
I know there is anything of this kind among you; but...
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 theSnares of the
Seven-headed Dragon, and his Battle with Michael concerning the Birth of the...
How David, Upon Saul's LayingSnares for Him, did yet Escape the...
... How David, Upon Saul's LayingSnares For Him, Did Yet Escape The Dangers He Was
In By The Affection And Care Of Jonathan And The Contrivances Of His Wife Michal...
An Instance of a Lukewarm Monk Caught in theSnares of...
... Prolegomena. Chapter XII. An instance of a lukewarm monk caught in the
snares of covetousness. I know of one, who thinks himself...
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...
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.
...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 besnares and traps unto...
Snare (69 Occurrences)
... smaller animals. Thesnares were set in a favorable location and grain scattered
to attract the attention of feathered creatures. They...
Fowler (3 Occurrences)
... The traps andsnares 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....
Encompassed (34 Occurrences)
... made me afraid. (DBY NAS RSV). 2 Samuel 22:6 The sorrows of hell encompassed
me; thesnares of death seized me; (WBS). 1 Kings 7:15...
Entangled (11 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 22:6 The cords of Sheol were around me. Thesnares of death caught me.... Psalms
18:5 The cords of Sheol were around me. Thesnares of death came on me....
Prevented (19 Occurrences)
... of Sarai. (See NAS RSV). 2 Samuel 22:6 The sorrows of hell compassed me
about; thesnares of death prevented me; (KJV). 2 Samuel 22...
Confronted (7 Occurrences)
... elders. (See NAS). 2 Samuel 22:6 The cords of Sheol were round about me;
Thesnares of death came upon me. (See JPS NAS RSV NIV)....
Coiled (2 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 22:6 The cords of Sheol were around me. Thesnares of death caught me.... Psalms
18:5 The cords of Sheol were around me. Thesnares of death came on me....
Sorrows (37 Occurrences)
... your thousands. (BBE). 2 Samuel 22:6 The sorrows of hell compassed me about;
thesnares of death prevented me; (KJV WBS). Job 9:28...
Resources
How is the fear of man a snare (Proverbs 29:25)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves (Matthew 10:16)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Beulah Land? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
