### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word παγίς (pagís, `{{G3803}}`) derives from the verb πήγνυμι (pēgnumi), meaning "to fix, fasten, or make firm." This etymological root illuminates its primary literal sense: a "trap" or "snare," specifically a device that is set or fixed in place to capture something, often involving a noose or a mechanism that fastens shut. This refers to the fowler's snare, a hunter's trap, or any contrivance designed to catch unsuspecting prey.
Beyond its literal application, pagís extends significantly into a figurative semantic range within the New Testament. It denotes a "trick," "stratagem," or "temptation"—a hidden danger, a deceptive plot, or a spiritual pitfall designed to ensnare an individual into sin, error, or destruction. This figurative use emphasizes the element of surprise, the concealed nature of the danger, and the detrimental outcome for the one caught within it. The concept of "temptation" is particularly prominent, highlighting the moral and spiritual implications of such a snare.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term παγίς (pagís, `{{G3803}}`) appears several times in the New Testament, predominantly in contexts warning against spiritual dangers and the schemes of evil.
* **[[Romans 11:9]]**: "And David says, 'Let their table be made a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a recompense to them.'" Here, Paul quotes from Psalm 69:22 (LXX), applying it to the spiritual hardening of a segment of Israel. The "table," representing their blessings and privileges, paradoxically becomes a "snare" (pagís) and a "trap," leading to their spiritual downfall and judgment due to their rejection of Christ. What should have been for their good becomes a means of their undoing.
* **[[1 Timothy 3:7]]**: "Moreover he must have a good report of those outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil." In the qualifications for an overseer (bishop), Paul emphasizes the importance of a blameless reputation. A poor reputation could lead to reproach and make the leader vulnerable to the "snare of the devil" (ἡ τοῦ διαβόλου παγίς). This snare could involve the devil's tactics to discredit the minister, tempt them into sin, or undermine their effectiveness in ministry, thereby hindering the gospel.
* **[[1 Timothy 6:9]]**: "But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition." This is a profound warning against the perils of covetousness. The *desire* to be rich (οἱ δὲ βουλόμενοι πλουτεῖν), rather than wealth itself, is identified as the precipice from which individuals fall into "temptation" (`{{G3986}}`, peirasmos) and "a snare" (pagís). This snare is depicted as a binding force, leading to destructive desires that ultimately engulf and ruin the soul. The trap is the deceptive allure of material gain that promises fulfillment but delivers destruction.
* **[[2 Timothy 2:26]]**: "and that they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will." This verse speaks of those caught in error or sin, needing repentance to be freed. The "snare of the devil" (ἡ τοῦ διαβόλου παγίς) represents a state of spiritual captivity, where individuals are held by deception or sin, preventing them from obeying God's will. The emphasis is on the devil's active role in ensnaring people and the possibility of deliverance through repentance and truth.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of pagís is often reinforced by or related to other terms that describe spiritual danger, deception, or capture.
* **`{{G4625}}` (skandalon)**: "a stumbling block, offense." While not a trap itself, a skandalon is an impediment or cause of falling, often leading to spiritual ruin, similar to the outcome of being caught in a snare.
* **`{{G3986}}` (peirasmos)**: "temptation, trial." Frequently linked with pagís, especially in [[1 Timothy 6:9]], highlighting that the snare is often a specific form or outcome of temptation.
* **`{{G1348}}` (diktys)**: "a fishing net." Though literal, it shares the common concept of a device used for capture.
* **`{{H4170}}` (moqesh)**: A common Hebrew equivalent in the Septuagint, meaning "snare, trap," used both literally for birds and figuratively for moral or spiritual pitfalls (e.g., idolatry, wicked counsel).
* **`{{H6341}}` (pach)**: Another Hebrew term for a fowler's snare.
* **Concepts:** Spiritual warfare, deception, spiritual bondage, covetousness, apostasy, divine judgment, vigilance, deliverance, repentance.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of παγίς (pagís, `{{G3803}}`) is profound, illuminating several key aspects of the Christian life and spiritual reality:
* **The Reality of Active Evil:** The repeated reference to "the snare of the devil" ([[1 Timothy 3:7]], [[2 Timothy 2:26]]) underscores the New Testament's teaching on the active, malevolent presence of Satan. He is not merely a symbolic force but a cunning adversary who devises strategies and sets traps to ensnare humanity, leading them away from God's will and into sin or destruction.
* **Human Vulnerability to Deception and Sin:** The concept of being "ensnared" highlights the inherent human susceptibility to temptation, deception, and the allure of sin. Whether through the desire for wealth ([[1 Timothy 6:9]]), the pursuit of earthly status, or simply being caught unawares, humanity is prone to falling into spiritual traps that promise fleeting gain but deliver lasting harm.
* **The Destructive Power of Worldly Desires:** Passages like [[1 Timothy 6:9]] serve as a stark warning against specific desires, particularly the "desire to be rich." This desire is portrayed not merely as a moral failing but as a powerful "snare" that leads to "many foolish and harmful lusts," ultimately drowning individuals in "destruction and perdition." It reveals how seemingly innocuous desires can become instruments of spiritual ruin.
* **Divine Judgment and Consequence:** In some contexts, such as [[Romans 11:9]], pagís can signify a form of divine judgment or consequence. When individuals or groups reject God's truth, even their blessings can become a "snare," contributing to their spiritual blindness and downfall, demonstrating the principle that those who reject light may be given over to darkness.
* **The Call to Vigilance and the Promise of Deliverance:** The warnings about pagís implicitly call believers to spiritual vigilance, discernment, and sobriety. To recognize the devil's schemes and the world's allure is the first step in avoiding them. Furthermore, [[2 Timothy 2:26]] offers hope, indicating that those caught in the devil's snare can "come to their senses and escape." This emphasizes the power of repentance, the liberating truth of the Gospel, and God's grace in delivering individuals from spiritual bondage. Christ is the ultimate fowler who frees the birds from the snare ([[Psalm 124:7]]).
### Summary
The Greek word παγίς (pagís, `{{G3803}}`) fundamentally denotes a "trap" or "snare," literally a device designed to capture, and figuratively a "trick, stratagem, or temptation." In the New Testament, it powerfully illustrates the hidden dangers and deceptive schemes that threaten spiritual well-being. It frequently describes the "snare of the devil" ([[1 Timothy 3:7]], [[2 Timothy 2:26]]), highlighting his active role in spiritual warfare and his attempts to lead individuals into sin or captivity. The desire for wealth is also explicitly identified as a "snare" ([[1 Timothy 6:9]]), leading to destructive lusts and ultimate ruin. Furthermore, pagís can signify a divine consequence, where blessings become a means of judgment for those who reject God ([[Romans 11:9]]). Theologically, pagís underscores the reality of spiritual opposition, human vulnerability, the destructive nature of certain worldly desires, and the critical need for vigilance, repentance, and the liberating power of God's grace to escape these spiritual entanglements.
TRV