Strong’s Greek 64 occurs once in the New Testament and pictures an intentional effort to “hunt down” or “ensnare” someone through words. The sole appearance lies in a strategic confrontation with Jesus, allowing the term to illuminate broader biblical themes of deception, malice, and divine wisdom.

Biblical Occurrence

Mark 12:13 records a calculated scheme by Israel’s religious and political elites: “Then they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Jesus to catch Him in His words”. The verb portrays the conspirators as hunters stalking prized game. Their target was not His body but His speech, hoping to indict Him before Rome or discredit Him before the crowds.

Historical Background

Pharisees represented strict religiosity; Herodians backed Herod Antipas’s dynasty and, by extension, Roman interests. Their temporary alliance reveals the gravity of Jesus’ threat to their power. Within Second-Temple politics, public debate functioned like legal combat; a verbal misstep could justify Roman intervention or mob rejection. Thus the conspirators sought a statement on taxation to Rome, a question calculated to alienate either nationalists or imperial authorities.

Theological Significance

1. Opposition to Christ was premeditated and united. The episode exposes the heart’s inclination to suppress truth when power or prestige is endangered (Romans 1:18).
2. Divine wisdom prevails. Jesus’ reply, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Mark 12:17), turns the snare back on the hunters. His answer affirms lawful civic duty while safeguarding ultimate allegiance to God, illustrating Proverbs 21:30: “There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel against the LORD.”
3. The incident foreshadows the Passion. Though the immediate trap fails, it contributes to the mounting hostility that culminates at Calvary (Mark 14:1-2).

Related Biblical Themes

• Snares of speech: Psalm 64:8; Psalm 140:5; Ecclesiastes 10:12-14.
• Satanic strategy: 2 Timothy 2:26 warns of “the devil’s snare,” showing that human plots mirror the adversary’s designs.
• Godly wisdom under interrogation: Daniel 6:4-5; 1 Peter 3:15.

Ministry Applications

• Apologetics: Believers may face hostile questioning designed to discredit the gospel. Jesus models concise, God-honoring answers that reveal motives and retain integrity.
• Pastoral counseling: The text counsels discernment of manipulative speech and encourages prayerful preparation (Luke 12:11-12).
• Ethical leadership: Unlike the conspirators, Christian leaders must avoid rhetorical traps and embrace transparent dialogue (2 Corinthians 4:2).

Homiletical Observations

The verb invites vivid imagery for preaching: hunters stalking prey with nets of words. This motif reminds congregations that verbal assaults may be more lethal than physical ones. A sermon might contrast the snare-setting Pharisees with the Good Shepherd, whose speech gives life (John 10:27-28), and exhort believers to emulate Christlike candor.

Typological Insights

The failed snare anticipates Psalm 141:10, “Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I pass by in safety.” Jesus’ triumph over verbal intrigue foreshadows His ultimate victory over every plot, culminating in the resurrection.

Conclusion

Strong’s Greek 64 captures a moment when human cunning confronted divine wisdom and was overcome. The single usage exposes the perennial struggle between those who manipulate truth and the One who embodies it, offering enduring lessons on integrity, courage, and reliance on God’s wisdom in the face of calculated opposition.