3802. pagideuó
Lexical Summary
pagideuó: To ensnare, to trap, to catch

Original Word: παγιδεύω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: pagideuó
Pronunciation: pä-gē-dyü'-ō
Phonetic Spelling: (pag-id-yoo'-o)
KJV: entangle
NASB: trap
Word Origin: [from G3803 (παγίς - snare)]

1. to ensnare (figuratively)

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
entangle.

From pagis; to ensnare (figuratively) -- entangle.

see GREEK pagis

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from pagis
Definition
to set a trap
NASB Translation
trap (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 3802: παγιδεύω

παγιδεύω: 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 Occurrence

Strong’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).
2. Political leverage. A misstep by Jesus could justify Roman intervention.
3. Spiritual blindness. Their hardness of heart prevented recognition of the Messiah in their midst (John 12:40).

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).
• Divine deliverance: “He will rescue you from the snare of the fowler” (Psalm 91:3).
• Self-destruction: “Those who want to be rich fall into temptation and a trap” (1 Timothy 6:9).
• Evangelistic concern: “That they may come to their senses and escape the trap of the devil” (2 Timothy 2:26).

Theological Significance

1. Christ’s impeccable wisdom: Each attempt to ensnare Him magnifies His authority and fulfills prophecies such as Isaiah 11:2.
2. Revelation of hearts: The Pharisees’ plot exposes inner corruption, aligning with Jeremiah 17:9.
3. Divine sovereignty: Human schemes cannot overturn God’s redemptive plan (Acts 2:23-24).

Ministry Lessons

• Speak with grace and truth. Jesus models clarity without compromise (Colossians 4:6).
• Expect opposition. Faithful proclamation may provoke calculated hostility (2 Timothy 3:12).
• Avoid manipulative tactics. Paul rejects “secret and shameful ways” (2 Corinthians 4:2).
• Depend on the Spirit’s wisdom. Promised words will be given when disciples face hostile interrogation (Luke 21:15).

Applications for the Believer

• Guard your words. “You are snared by the words of your mouth” (Proverbs 6:2).
• Pray for discernment. Spiritual perception detects subtle snares (Philippians 1:9-10).
• Entrust vindication to God. Like Jesus, answer with truth, not retaliation (1 Peter 2:23).
• Cultivate integrity. A blameless life leaves little foothold for accusers (Titus 2:8).

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 pagideúsōsin
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Englishman's Concordance
Matthew 22:15 V-ASA-3P
GRK: ὅπως αὐτὸν παγιδεύσωσιν ἐν λόγῳ
NAS: how they might trap Him in what He said.
KJV: counsel how they might entangle him in
INT: how him they might trap in his words

Strong's Greek 3802
1 Occurrence


παγιδεύσωσιν — 1 Occ.

3801
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