### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb παγιδεύω (pagideúō), Strong's number `{{G3802}}`, is derived directly from the noun παγίς (pagís) `{{G3803}}`, which signifies "a trap," "snare," or "gin." Consequently, παγιδεύω inherently carries the core meaning of setting a trap or ensnaring. The provided definition specifies "to ensnare (figuratively)," indicating that its primary application in biblical contexts is not the literal trapping of animals, but rather a metaphorical sense of entrapping an individual, typically through cunning words, deceptive arguments, or manipulative circumstances. Its semantic range thus encompasses concepts such as to catch in a snare, to entrap, to entangle, to lay a trap for, to trick, or to catch unawares. The emphasis is often on intellectual or verbal deception leading to a compromising or indefensible position.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word παγιδεύω (pagideúō) appears only once in the New Testament, but its singular occurrence is profoundly significant:
* **[[Matthew 22:15]]**: "Then the Pharisees went and plotted how they might entangle Him in His talk." (KJV)
* **Context**: This verse is situated within a series of challenging questions posed to Jesus by various hostile groups—the Pharisees, Herodians, and Sadducees—in Jerusalem, shortly before His crucifixion. The specific incident involves the Pharisees, who, having been silenced by Jesus' previous teaching, now conspire with the Herodians to pose a question about the legality of paying taxes to Caesar. Their intent was not to seek truth or understanding, but to corner Jesus.
* **Analysis**: The use of παγιδεύω here precisely captures the malicious and deceptive nature of their scheme. They sought to "trap" Jesus with His own words, forcing Him into a dilemma where any answer would be politically dangerous (inciting Roman wrath if He forbade tribute, or alienating the Jewish populace if He endorsed it). Jesus' famous response, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s" ([[Matthew 22:21]]), demonstrates His divine wisdom in discerning their intent and masterfully evading their snare, leaving His adversaries astonished. This single usage powerfully illustrates the cunning and hostile opposition Jesus faced.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding παγιδεύω is enhanced by examining its linguistic relatives and conceptual parallels:
* **παγίς (pagís) `{{G3803}}`**: The noun from which παγιδεύω is derived, meaning "a trap" or "snare." It is used both literally (e.g., [[Luke 21:35]] describing the sudden coming of the day of the Lord like a snare) and figuratively (e.g., [[1 Timothy 3:7]] for the devil's snare, [[1 Timothy 6:9]] for the snare of desires that ruin people). Its connection to παγιδεύω underscores the idea of a deliberate, often hidden, contrivance to catch someone.
* **ἀγρεύω (agreúō) `{{G64}}`**: Meaning "to hunt" or "to catch." This verb is used in the parallel account in [[Mark 12:13]], where the Pharisees and Herodians send people "to catch Him in His words." This serves as a close synonym to παγιδεύω, highlighting the act of attempting to capture someone through verbal means.
* **δολόω (dolóō) `{{G1388}}`**: "To ensnare with deceit," "to corrupt." This word emphasizes the deceitful and treacherous intent often associated with setting a trap, aligning with the motivation behind the attempt to παγιδεύω Jesus.
* **ἐνεδρεύω (enedreúō) `{{G1747}}`**: "To lie in wait," "to ambush." This verb conveys the idea of preparing a hidden trap or ambush, often with hostile intent, similar to the pre-meditated nature of the Pharisees' plot.
* **πειράζω (peirázō) `{{G3985}}`**: "To test," "to tempt." While broader in meaning, πειράζω can encompass the act of putting someone to a test with the specific aim of causing them to stumble or fall, which aligns with the ultimate purpose of those who sought to παγιδεύω Jesus.
### Theological Significance
The singular yet potent use of παγιδεύω carries profound theological implications:
* **The Nature of Opposition to Christ**: The word vividly portrays the intense, calculated, and deceptive opposition Jesus faced from the religious authorities. It underscores their malicious intent, which was not merely to disagree with Jesus' teachings but to actively destroy Him by entrapping Him in a legal or religious accusation. This reveals the spiritual darkness inherent in rejecting divine truth.
* **Divine Wisdom vs. Human Cunning**: Jesus' ability to discern and deftly navigate the "trap" set by the Pharisees demonstrates His unparalleled divine wisdom and discernment. He saw through their cunning and responded in a way that not only confounded His adversaries but also upheld divine principles, revealing the stark contrast between earthly deceit and heavenly truth. This serves as a powerful testament to Christ's omniscience and sovereign control.
* **The Peril of Words and Deception**: The context of παγιδεύω highlights how words, even seemingly innocuous questions, can be weaponized as snares. It serves as a theological caution against manipulative speech, deceitful intentions, and the use of language to entrap or harm others, emphasizing the importance of integrity and truthfulness in all communication.
* **The Testing of the Righteous**: While the Pharisees sought to παγιδεύω Jesus, their attempt inadvertently served to reveal His perfect character and wisdom. This reflects a broader biblical theme where the righteous are often tested or "snared" by adversaries, but through divine grace and wisdom, they are enabled to overcome, thereby demonstrating God's power and faithfulness.
### Summary
The Greek word παγιδεύω (pagideúō) `{{G3802}}`, derived from παγίς (pagís) `{{G3803}}` meaning "trap," signifies the act of ensnaring or entrapping someone, particularly through cunning words or deceptive arguments. Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Matthew 22:15]] powerfully illustrates the malicious intent of the Pharisees and Herodians who sought to "entangle" Jesus in His speech concerning tribute to Caesar. This singular usage underscores the calculated and hostile opposition Christ faced, highlighting the profound contrast between human cunning and divine wisdom, as Jesus masterfully evaded their snare. Theologically, παγιδεύω illuminates the nature of spiritual opposition to truth, affirms Christ's perfect discernment, and serves as a sobering reminder of how words can be wielded as instruments of deceit, urging believers toward integrity in speech and discernment in the face of manipulation.
TRV