from (a wild animal, as game); hunting, i.e. (figuratively) destruction:--trap.
Transliteration:thḗra
Pronunciation:thay'-rah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun G2339 (θήρα, *thḗra*) fundamentally derives from the concept of a wild animal, particularly as game. Its primary literal meaning is "hunting" or "the act of pursuing wild animals for capture." However, its most significant semantic range, as indicated by its New Testament usage, extends to a powerful figurative sense: a "trap," "snare," or a means of "destruction." This metaphorical extension emphasizes an insidious or deceptive mechanism by which one is caught, ensnared, and brought to ruin. The word encapsulates the idea of being unexpectedly seized or entrapped, leading to an undesirable and often destructive outcome.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word G2339 (*thḗra*) appears only once in the New Testament, in a highly significant context:
* [[Romans 11:9]]: "And David says, 'Let their table become a snare and a trap (*thḗra*) and a stumbling block and a retribution for them.'"
In this passage, Paul quotes from [[Psalm 69:22]] (LXX) as part of his discourse on Israel's partial hardening and the inclusion of the Gentiles. The "table" metaphorically represents the spiritual privileges, covenant blessings, and perhaps even the Law, which were intended for Israel's nourishment and spiritual well-being. However, due to their rejection of the Messiah, these very blessings become instruments of their downfall. The term *thḗra* here signifies a "trap" or "snare" that entraps them, leading to spiritual blindness and judgment. It is not a literal hunting trap, but a powerful metaphor for the self-inflicted spiritual peril that results from disobedience and unbelief. The juxtaposition with "snare" (`{{G3803}}`, *pagis*) and "stumbling block" (`{{G4625}}`, *skandalon*) reinforces the idea of an obstacle or mechanism leading to spiritual ruin.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of G2339 (*thḗra*) includes words related to animals, hunting, and various forms of entrapment or deception:
* **Root Connection:** The base definition points to a connection with wild animals, specifically game. This relates to G2342 (θηρίον, *thērion*), meaning "wild beast," though *thḗra* itself denotes the act of hunting or the resulting trap, not the animal itself.
* **Synonyms/Associated Terms:**
* G3803 (παγίς, *pagis*): "snare," "trap." This word often appears alongside *thḗra* in the Septuagint and in [[Romans 11:9]], highlighting their close semantic overlap in describing a device for entrapment.
* G4625 (σκάνδαλον, *skandalon*): "stumbling block," "offense." Also used in [[Romans 11:9]], emphasizing the destructive consequence of being caught.
* G1186 (δελεάζω, *deleazō*): "to allure," "to entice," often with the implication of leading into sin or destruction, akin to baiting a trap.
* G1185 (δέλεαρ, *delear*): "bait," "lure."
* **Old Testament Equivalents (LXX):** In the Septuagint, *thḗra* is frequently used to translate Hebrew terms related to hunting, prey, and especially snares or traps. For instance, in [[Psalm 69:22]] (LXX), which Paul quotes in [[Romans 11:9]], *thḗra* translates `{{H4170}}` (מוקש, *moqesh*), which means "snare" or "trap." Other related Hebrew terms include `{{H6710}}` (צוד, *tsud*, "to hunt") and `{{H4685}}` (מצודה, *matsudah*, "net," "stronghold").
### Theological Significance
The singular New Testament use of G2339 (*thḗra*) in [[Romans 11:9]] carries profound theological weight:
* **Divine Consequence and Judgment:** The "trap" described by *thḗra* is not an arbitrary act of God's malice, but a consequence of human spiritual blindness and rejection of divine truth. It illustrates a principle of divine justice: what is intended for blessing can become a curse for those who spurn God's grace. This highlights the severity of rejecting God's provision and the inherent danger of spiritual hardening.
* **Spiritual Peril and Self-Inflicted Ruin:** The metaphor of a "trap" underscores the insidious nature of spiritual danger. It suggests that individuals can become ensnared by their own choices, attitudes, or even by their misuse of spiritual privileges. For Israel, their "table" (representing their covenant relationship and the Law) became a trap because they failed to recognize and embrace the Messiah, turning their blessings into instruments of judgment.
* **Warning Against Complacency:** The use of *thḗra* serves as a solemn warning to all believers. It cautions against spiritual complacency, pride, and resistance to God's ongoing revelation. It reminds us that even profound spiritual advantages can become a source of downfall if not received with humility and faith.
* **Sovereignty and Human Responsibility:** While the passage speaks of a divine consequence, it also implicitly affirms human responsibility. The "trap" is activated by Israel's own choices, demonstrating that divine judgment often involves allowing individuals to experience the natural, destructive outcomes of their rebellion.
### Summary
The Greek word G2339 (θήρα, *thḗra*) signifies "hunting" and, more prominently in its New Testament usage, a "trap" or "snare" leading to destruction. Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Romans 11:9]] is a powerful metaphorical citation from [[Psalm 69:22]] (LXX). In this context, *thḗra* describes how the very spiritual privileges and blessings ("their table") of disobedient Israel became an instrument of their downfall—a "trap" leading to spiritual blindness and retribution. Semantically allied with terms like `{{G3803}}` (*pagis*, "snare") and `{{G4625}}` (*skandalon*, "stumbling block"), *thḗra* underscores the theological principle of divine consequence: that which is intended for good can become a source of spiritual peril when God's grace is rejected. It serves as a profound warning against spiritual hardening and highlights the self-inflicted nature of judgment when individuals spurn divine truth.
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