Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The concept of hunting or trapping in the Hebrew Bible is often represented by words such as צַיִד (tsayid, Strong's Hebrew 6718) meaning "hunt" or "game," and מָצוֹד (matsod, Strong's Hebrew 4686) meaning "net" or "snare." These terms similarly convey the idea of pursuit and capture, whether in a literal or metaphorical sense, and are used in various contexts to describe both physical hunting and spiritual entrapment.

Usage: In the New Testament, θήρα is used to convey the concept of hunting or pursuit, often in a metaphorical sense. It appears in contexts that describe the act of seeking or capturing, whether literally or figuratively.

Context: The Greek word θήρα is found in the New Testament, where it is used to illustrate the concept of pursuit or capture. In the Berean Standard Bible, θήρα is used in Romans 11:9, where it is part of a quotation from the Old Testament: "And David says: 'May their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a retribution to them.'" Here, the term is metaphorically linked to the idea of a trap or snare, emphasizing the consequences of spiritual blindness and rejection of the truth. The use of θήρα in this context highlights the dangers of being ensnared by one's own actions or beliefs, serving as a warning to remain vigilant and discerning.

The metaphorical use of hunting imagery in the Bible often conveys themes of pursuit, entrapment, and the consequences of sin. In the broader biblical narrative, hunting can symbolize the relentless pursuit of righteousness or, conversely, the dangers of being ensnared by sin and temptation. The imagery of a snare or trap is frequently employed to illustrate the subtle and often unexpected nature of spiritual pitfalls.