### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G2340}}` (θηρεύω, *thēreúō*) derives directly from the noun `{{G2339}}` (θήρα, *thēra*), which signifies "a hunt," "the chase," "prey," or "a trap." Consequently, the primary and literal meaning of `{{G2340}}` is "to hunt wild animals," "to catch by hunting," or "to trap." It denotes the deliberate act of pursuing and capturing something, often with skill and cunning.
Crucially, in its New Testament usage, `{{G2340}}` shifts from this literal sense to a profound figurative meaning: "to lay snares for," "to try to catch someone in words," or "to carp at." This metaphorical extension highlights an intent to entrap a person through speech, aiming to elicit a statement that can be used against them. The underlying nuance is one of malicious intent, seeking to find fault or to create a legal or moral dilemma for the target.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb `{{G2340}}` (θηρεύω) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Gospel of Luke:
* **[[Luke 11:54]]**: "lying in wait for Him, to catch something out of His mouth, that they might accuse Him."
* This solitary occurrence is highly significant. The context immediately precedes this verse, where Jesus has just pronounced a series of woes upon the Pharisees and lawyers for their hypocrisy and legalistic burdens. Their response, as described in [[Luke 11:54]], is not repentance but a heightened animosity. The phrase "to catch something out of His mouth" (θηρεύσαι τι ἐκ τοῦ στόματος αὐτοῦ) perfectly illustrates the figurative meaning of `{{G2340}}`.
* The religious leaders were not physically hunting Jesus, but rather meticulously observing and provoking Him, hoping He would utter a word or phrase that could be twisted into an accusation against Him. This was an intellectual and verbal ambush, a deliberate attempt to ensnare Him in His own words, thereby providing grounds for His condemnation or discrediting Him before the people. It reveals the depth of their opposition and their cunning strategy.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of `{{G2340}}` is rich with terms related to trapping, deception, and adversarial intent:
* `{{G2339}}` (θήρα, *thēra*): The direct root, meaning "a hunt," "prey," or "a trap." This noun itself can also be used figuratively for a snare or trap, as seen in [[Romans 11:9]].
* `{{G3802}}` (παγίς, *pagis*): A common Greek term for a "snare" or "trap," often used metaphorically for temptation, danger, or destruction ([[1 Timothy 3:7]], [[1 Timothy 6:9]]).
* `{{G1702}}` (ἐνεδρεύω, *enedreuo*): "To lie in wait for," "to ambush," or "to plot against." This word describes the act of setting a trap or ambush, aligning closely with the intent behind `{{G2340}}` in [[Luke 11:54]] ([[Acts 23:21]]).
* `{{G1443}}` (ἐγχειρέω, *encheireō*): To put one's hand to something, to undertake. While not directly synonymous, it can imply a deliberate attempt or venture, which is present in the "hunting" action.
* `{{G3985}}` (πειράζω, *peirazō*): "To test," "to try," or "to tempt." The Pharisees' actions in [[Luke 11:54]] were a form of testing, though with malicious intent rather than a genuine desire for truth.
The concept of "laying a snare" or "trapping with words" is a recurring motif in the Gospels, highlighting the adversarial relationship between Jesus and those who sought to discredit Him.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of `{{G2340}}` in [[Luke 11:54]] carries profound theological weight. It vividly portrays the intense spiritual hostility directed at Jesus. The religious leaders' attempt "to catch" Jesus in His words is not merely a political maneuver but an act stemming from deep-seated rejection and a desire to silence the truth.
1. **Divine Wisdom vs. Human Cunning:** The scene underscores the contrast between the divine wisdom of Christ, who consistently evaded these verbal traps, and the earthly cunning of His adversaries. Jesus' responses throughout the Gospels demonstrate His ability to discern the heart behind the question, often turning the tables on His interrogators.
2. **The Nature of Opposition to Truth:** `{{G2340}}` reveals that opposition to God's truth often manifests not as open, honest disagreement but as subtle, deceptive attempts to ensnare or discredit. It speaks to the insidious nature of spiritual warfare, where the enemy seeks to trap the righteous through carefully crafted accusations or temptations.
3. **Vulnerability of Christ:** Despite His divine nature, Jesus subjected Himself to human vulnerability, including the risk of being "caught" by His enemies. This highlights His full humanity and His willingness to endure the machinations of sinful men for the sake of redemption.
4. **Implication for Believers:** This passage serves as a warning and an encouragement for believers. Just as Jesus faced those who sought to "trap" Him, so too may His followers encounter similar attempts to ensnare them through words, false accusations, or manipulative questioning. It underscores the need for discernment, wisdom, and reliance on the Holy Spirit to navigate such challenges.
### Summary
`{{G2340}}` (θηρεύω, *thēreúō*) fundamentally means "to hunt" or "to trap," but its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Luke 11:54]] employs it figuratively to describe the malicious attempt "to catch" someone in their words. In this context, the religious leaders sought to ensnare Jesus verbally, hoping to find grounds for accusation. This singular usage powerfully illustrates the cunning and adversarial nature of the opposition Jesus faced, highlighting the conflict between divine wisdom and human deceit. Theologically, it underscores the spiritual hostility directed at Christ, the subtle tactics employed against truth, and the divine wisdom that enables one to navigate such verbal snares.
TRV