Lexical Summary pagideuó: To ensnare, to trap, to catch Original Word: παγιδεύω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance entangle. From pagis; to ensnare (figuratively) -- entangle. see GREEK pagis NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom pagis Definition to set a trap NASB Translation trap (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3802: παγιδεύωπαγιδεύω: 1 aorist subjunctive 3rd person plural παγιδεύσωσιν; (παγίς, which see); a word unknown to the Greeks; to ensnare, entrap: birds, Ecclesiastes 9:12; metaphorically, τινα ἐν λόγῳ, of the attempt to elicit from one some remark which can be turned into an accusation against him, Matthew 22:15. ((τοῖς λόγοις, Proverbs 6:2 Graecus Venetus; cf. also Deuteronomy 7:25; Deuteronomy 12:30 in the same); 1 Samuel 28:9.) Topical Lexicon Biblical OccurrenceStrong’s Greek 3802 (παγιδεύω) surfaces once in the New Testament, in Matthew 22:15: “Then the Pharisees went out and conspired to trap Jesus in His words”. The verb captures the deliberate setting of a snare—originally a hunter’s technique—now transposed to the realm of rhetoric and deceit. Immediate Context in Matthew Matthew 22 opens with a trilogy of parables exposing Israel’s leadership (22:1-14). Stung, the Pharisees regroup and attempt to turn the tables. Their “trap” targets Jesus’ speech, hoping either to discredit Him before the people or to place Him at odds with Roman authority (22:16-17). The ensuing dialogue over the imperial tax (22:17-22) shows how their carefully laid snare collapses when confronted with divine wisdom: “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (22:21). Instead of ensnaring Jesus, they find themselves amazed and silenced (22:22). The Motive of Entrapment 1. Preservation of status. The religious elite feared losing influence (Matthew 21:46). Snares and Traps throughout Scripture While παγιδεύω is unique to Matthew, the cognate noun παγίς and other imagery of traps appear often, reinforcing several truths: • Human treachery: “They spread a net for my feet; my soul is despondent” (Psalm 57:6). Theological Significance 1. Christ’s impeccable wisdom: Each attempt to ensnare Him magnifies His authority and fulfills prophecies such as Isaiah 11:2. Ministry Lessons • Speak with grace and truth. Jesus models clarity without compromise (Colossians 4:6). Applications for the Believer • Guard your words. “You are snared by the words of your mouth” (Proverbs 6:2). Conclusion Strong’s 3802 captures more than a single historical moment; it highlights the perennial clash between deceit and divine wisdom. The failed plot in Matthew 22 underscores that every snare set against God’s Anointed—and by extension His people—ultimately serves to showcase the steadfast faithfulness and superior wisdom of the Lord. Forms and Transliterations παγιδεύεις παγιδεύονται παγιδευσωσιν παγιδεύσωσιν pagideusosin pagideusōsin pagideúsosin pagideúsōsinLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |