Psalms 140:5

KJV

The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set gins for me. Selah.

KJV (with Strong's)

The proud {H1343} have hid {H2934} a snare {H6341} for me, and cords {H2256}; they have spread {H6566} a net {H7568} by the wayside {H3027}{H4570}; they have set {H7896} gins {H4170} for me. Selah {H5542}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The arrogant hide snares for me; they spread nets by the side of the road, hoping to trap me there. (Selah)

Berean Standard Bible

The proud hide a snare for me; the cords of their net are spread along the path, and lures are set out for me. Selah

American Standard Version

The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; They have spread a net by the wayside; They have set gins for me. [Selah

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 140:5 powerfully depicts the psalmist's adversaries as insidious and relentless hunters, meticulously employing a variety of hidden traps to ensnare their unsuspecting victim. This verse, deeply embedded within a fervent prayer for divine deliverance, vividly underscores the treacherous and deceptive nature of "the proud" who operate with malicious intent, actively seeking the downfall of the righteous. It highlights the psalmist's acute awareness of the pervasive, unseen dangers surrounding him, thereby emphasizing the desperate and urgent need for God's sovereign intervention against such cunning and destructive schemes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 140 is a fervent lament, a desperate plea from David to the Lord for deliverance from violent and deceitful enemies. The preceding verses of [Psalm 140](/psalms/140 "Psalm 140 - A Prayer for Deliverance from Evil Men") establish the psalmist's profound distress, as he cries out to be rescued from the "evil man" and the "violent man" whose primary intent is to cause his downfall. Verse 5 intensifies this plea by meticulously detailing the specific, hidden methods employed by these adversaries, using a rich array of hunting metaphors that culminate in the concluding "Selah," which invites a solemn pause for deep reflection on the gravity of the threat. The psalm continues with David's unwavering confidence that the Lord will ultimately uphold the cause of the afflicted and execute justice for the needy, a conviction powerfully expressed in [Psalm 140:12](/psalms/140-12 "Psalm 140:12 - God's Justice for the Afflicted"). The psalmist's detailed description of the traps serves to magnify the perceived danger, making God's eventual deliverance all the more glorious.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David, widely regarded as the author of this psalm, faced numerous cunning adversaries throughout his tumultuous life, from the relentless pursuit by King Saul to the painful betrayal and rebellion of his own son, Absalom. The vivid imagery of snares, nets, and gins directly reflects common hunting practices prevalent in ancient Israel, where such devices were strategically used to capture animals. This imagery would have been instantly understood by the original audience as representing insidious, often unseen dangers meticulously designed to incapacitate, injure, or destroy. The mention of traps laid "by the wayside" (or path) suggests that these dangers are placed in the very places where the psalmist would naturally walk, indicating a deeply personal, targeted, and pervasive attack, making escape exceedingly difficult without divine guidance. The term "proud" (H1343, _gêʼeh_) aligns with a recurring Old Testament motif of those who are arrogant, self-sufficient, and utterly disregardful of God's law or the welfare of others, often positioning themselves in direct opposition to the righteous.
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the psalm and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Hidden Dangers and Treachery**, emphasizing that not all threats are overt or confrontational; many are subtle, deceptive, and meticulously designed to catch one unawares. The powerful repetition of various trapping devices ("snare," "cords," "net," "gins") underscores the multifaceted, inescapable, and pervasive nature of the enemies' plots, reinforcing the idea that they operate with stealth and malice rather than open warfare. Secondly, the verse profoundly illuminates the **Nature of the "Proud"**, characterizing them not merely as antagonists but as arrogant and self-sufficient individuals whose inflated pride fuels their relentless desire to ensnare and harm the righteous. This disposition stands in stark contrast to the psalmist's posture of humility and absolute reliance on God. Finally, it implicitly reinforces the theme of the **Vulnerability of the Righteous** in the face of such malevolence, thereby intensifying the desperate plea for divine protection, a recurring and vital motif throughout the Psalms, as powerfully articulated in [Psalm 91:3](/psalms/91-3 "Psalm 91:3 - Deliverance from the Fowler's Snare").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Proud (Hebrew, _gêʼeh'_):** From H1343, meaning "lofty; figuratively, arrogant." This term profoundly characterizes the enemies not merely by their actions but by their internal disposition—their haughty self-reliance, inflated self-importance, and disdain for God's ways or the plight of others. Their pride is presented as the very root and driving force behind their malicious plotting and deceptive schemes.
* **Hid (Hebrew, _ṭâman'_):** From H2934, a primitive root meaning "to hide (by covering over); hide, lay privily, in secret." This verb emphasizes the clandestine, secretive, and deeply deceptive nature of the enemies' schemes. Their traps are not openly displayed but are meticulously concealed, designed to catch the unsuspecting victim completely off guard, thereby highlighting their profound treachery and lack of honorable engagement.
* **Gins (Hebrew, _môwqêsh'_):** From H4170, meaning "a noose (for catching animals) (literally or figuratively); by implication, a hook (for the nose); be ensnared, gin, (is) snare(-d), trap." This term, alongside "snare" (_pach_), "cords" (_chebel_), and "net" (_resheth_), forms a powerful semantic field of trapping devices. "Gins" specifically refers to a type of trap that springs shut suddenly, implying a swift, decisive, and inescapable capture. Its inclusion underscores the comprehensive and inescapable nature of the danger, suggesting a trap from which there is no easy escape.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords;":** This opening clause immediately identifies the antagonists as "the proud," highlighting their arrogant and self-assured disposition as the primary motivation behind their malicious actions. They have "hid a snare" (_pach_, a spring trap) and "cords" (_chebel_, ropes or nooses), indicating a deliberate, premeditated, and concealed attempt to capture, entangle, or restrict the psalmist. The use of "hid" emphasizes the treachery and the deliberate avoidance of direct, open confrontation.
* **"they have spread a net by the wayside;":** This expands upon the trapping imagery, introducing a "net" (_resheth_, a wide-meshed net) that has been "spread" (_pâras_, to spread out broadly and extensively). The crucial location, "by the wayside" (_yâd maʻgâl_, literally "hand of the track" or "path"), signifies that these traps are laid along the psalmist's normal, daily path or journey, making them virtually unavoidable unless divinely revealed. This suggests a targeted, pervasive, and inescapable threat to his daily life, movements, and overall well-being.
* **"they have set gins for me.":** This final clause reiterates and intensifies the danger with yet another specific type of trap, "gins" (_môwqêsh_, a noose or spring trap, often used for birds). The verb "set" (_shîyth_, to place, appoint, or establish) reinforces the intentionality, precision, and calculated nature of their malicious planning. The cumulative effect of these various trapping devices—snare, cords, net, gins—paints a comprehensive and terrifying picture of a victim surrounded by multiple, hidden, and seemingly inescapable dangers, highlighting the overwhelming nature of the threat.
* **"Selah.":** This liturgical or musical instruction, frequently found in the Psalms, calls for a pause, a moment of profound reflection or contemplation. In this specific context, "Selah" serves to emphasize the profound gravity of the psalmist's predicament and the dire, insidious nature of the hidden threats just described. It invites the reader or listener to internalize the desperation, the cunning of the adversaries, and the sheer weight of the danger, prompting a moment of solemn meditation on the preceding words.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 140:5 is exceptionally rich in **Metaphor** and vivid **Imagery**, primarily drawing from the specialized domain of hunting. The psalmist's enemies are not literally hunters, nor is he an animal, but their actions are powerfully depicted as such to convey their predatory intent, their relentless pursuit, and the insidious nature of their plots. The repeated use of terms like "snare," "cords," "net," and "gins" constitutes potent **Repetition** and **Accumulation**, creating a cumulative effect that emphasizes the sheer volume, variety, and pervasive nature of the hidden dangers. This **Hyperbole** of multiple, diverse traps underscores the overwhelming sense of being surrounded, targeted, and trapped. The phrase "by the wayside" employs **Synecdoche**, where a part (the path or track) represents the whole of the psalmist's daily life and movements, implying that danger lurks everywhere he goes, permeating his existence. Furthermore, the **Personification** of "the proud" as active, cunning agents of malice, rather than an abstract quality of pride, contributes significantly to the vividness and immediacy of the perceived threat, making the enemies seem more tangible and menacing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 140:5 profoundly illustrates the enduring biblical theme of spiritual warfare and the very real presence of unseen opposition in the world. The "proud" are not merely human adversaries; they often embody a spirit of rebellion against God and His righteous ways, serving as instruments of deeper spiritual malevolence. Their methods—hidden snares and cunning traps—mirror the deceptive and insidious tactics of evil forces that relentlessly seek to trip up, entangle, and ultimately destroy believers. The psalmist's vulnerability in the face of such calculated malice highlights humanity's inherent need for divine protection against these malevolent schemes. This verse underscores the crucial truth that while evil may operate in secret and through hidden means, God sees all, knows all, and is the ultimate, omniscient deliverer from every hidden danger. It serves as a powerful encouragement for believers to cultivate spiritual vigilance, recognizing that not all threats are overt, and to rely completely and unreservedly on God's sovereign and omnipotent protection.

* [Psalm 91:3](/psalms/91-3 "Psalm 91:3 - Deliverance from the Fowler's Snare")
* [Proverbs 29:5](/proverbs/29-5 "Proverbs 29:5 - Warning Against Flattery")
* [Ephesians 6:11](/ephesians/6-11 "Ephesians 6:11 - Putting on the Full Armor of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 140:5 offers a timeless and profound reflection on the pervasive reality of hidden spiritual and relational dangers in our lives. In a world where overt conflict is frequently preceded or accompanied by subtle manipulation, deceptive narratives, and character assassination, the psalmist's desperate cry resonates deeply with the contemporary human experience. Believers are called to cultivate profound spiritual discernment, recognizing that not all adversaries announce themselves openly or engage in direct confrontation. Just as David faced cunning and concealed enemies, we too face the "schemes of the devil" that are often hidden, meticulously designed to exploit our weaknesses, sow discord, or subtly lead us astray without our immediate awareness. This verse serves as a powerful and urgent reminder that our vigilance must be inextricably coupled with an absolute and unwavering reliance on God, who alone possesses the power and wisdom to expose, dismantle, and deliver us from these unseen traps. It encourages a posture of constant prayer for divine protection, spiritual discernment, and the wisdom to navigate the complex paths of life where hidden dangers may lie. Our ultimate security is not found in our own limited ability to detect every plot or avoid every pitfall, but in the unfailing faithfulness and omnipotent protection of our divine Protector.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life do you sense hidden "snares" or "nets" that might be set by adversaries, whether spiritual forces or human agents?**
* **How does the characterization of the enemies as "proud" inform your understanding of the deep-seated root causes of malice, deception, and opposition to righteousness in the world?**
* **What practical and spiritual steps can you take to cultivate greater spiritual discernment and vigilance against subtle temptations, deceptions, or the schemes of the enemy?**
* **How does this verse deepen your trust in God as your ultimate Protector and Deliverer from unseen dangers and the hidden plots of your adversaries?**

### FAQ
**What does "Selah" mean at the end of the verse?**

Answer: "Selah" (H5542, _çelâh_) is a Hebrew word found frequently in the Psalms and Habakkuk, believed to be a musical or liturgical instruction. While its exact meaning is debated among scholars, it is generally understood to signify a pause for reflection, contemplation, or a musical interlude. In the specific context of [Psalm 140:5](/psalms/140-5 "Psalm 140:5 - The Proud's Hidden Snares"), "Selah" serves to underscore the profound gravity of the psalmist's description of the hidden traps and the cunning of his enemies. It invites the reader or listener to pause and deeply consider the dire nature of the danger and the desperate plea for divine deliverance, marking a moment for solemn meditation on the weighty words that precede it, emphasizing their significance and impact.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 140:5, with its vivid imagery of hidden snares and cunning adversaries, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. David's experience of being relentlessly pursued by "the proud" and ensnared by their treacherous traps powerfully foreshadows the constant and insidious opposition Christ faced from those blinded by spiritual pride and darkness. The religious leaders of Jesus' day, driven by their own arrogance and self-righteousness, consistently laid "snares" for Him, meticulously seeking to catch Him in His words or actions, as seen when they attempted to trap Him with questions about paying taxes to Caesar in [Matthew 22:15-22](/matthew/22-15-22 "Matthew 22:15-22 - The Question About Paying Taxes"). Yet, unlike David, who cried out for deliverance from the trap, Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, willingly entered the ultimate trap of the cross, not as a helpless victim, but as a triumphant victor. He allowed Himself to be "ensnared" by death and the grave, only to break free through His glorious resurrection, thereby demonstrating His absolute power and authority over all spiritual adversaries and their schemes, as celebrated in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers"). Through His resurrection, Christ decisively disarmed the principalities and powers, rendering their "nets" and "gins" utterly powerless for all who are united with Him by faith. Therefore, believers in Christ are no longer vulnerable to the ultimate trap of sin and and death, for Christ Himself has become our eternal refuge and deliverer from every hidden danger and every spiritual attack, perfectly fulfilling the psalmist's longing for divine protection. He is the one who truly delivers us from the "fowler's snare" ([Psalm 91:3](/psalms/91-3 "God's Deliverance from the Fowler's Snare")) and the "wiles of the devil" ([Ephesians 6:11](/ephesians/6-11 "Putting on the Full Armor of God")), having definitively overcome the world and its evil one ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "Jesus Overcomes the World")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 35:7

For without cause have they hid for me their net [in] a pit, [which] without cause they have digged for my soul.

Psalms 142:3

When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.

Jeremiah 18:22

Let a cry be heard from their houses, when thou shalt bring a troop suddenly upon them: for they have digged a pit to take me, and hid snares for my feet.

Luke 20:20

¶ And they watched [him], and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.

Luke 20:23

But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye me?

Jeremiah 18:20

Shall evil be recompensed for good? for they have digged a pit for my soul. Remember that I stood before thee to speak good for them, [and] to turn away thy wrath from them.

Psalms 57:6

They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down: they have digged a pit before me, into the midst whereof they are fallen [themselves]. Selah.