Romans 11:9

KJV

And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompence unto them:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} David {G1138} saith {G3004}, Let {G1096} their {G846} table {G5132} be made {G1096} a snare {G1519}{G3803}, and {G2532} a trap {G1519}{G2339}, and {G2532} a stumblingblock {G1519}{G4625}, and {G2532} a recompence {G1519}{G468} unto them {G846}:

Complete Jewish Bible

And David says,

“Let their dining table become for them
a snare and a trap, a pitfall and a punishment.

Berean Standard Bible

And David says: “May their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a retribution to them.

American Standard Version

And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, And a stumblingblock, and a recompense unto them:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 11:9 presents a sobering quotation from the Old Testament, specifically Psalm 69:22, which the Apostle Paul employs to explain the spiritual hardening experienced by a significant portion of Israel in their rejection of Jesus as Messiah. This verse highlights a divine judgment where what was intended for blessing and sustenance—their "table"—becomes a means of spiritual entrapment, a snare, trap, stumbling block, and a just recompense for their unbelief. It underscores the profound consequences of rejecting God's redemptive provision and serves as a prophetic confirmation of Israel's partial and temporary spiritual blindness, which paradoxically facilitated the inclusion of the Gentiles into God's saving plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 11:9 is situated within Paul's profound theological discourse in Romans 9-11, where he grapples with the enduring question of Israel's place in God's redemptive plan. Having established God's sovereign election and faithfulness in chapter 9, and Israel's widespread rejection of Christ due to their pursuit of righteousness by law rather than by faith in chapter 10, Paul transitions in chapter 11 to affirm that God has not completely abandoned His people. He introduces the concept of a believing remnant chosen by grace and explains that the hardening of the majority of Israel is partial and temporary, serving a redemptive purpose by opening the door for Gentile inclusion. Verses 9-10, quoting Psalm 69:22-23, provide scriptural support for this hardening, illustrating the spiritual consequences for those who refused to embrace the Gospel. These verses function as a prophetic lament, applied by Paul to the contemporary situation of unbelieving Israel, underscoring the severity of their spiritual condition.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Romans 11:9 is the first-century Jewish community's varied response to the nascent Christian movement. While a Jewish remnant embraced Jesus as the Messiah, the majority of the nation, particularly its religious leadership, rejected Him, often viewing His claims and the Christian message as blasphemous or a deviation from traditional Judaism. The "table" in ancient Near Eastern and Jewish culture was a powerful symbol of fellowship, provision, sustenance, and covenant relationship. Meals were central to social and religious life, signifying peace and shared life. For Paul to declare that their "table" would become a "snare" was a profound reversal of expectation, implying that their very privileges—the Law, the covenants, the temple, and divine revelation—which should have led them to Christ, instead became instruments of their spiritual downfall due to their unbelief. This cultural understanding amplifies the tragic irony of the verse.
* **Key Themes:** Romans 11:9 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Paul's letter. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment and Consequence**, demonstrating that rejecting God's truth and His provision of salvation carries severe spiritual repercussions. The terms "snare," "trap," "stumblingblock," and "recompence" vividly portray the spiritual entrapment and just retribution for unbelief, echoing themes of divine justice seen throughout Scripture, such as in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **Israel's Partial Hardening**, explaining the spiritual blindness that afflicted a large segment of the Jewish people. This hardening, while a consequence of their unbelief, was also part of God's sovereign plan to extend salvation to the Gentiles, as Paul elaborates in [Romans 11:11-12](/romans/11-11-12 "Romans 11:11-12 - Salvation for Gentiles"). Thirdly, it exemplifies the theme of **Prophetic Fulfillment**, as Paul's use of an Old Testament psalm (Psalm 69) demonstrates his conviction that Israel's contemporary spiritual state was foretold in Scripture, affirming God's overarching redemptive purpose and sovereign control over history. Finally, there is the powerful theme of the **Irony of Rejection**, where what was intended for blessing—the "table" symbolizing God's covenant provisions and spiritual advantages—paradoxically became a means of spiritual downfall due to their refusal to embrace the Messiah. This irony is a recurring motif in Paul's argument, especially when discussing the Law's inability to save, as seen in [Romans 7](/romans/7 "Romans 7 - The Law and Sin").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **David (Greek, _Dabíd'_):** This refers to the Israelite king, David, who is traditionally credited with authoring Psalm 69, from which Paul quotes. The attribution to David emphasizes the prophetic nature and divine authority of the lament, which Paul applies to the spiritual condition of unbelieving Israel.
* **table (Greek, _trápeza'_):** While literally meaning a four-legged piece of furniture used for meals, _trápeza_ here symbolically represents provision, sustenance, fellowship, and perhaps even the spiritual advantages and covenant blessings Israel enjoyed under the Mosaic Law. The transformation of this symbol of blessing into a "snare" highlights a profound reversal of divine intent due to human rejection.
* **be made (Greek, _gínomai'_):** This verb signifies "to become," "to come into being," or "to happen." In this context, it indicates a transformative state where the table, which should have been a source of blessing, actively *becomes* a source of spiritual peril. It implies a divine allowance or a consequence that unfolds, rather than a direct, immediate curse.
* **snare (Greek, _pagís'_):** Derived from a word meaning "to fasten by a noose," _pagís_ denotes a trap, particularly one that entangles or catches. Figuratively, it represents a trick, stratagem, or temptation that leads to spiritual entrapment or ruin.
* **trap (Greek, _thḗra'_):** This term literally refers to "hunting" or "game," and by extension, the means of catching game. In this context, it signifies a device for destruction or capture, reinforcing the idea of being caught unawares and without escape, leading to spiritual downfall.
* **stumblingblock (Greek, _skándalon'_):** From which we get "scandal," _skándalon_ originally referred to the bait-stick of a trap, or a stone that causes one to trip. Figuratively, it means an obstacle, an occasion to fall, or a cause of offense or sin. Here, it speaks to something that causes spiritual ruin or leads one away from the path of righteousness.
* **recompence (Greek, _antapódoma'_):** This noun denotes a "requital" or "repayment," specifically a deserved consequence or retribution for actions. It suggests that the spiritual entrapment is not arbitrary but a just outcome for Israel's rejection of their Messiah.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And David saith,"**: Paul introduces the quote, attributing it to King David, thereby establishing its prophetic authority and grounding his argument in Old Testament scripture. This highlights the continuity of God's dealings with His people across dispensations.
* **"Let their table be made a snare,"**: The "table" symbolizes the spiritual privileges, covenant blessings, and perhaps even the Law itself, which were given to Israel for their sustenance and benefit. The phrase "be made a snare" indicates a tragic reversal: what was intended for spiritual nourishment and fellowship becomes an instrument of spiritual entrapment. This is a consequence of their unbelief, turning their blessings into a curse.
* **"and a trap,"**: This further emphasizes the idea of being caught or ensnared, suggesting a cunningly laid device that leads to destruction. It reinforces the notion of an unavoidable spiritual downfall for those who reject the truth.
* **"and a stumblingblock,"**: This term signifies an obstacle that causes one to trip and fall, leading to spiritual ruin. For Israel, their refusal to accept Jesus as the Messiah, despite the clear prophecies and His miraculous works, became a spiritual impediment that prevented them from entering into God's full redemptive plan.
* **"and a recompence unto them:"**: This concluding phrase indicates that the spiritual consequences—being snared, trapped, and stumbling—are not arbitrary but a just and deserved repayment for their actions, specifically their persistent unbelief and rejection of the Messiah. It underscores the principle of divine justice, where actions have commensurate spiritual outcomes.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 11:9 is rich in **Metaphor** and **Symbolism**, employing vivid imagery to convey profound spiritual truths. The "table" serves as a central symbol, metaphorically representing the spiritual provisions, covenant blessings, and perhaps even the Law itself, which were given to Israel. Its transformation into a "snare," "trap," and "stumblingblock" is a powerful **Irony**, as what was meant for life and sustenance becomes an instrument of spiritual death and hindrance. This ironic reversal highlights the tragic consequences of rejecting God's grace. The accumulation of terms like "snare," "trap," and "stumblingblock" constitutes a **Climax** or **Gradation**, intensifying the imagery of spiritual entrapment and downfall. Each term builds upon the previous one, painting a comprehensive picture of spiritual ruin. The entire verse functions as a **Prophetic Lament** or **Imprecation**, originally from Psalm 69, which Paul applies **Typologically** to the contemporary situation of unbelieving Israel. This application demonstrates Paul's theological conviction that Israel's rejection of Christ was not unforeseen but part of God's sovereign plan, foreshadowed in their own sacred texts.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 11:9 profoundly underscores the theological truth that spiritual privileges, when met with unbelief, can become instruments of judgment rather than blessing. The "table" of God's provision—His Law, covenants, and prophetic word—was meant to lead Israel to Christ, but their rejection of Him turned these very advantages into a means of spiritual entrapment and a just recompense. This passage highlights the solemn reality that God's justice is intricately woven into His redemptive plan, and while His ultimate desire is for all to be saved, persistent unbelief incurs severe spiritual consequences. It also reinforces the theme of God's sovereignty, demonstrating how even human rebellion and hardening are paradoxically woven into His larger purpose of extending salvation to the Gentiles, ultimately leading to a future, greater restoration of Israel.

* [Psalm 69:22-23](/psalms/69-22-23 "Psalm 69:22-23 - The Source of Paul's Quotation")
* [1 Corinthians 1:23](/1_corinthians/1-23 "1 Corinthians 1:23 - Christ as a Stumbling Block")
* [Luke 2:34](/luke/2-34 "Luke 2:34 - Jesus Appointed for the Fall and Rising of Many")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 11:9 serves as a powerful warning against spiritual complacency and the dangers of rejecting divine truth, even when one possesses immense spiritual privilege. Just as Israel's unique relationship with God did not guarantee their salvation apart from faith in Christ, so too, our religious heritage, church affiliation, or knowledge of Scripture cannot substitute for genuine, humble faith and obedience. This verse calls us to examine our own hearts: are we truly receptive to God's ongoing revelation and the leading of His Spirit, or are we allowing our "table"—our blessings, traditions, or even our understanding of truth—to become a "snare" that prevents us from fully embracing Christ and His transforming power? It reminds us that God's justice is real, and there are profound consequences for persistent unbelief. Therefore, we are called to cultivate a heart of humility, recognizing that our salvation is solely by grace, and to remain vigilant against any form of spiritual pride or self-righteousness that could blind us to God's saving work.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might my own "table"—my blessings, knowledge, or spiritual privileges—become a "snare" if I am not careful to maintain a humble and receptive heart towards God?**
* **How does understanding the concept of Israel's hardening inform my perspective on God's justice and His patience with humanity?**
* **What specific areas of my life might be acting as a "stumblingblock" to my spiritual growth or my full embrace of Christ's lordship?**
* **How can I actively cultivate a heart that avoids spiritual complacency and remains sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading, preventing any form of spiritual blindness?**

### FAQ
**What does "Let their table be made a snare" mean in the context of Romans 11:9?**

Answer: In Romans 11:9, "Let their table be made a snare" means that what was intended for Israel's blessing, provision, and spiritual nourishment—symbolized by the "table" (representing their covenant relationship with God, the Law, and divine revelation)—paradoxically became an instrument of spiritual entrapment and judgment due to their unbelief and rejection of Jesus as the Messiah. It signifies a reversal of divine intent, where their very privileges became a cause of their spiritual downfall, leading to blindness and exclusion from God's immediate redemptive plan, as described throughout [Romans 9-11](/romans/9-11 "Romans 9-11 - Israel's Place in God's Plan").

**How does Paul's use of Psalm 69 in Romans 11:9 relate to Israel's rejection of Jesus?**

Answer: Paul quotes from [Psalm 69:22](/psalms/69-22 "Psalm 69:22 - David's Imprecation") to provide scriptural validation for the spiritual hardening experienced by many in Israel who rejected Jesus. Psalm 69 is a messianic psalm, a lament by David that contains imprecations (curses) against his enemies, which are seen as prophetic of those who would oppose the Messiah. Paul applies this ancient prophecy to his contemporary Jewish brethren who refused to believe in Christ, showing that their spiritual blindness and the resulting consequences were not arbitrary but were, in a sense, foretold and part of God's sovereign, if painful, plan. This highlights the continuity of God's dealings with humanity and the serious consequences of rejecting His ultimate revelation in Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 11:9, though a lament of judgment, ultimately points to the profound necessity of Christ as the sole means of true spiritual sustenance and liberation. The "table" that became a "snare" for unbelieving Israel foreshadows the truth that apart from Christ, even the most sacred religious institutions or privileges can become hindrances rather than pathways to life. Jesus Himself declared, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). He is the true spiritual provision, the fulfillment of all covenant promises, and the only one who can transform a table of judgment into a table of grace. The "stumblingblock" mentioned in the verse directly connects to Christ, who is described as a "stone of stumbling and a rock of offense" to those who do not believe ([1 Peter 2:8](/1_peter/2-8 "1 Peter 2:8 - Christ, the Stumbling Stone")). Yet, for those who believe, He is the cornerstone, the foundation of salvation. Thus, the very judgment pronounced in Romans 11:9, while severe, serves to highlight the indispensable grace found in Christ, who offers spiritual freedom and eternal life to all who, unlike those who stumbled, choose to embrace Him as Lord and Savior, thereby turning the "snare" into a path of righteousness and the "recompense" into abundant mercy. This temporary hardening of Israel ultimately paved the way for the Gentile inclusion, demonstrating God's expansive redemptive plan centered on the cross of Christ ([Romans 11:11-12](/romans/11-11-12 "Romans 11:11-12 - Salvation for Gentiles")).

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 69:22

¶ Let their table become a snare before them: and [that which should have been] for [their] welfare, [let it become] a trap.

Psalms 69:23

Let their eyes be darkened, that they see not; and make their loins continually to shake.

Luke 16:19

¶ There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:

Luke 16:25

But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.

1 Timothy 6:17

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

1 Timothy 6:19

Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

Psalms 28:4

Give them according to their deeds, and according to the wickedness of their endeavours: give them after the work of their hands; render to them their desert.