Trap (3803) pagis by Greek Word Studies

Snare (3803) (pagis from pegnumi = set up, fix) is a trap (as that which is fixed or fastened by a noose or notch) and which can fall unexpectedly or suddenly (so that wild animals and birds are caught by surprise). Pagis was used in Greek for a “net” (a piece of equipment for a bird-catcher), a “snare” or a “mousetrap.” In short a pagis is that which causes one to be suddenly endangered or unexpectedly brought under control of a hostile force. Who is the one ensnared? Paul does not clearly distinguish the "victim" which leaves the interpretation open to either believers or unbelievers. While we might naturally favor the latter, we would be remiss to ignore fact that Sin is powerful and even believers can be entangled in this wicked web, and then becoming so deceived that they don't even see their grave condition and they can do it all while still being actively involved in church activities! Both groups of "victims" are in desperate need of the gift of repentance, which alone will enable them to escape the intoxicating power of Sin and Satan and this World System. Dearly beloved, potential vessel of honor, are you ensnared and so deceived that you don't even recognize your tragic condition? Hiebert comments that... The snare of the Devil into which they have fallen was the error by which they have become intoxicated; in awakening to soberness they will escape the intoxicating snare. "The devil's method of taking men captive is to benumb the conscience, confuse the senses, and paralyze the will" (Horton). As men who are drunken, they are unable to free themselves from the snare of the Devil. (2 Timothy by D. Edmond Hiebert). Pagis is found 5 times in the NT (Luke 21:35; Ro 11:9; 1Ti 3:7; 6:9; 2Ti 2:26) and is translated snare (4x) and trap (1x) in the NASB. Pagis describes a trick or stratagem (temptation). It pictures that which comes unexpectedly, suddenly even as a snare entices birds or beasts who are caught unaware. This describes that which fastens or holds one fast. Pagis here in 2 Timothy shows that those who resist the gospel are still in the snare of the devil; deluded by him and trapped into doing his will. The idea of gods and demons being equipped with traps and nets was ancient and widespread. The devil is not just an accuser but an active opponent who is at work to capture and destroy people. Figuratively pagis was often used in Greek in connection with seductive women, Solomon writing of the lad who follows the seductress... Until an arrow pierces through his liver. As a bird hastens to the snare, so he does not know that it will cost him his life. (Proverbs 7:23) The Trojan horse was called a “wooden pagis.” A religious phrase is “to be caught in the net of Ate” (delusion or perdition or guilt). Pagis is found much more frequently (48 times) in the Septuagint (LXX) where it is snares both literally and figuratively (Psalms 69:22 "May their table before them become a snare; and when they are in peace, may it become a trap", ). Pagis stresses the crafty or destructive element of the trap and the emphasis is often on the suddenness of the destruction. Words are frequently describes as a snare... If you have been snared with the words of your mouth, Have been caught with the words of your mouth, 3 Do this then, my son, and deliver yourself; Since you have come into the hand of your neighbor, Go, humble yourself, and importune your neighbor. (Proverbs 6:2) An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, But the righteous will escape from trouble. (Proverbs 12:13) Sin is a snare... By transgression (rebellion) an evil man is ensnared, but the righteous sings and rejoices. (Proverbs 29:6) God is sometimes the source of snares, the psalmist recording that... Upon the wicked He will rain snares; Fire and brimstone and burning wind will be the portion of their cup. (Psalm 11:6) (Spurgeon's note) Jehovah delivers the righteous from snares: I will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!" 3 For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper, And from the deadly pestilence. (Psalm 91:2-3) (Spurgeon's note v2 ; V3) "My eyes are continually toward the LORD, for He will pluck my feet out of the net. (what is man's responsibility from this verse?)" (Psalms 25:15) (Spurgeon's Note) Death is pictured as snare: The cords of Sheol surrounded me; The snares of death confronted me. (Psalm 18:5) (Spurgeon's note) They have prepared a net for my steps; My soul is bowed down; They dug a pit before me; They themselves have fallen into the midst of it. Selah. (Psalm 57:6) (Spurgeon's note) Evil men lay snares for the righteous: Thou wilt pull me out of the net which they have secretly laid for me; For Thou art my strength. (Psalm 31:4) (Spurgeon's note) They hold fast to themselves an evil purpose; They talk of laying snares secretly; They say, "Who can see them?" (Psalm 64:5) (Spurgeon's note) Below are all the NT uses of pagis... (Jesus to His disciples) "Be on guard, so that your hearts will not be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day (the day of Christ's return which Jesus invariably enjoins with watchfulness) (Lk 21:34). Nashville: Word Pub.) will not come on you suddenly like a trap" (Lk 21:34) And David says, "LET THEIR TABLE BECOME A SNARE AND A TRAP, AND A STUMBLING BLOCK AND A RETRIBUTION TO THEM. (Ro 11:9) (J Vernon McGee explains that... "The table has reference to feasting, which is representative of material prosperity. The children of Israel had great feasts at which they were actually guests of God—they did not invite God to their feasts as the pagans did—rather, God invited them. The Passover was a notable example. The thought here is that they were feasting in a conceited confidence which was entirely pagan. Their carnal security deceived them as to their true spiritual ruin. They trusted the things they ate without any true confidence in God. My friend, this is the condition at the present moment of multitudes of church members. They come to the Lord’s Supper without a spiritual understanding." (McGee, J. V. Thru the Bible commentary. Vol. 4, Page 722. Nashville: Thomas Nelson) (Paul warns overseers that bad conduct will bring them into disrepute and make them easy victims of the devil’s wiles, so that they will be unfit for further service) And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. (1Ti 3:7) But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare (such people are tempted strongly and often caught in painful, debilitating sin) and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. (1Ti 6:9 ) Guy King rightly laments... How many are all unconsciously ensnared in that trap: they would be greatly surprised, and highly incensed, if they were told they were told they were, and it is only when they try to escape that they become really aware of their imprisonment. How cleverly the devil lures us, working with, and working upon, the thing that fascinates us. Mice don't like traps; but they do like cheese - and there lies the tragedy. There is a passage (James 1:14), where we are given what one might call the physiology of temptation - "every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed." That is the way Satan lures us, draws us away: he plays upon our lust, our particular strong leaning or liking - that's the cheese! So he gets us. How did these people of Timothy's get into that undesirable situation? Why, they were just bemused. (2 Timothy 2:22-26 Meet Three Groups) "Copy and paste the address below into your web browser in order to go to the original page which will allow you to access live links related to the material on this page - these links include Scriptures (which can be read in context), Scripture pop-ups on mouse over, and a variety of related resources such as Bible dictionary articles, commentaries, sermon notes and theological journal articles related to the topic under discussion." http://www.preceptaustin.org/2_timothy_224-26.htm#snare

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Trap (3803) pagis

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