Psalms 141:9

KJV

Keep me from the snares [which] they have laid for me, and the gins of the workers of iniquity.

KJV (with Strong's)

Keep {H8104} me from the snares {H3027}{H6341} which they have laid {H3369} for me, and the gins {H4170} of the workers {H6466} of iniquity {H205}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Keep me from the trap they have set for me, from the snares of evildoers.

Berean Standard Bible

Keep me from the snares they have laid for me, and from the lures of evildoers.

American Standard Version

Keep me from the snare which they have laid for me, And from the gins of the workers of iniquity.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 141:9 is a fervent and urgent prayer from the psalmist, David, appealing to God for divine preservation from the insidious and cunning traps laid by his adversaries. It powerfully articulates the reality of hidden dangers and the deliberate, destructive intentions of those who habitually practice wickedness, underscoring the psalmist's deep reliance on God as his sole protector against unseen and calculated harm, recognizing that only divine intervention can thwart such malicious plots.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 141 is a deeply personal lament and prayer, likely composed by David during a period of intense distress and persecution. It belongs to a collection of psalms that frequently express the psalmist's vulnerability while simultaneously affirming profound trust in God's sovereign deliverance. The preceding verses in [Psalm 141](/psalms/141 "Psalm 141 - A Prayer for Protection and Guidance") reveal David's earnest desire for guarded speech and a pure heart, praying that his mouth would be kept from sin and his heart from inclining to evil practices, even wishing for the righteous to correct him rather than fall prey to the wicked's enticements, as seen in [Psalms 141:3-5](/psalms/141-3-5 "Psalm 141:3-5 - Prayer for Guarded Speech and Righteous Company"). He seeks to avoid the company and ways of the wicked, even as he acknowledges their persistent attempts to ensnare him. Verse 9, therefore, serves as a direct and urgent plea for God's active intervention against the very dangers he has been praying to avoid, forming a climactic request for divine protection against external threats after seeking internal purity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David's life was marked by numerous periods of flight and intense persecution, most notably during King Saul's relentless pursuit or later during Absalom's rebellion. In such tumultuous times, enemies would employ cunning and deceptive strategies, much like hunters laying traps, to capture or destroy their targets. The imagery of "snares" and "gins" would have been immediately recognizable and potent in an agricultural and pastoral society where hunting was a common activity. These terms evoke hidden, deceptive devices designed to ensnare unsuspecting prey, vividly reflecting the treacherous and often unseen nature of the plots David faced from his human adversaries. The cultural understanding of justice and divine retribution also plays a significant role, as David implicitly trusts that God, the righteous judge and sovereign ruler, will thwart the plans of the wicked and bring their schemes to naught.
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. **Divine Deliverance** is paramount, as David places his entire hope for safety and rescue squarely in God's hands, acknowledging his own vulnerability against powerful, malicious foes. The pervasive theme of **Adversarial Plots** is vividly portrayed through the "snares" and "gins," highlighting the cunning, premeditated malice, and deceptive nature of the wicked's intentions. This also ties into the **Nature of Evil**, as the "workers of iniquity" are depicted as those whose very practice is characterized by harm, injustice, and moral corruption, indicating a systemic engagement with wrongdoing. Finally, the verse exemplifies **Prayer for Protection**, serving as a timeless model for believers to seek God's guardianship against unseen dangers, spiritual attacks, and the deliberate ill intentions of those who oppose righteousness, echoing similar sentiments found in the psalmist's cry for rescue from the net in [Psalm 31:4](/psalms/31-4 "Psalm 31:4 - Deliverance from the Net") and the assurance of deliverance from the fowler's snare in [Psalm 91:3](/psalms/91-3 "Psalm 91:3 - Deliverance from the Fowler's Snare").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Keep (Hebrew, _shâmar'_):** This word (H8104) means properly, "to hedge about (as with thorns)," and by extension, "to guard," "to protect," "to attend to," or "to observe." In this context, David is not merely asking for passive avoidance but for God's active, vigilant guardianship—a divine protective barrier against the dangers that surround him. It implies a watchful, intervening presence that ensures safety and preservation from harm.
* **snares (Hebrew, _pach'_):** Derived from H6341, this term refers to a "metallic sheet (as pounded thin)" or, more commonly in this context, a "spring net (as spread out like a lamina)." It denotes a hidden, often sudden trap designed to catch an unsuspecting victim. The use of "snares" emphasizes the deceptive, unexpected, and often concealed nature of the danger, highlighting the cunning and premeditated malice of the enemies who lay them.
* **iniquity (Hebrew, _ʼâven'_):** This word (H205) stems from an unused root perhaps meaning "to pant" (hence, to exert oneself, usually in vain; to come to naught). It strictly means "nothingness," but also "trouble," "vanity," or "wickedness." It specifically refers to an idol, affliction, evil, or unrighteousness. When applied to "workers of iniquity," it describes individuals whose actions are characterized by moral emptiness, harm, injustice, and a fundamental perversion of what is right, indicating a systemic and deliberate practice of wrongdoing that ultimately leads to futility.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Keep me from the snares":** This is the direct, urgent plea for divine intervention. David acknowledges the pervasive presence of hidden dangers, symbolized by "snares," which are cunningly designed traps. His request is for God to actively prevent him from falling into these perils, indicating a profound recognition of his own vulnerability and the absolute need for a power greater than his own to secure his safety and well-being.
* **"which they have laid for me":** This clause identifies the source and malicious intention behind the "snares." The danger is not accidental or natural but is the direct result of deliberate, premeditated actions by specific adversaries. The phrase emphasizes the personal and targeted nature of the attacks, highlighting that these traps are specifically designed for David's downfall, demonstrating the calculated malice of his enemies.
* **"and the gins":** "Gins" (H4170, _môwqêsh'_) are similar to snares, referring to a "noose" or a "trap," often used for catching animals. This term reinforces and amplifies the imagery of being caught or ensnared, frequently by something hidden or deceptive. The inclusion of both "snares" and "gins" intensifies the portrayal of the various, multifaceted traps set by the enemies, underscoring the pervasive and diverse nature of the threats David faces.
* **"of the workers of iniquity":** This final phrase precisely identifies the character and nature of David's adversaries. They are not merely individuals who commit occasional wrongdoings but are "workers" (H6466, _pâʻal'_)—those who habitually and systematically "practice" or "make" evil. Their "iniquity" (H205, _ʼâven'_) signifies a deep-seated moral corruption, a life characterized by wickedness, injustice, and harmful actions. This defines the spiritual and moral battleground David finds himself on, emphasizing that their very livelihood or identity is tied to perpetrating evil.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 141:9 effectively employs several **literary devices** to convey its urgent message and deepen its impact. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where "snares" and "gins" serve as powerful representations of the hidden, deceptive, and destructive plots devised by David's enemies. This **Imagery** draws on the familiar and visceral practice of hunting, making the abstract concept of malicious schemes tangible and profoundly unsettling for the audience. The phrase "workers of iniquity" uses a form of **Categorization** or **Labeling**, giving a collective identity to those whose actions are defined by wickedness, emphasizing their active and habitual engagement in evil rather than incidental wrongdoing. The verse also functions as a direct **Lament** and **Supplication**, a common and central feature in the Psalms, where the psalmist pours out his distress and appeals directly to God for immediate intervention and protection. The parallel structure of "snares" and "gins" creates a sense of intensifying the pervasive danger, amplifying the psalmist's desperate and heartfelt plea for deliverance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly speaks to the reality of spiritual warfare and the ever-present opposition faced by the righteous. It underscores the theological truth that evil is not merely an abstract concept but is actively perpetrated by individuals ("workers of iniquity") who devise cunning and destructive plans. David's fervent plea highlights the believer's absolute dependence on God for protection against forces that are often unseen, insidious, and beyond human capacity to fully discern or overcome. It affirms God's sovereignty as the ultimate guardian and deliverer, capable of thwarting the most devious plots and bringing the schemes of the wicked to naught. Theologically, it reminds us that while evil may lay traps and strategize for our downfall, God's watchful eye and powerful hand are sufficient to preserve His people and guide them safely through perilous paths.

* [Psalm 31:4](/psalms/31-4 "Psalm 31:4 - Deliverance from the Net")
* [Psalm 91:3](/psalms/91-3 "Psalm 91:3 - Deliverance from the Fowler's Snare")
* [Proverbs 29:6](/proverbs/29-6 "Proverbs 29:6 - The Snare of Transgression")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 141:9 offers a timeless and profoundly relevant model for believers navigating a world fraught with challenges and spiritual opposition. Just as David faced tangible threats and cunning adversaries, we too encounter "snares" and "gins" in various forms: the subtle allure of sin, deceptive ideologies that promise freedom but lead to bondage, social pressures that compromise our faith, or the malicious intentions of those who actively oppose righteousness and God's kingdom. This verse calls us to a posture of active vigilance and earnest prayer, recognizing that our ultimate safety, spiritual integrity, and perseverance rest solely in God's sovereign hands. It encourages us to cultivate a deep and unwavering reliance on divine protection, trusting that God sees the hidden traps, discerns the motives of the wicked, and possesses the infinite power to deliver us. Furthermore, it prompts us to reflect on the nature of "iniquity" in our own lives and in the world around us, spurring us to seek God's discernment to identify and resist anything that would ensnare us or lead us away from His righteous and life-giving path.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are some "snares" or "gins" in your life today—be they temptations, deceptive ideologies, or challenging relationships—that threaten to pull you away from God's path?**
* **How does David's fervent prayer for divine protection encourage you to deepen your trust in God amidst your own personal and spiritual challenges?**
* **In what practical ways can you actively seek God's discernment to recognize and avoid the "workers of iniquity" and their schemes in your sphere of influence, whether in personal interactions or broader cultural trends?**

### FAQ
**What do "snares" and "gins" symbolize in this verse?**

Answer: In Psalms 141:9, "snares" (Hebrew: _pach_) and "gins" (Hebrew: _môwqêsh_) are powerful metaphors drawn from the practice of hunting. They symbolize the hidden, deceptive, and often sudden traps or plots devised by adversaries to ensnare, harm, or destroy the psalmist. They represent cunning strategies, malicious schemes, and unexpected dangers that are not immediately apparent but are designed to lead to one's downfall. This imagery emphasizes the insidious nature of the threats David faced, whether from political enemies or spiritual forces. The Bible often uses such imagery to describe the dangers of sin and the devil's schemes, as seen in the admonition to escape the "snare of the devil" in [2 Timothy 2:26](/2_timothy/2-26 "2 Timothy 2:26 - Escaping the Devil's Snare").

**Who are the "workers of iniquity" mentioned here?**

Answer: The "workers of iniquity" (Hebrew: _po'alei aven_) refers to individuals who habitually and actively practice wickedness, injustice, or moral corruption. This phrase describes those whose actions are characterized by deliberate harm, unrighteousness, and a fundamental perversion of what is good. They are not merely people who make mistakes, but those whose very "work" or practice is aligned with evil. In David's context, these would have been his human enemies who sought his downfall through treacherous means. Theologically, it can also refer to anyone whose life is marked by rebellion against God's righteous standards and whose deeds are contrary to His will, as highlighted in [Psalm 5:5](/psalms/5-5 "Psalm 5:5 - God Hates Workers of Iniquity"), where it states that God hates all workers of iniquity.

**How does this verse apply to spiritual warfare for believers today?**

Answer: This verse is highly relevant for spiritual warfare for believers today. It reminds us that we face unseen "snares" and "gins" from spiritual adversaries and a fallen world. These can manifest as temptations to sin, deceptive ideologies that undermine truth, spiritual attacks that seek to discourage or derail faith, or the malicious intentions of those who actively oppose God's kingdom and His people. Just as David prayed for divine protection, believers are called to be vigilant and to pray earnestly for God's preservation from these spiritual traps. It underscores our absolute dependence on God's power to discern and overcome the schemes of the enemy, trusting that He is our ultimate deliverer and protector, providing the spiritual armor needed to stand firm against the devil's schemes, as promised in [Ephesians 6:11-12](/ephesians/6-11-12 "Ephesians 6:11-12 - The Armor of God Against Spiritual Forces").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 141:9, with its fervent plea for deliverance from the snares and gins of the workers of iniquity, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. David's longing for divine protection foreshadows the perfect and complete security found in the Messiah. While David sought deliverance from earthly enemies and their temporal plots, Christ Himself faced the ultimate "snare" of sin and death, yet He triumphed over them through His crucifixion and resurrection, thereby destroying the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and freeing those who were held in slavery by their fear of death ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory Over Death")). As the Good Shepherd, Jesus promised His followers that no one could snatch them out of His hand or His Father's hand, guaranteeing their eternal security ([John 10:28-29](/john/10-28-29 "John 10:28-29 - No One Can Snatch Them")). His high priestly prayer in [John 17:15](/john/17-15 "John 17:15 - Jesus Prays for Protection") echoes David's plea, as He prayed not that His disciples would be taken out of the world, but that they would be kept from the evil one. Through Christ, believers are not only protected from the snares of human malice but are also delivered from the power of sin and the ultimate snare of eternal death, securing an everlasting victory over all the works of iniquity, for the Son of God appeared to destroy the works of the devil ([1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - The Purpose of the Son of God")).

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

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.

Psalms 140:5

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.

Psalms 119:110

The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts.

Proverbs 13:14

¶ The law of the wise [is] a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

Psalms 38:12

¶ They also that seek after my life lay snares [for me]: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long.

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.