snare, ensnare, entrap, trap, trapped, pitfall

Definition

The terms “snare” and “trap” refer to devices that are used to catch animals and keep them from escaping. To “snare” or “ensnare” is to catch with a snare, and to “trap” or “entrap” is to catch with a trap. In the Bible, these terms were also used figuratively to talk about how sin and temptation are like hidden traps that catch people and harm them.

• A “snare” is a loop of rope or wire that suddenly pulls tight when an animal steps into it, ensnaring its leg.
• A “trap” is usually made of metal or wood and has two parts that suddenly and powerfully close together, catching an animal so it can not get away. Sometimes a trap can be a deep hole that has been made in order to get something to fall into it.
• Usually the snare or trap is hidden so that its prey is taken by surprise.
• The phrase “set a trap” means to get a trap ready to capture something.
• To “fall into a trap” refers to falling into a deep hole or pit that was dug and hidden in order to catch an animal.
• A person who is starts sinning and cannot stop can be described as “ensnared by sin” in a figurative reference to the way an animal can be ensnared and cannot escape.
• Just as an animal is endangered and hurt by being in a trap, so a person caught in the trap of sin is being harmed by that sin and needs to be set free.

(See also: free, prey, Satan, tempt)

Bible References

• Ecclesiastes 7:26
• Luke 21:34
• Mark 12:13
• Psalms 18:5

Word Data

• Strong’s: H2256, H3353, H3369, H3920, H3921, H4170, H4204, H4434, H4685, H4686, H4889, H5367, H5914, H6341, H6351, H6354, H6679, H6983, H7639, H7845, H8610, G00640, G23390, G23400, G38020, G38030, G39850, G46250