Lexical Summary yaqosh: To ensnare, to trap, to lay a snare Original Word: יָקשׁ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance fowler lay a snare A primitive root; to ensnare (literally or figuratively) -- fowler (lay a) snare. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. root Definition to lay a bait or lure NASB Translation ensnared (1), set (1), set a snare (1), snared (4), trapper (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [יָקשׁ] verb lay a bait or lure (see מוֺקֵשׁ), then Generally lay snares (see also נקשׁ, קוֺשׁ) — Qal Perfect יָק֫שְׁתִּי Jeremiah 50:24; יָָֽקְשׁוּ Psalm 141:9; Participle plural יוֺקְשִׁים Psalm 124:7; — lay snares, figurative of devices of wicked Psalm 141:9 (with accusative of congnate meaning with verb); of ׳יs plan to destroy Babylon Jeremiah 50:24 יקשׁתי לך וגם נלכדר; Participle as substantive bait-layers, fowlers Psalm 124:7 (compare Psalm 141:9) simile Niph`al Perfect נוֺקַ֫שְׁתָּ Proverbs 6:2; וְנוֺקְשׁוּ consecutive Isaiah 8:15; Isaiah 28:13; Imperfect2masculine singular תִּוָּקֵשׁ Deuteronomy 7:25; be caught by a bait, ensnared, in business entanglements Proverbs 6:2; in disastrous consequences of idolatry Deuteronomy 7:25 ("" נלכד); of those ensnared by ׳יs plans (followed by ונלכדו) Isaiah 8:15; Isaiah 28:13. Pu`al Participle יוּקָשִׁים (for מְיוּקָשִׁים, unless this should be read: Ges§ 52. R. 6; Sta§ 220): entrapped, in circumstances of life Ecclesiastes 9:12. Topical Lexicon Imagery of the SnareThe word pictures a concealed device designed to seize an unsuspecting victim. Scripture employs this image to describe idolatry (Deuteronomy 7:25), the schemes of the wicked (Psalm 141:9), self-inflicted entrapment through speech (Proverbs 6:2), and divine judgment on the unrepentant (Isaiah 28:13). In each case the idea is sudden, inescapable capture—an apt metaphor for sin’s deceptiveness and the adversary’s tactics. Occurrences and Narrative Flow • Deuteronomy 7:25 – Israel is warned that pagan idols “will be a snare to you” if not destroyed, underscoring the incompatibility of covenant loyalty and syncretism. Historical Backdrop Ancient Near Eastern hunting relied on hidden nets, pits, and spring traps. Their stealth and inevitability made them ideal rhetorical devices for covenant writers addressing an agrarian audience familiar with such methods. The imagery also evokes military ambush tactics employed in border skirmishes, deepening the sense of danger. Theological Significance 1. Moral Law: Idolatry, deceit, and hasty speech function like traps; they promise gain yet enslave the soul. Wisdom and Prophetic Literature In Proverbs and Ecclesiastes the snare motif functions pedagogically, urging prudence and mindful speech. In Isaiah and Jeremiah it becomes an instrument of eschatological judgment, proving that rejection of God’s word transforms grace into stumbling. New Testament Resonance Jesus describes hypocrisy as a hidden trap (Luke 21:34–35), Paul exposes legalism as a “snare” (1 Timothy 6:9), and the writer to the Hebrews urges believers to “throw off the sin that so easily entangles” (Hebrews 12:1). These passages echo the Old Testament root image, culminating in Christ who liberates captives (Luke 4:18). Ministry Applications • Discipleship: Teach believers to identify cultural idols before they allure and bind. Homiletical Outline 1. The Concealed Trap: How Sin Lures (Deuteronomy 7:25; Proverbs 6:2) Through the recurring image of the snare, Scripture unites the themes of human vulnerability, divine judgment, and gracious deliverance, calling every generation to heed the warning, seek refuge in the LORD, and walk in the freedom He provides. Forms and Transliterations וְנוֹקְשׁ֖וּ ונוקשו י֫וֹקְשִׁ֥ים יָ֣קְשׁוּ יָקֹ֨שְׁתִּי יֽוּקָשִׁים֙ יוקשים יקשו יקשתי נוֹקַ֥שְׁתָּ נוקשת תִּוָּקֵ֣שׁ תוקש nō·w·qaš·tā noKashta nōwqaštā tivvaKesh tiw·wā·qêš tiwwāqêš venokShu wə·nō·wq·šū wənōwqšū yā·qə·šū yā·qō·šə·tî Yakeshu yaKosheti yāqəšū yāqōšətî yō·wq·šîm yokShim yōwqšîm yū·qā·šîm yukaShim yūqāšîmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Deuteronomy 7:25 HEB: לָ֔ךְ פֶּ֚ן תִּוָּקֵ֣שׁ בּ֔וֹ כִּ֧י NAS: it for yourselves, or you will be snared by it, for it is an abomination KJV: [that is] on them, nor take [it] unto thee, lest thou be snared therein: for it [is] an abomination INT: take or will be snared for is an abomination Psalm 124:7 Psalm 141:9 Proverbs 6:2 Ecclesiastes 9:12 Isaiah 8:15 Isaiah 28:13 Jeremiah 50:24 8 Occurrences |