a primitive root; to ensnare (literally or figuratively); fowler (lay a) snare.
Transliteration:yâqôsh
Pronunciation:yaw-koshe'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root יָקֹשׁ (yâqôsh, `{{H3369}}`) is a primitive verb primarily conveying the action of "to ensnare" or "to trap." Its semantic range extends from the literal act of catching birds or animals in a physical trap to a wide array of figurative uses. Literally, it describes the work of a fowler (יָקוֹשׁ, `{{H3353}}`) who lays snares or nets to capture prey. Figuratively, the verb denotes being caught by deception, cunning schemes, the consequences of one's own words or actions, or the inevitable judgment of God. The core meaning implies a sudden, often unseen, and difficult-to-escape capture, highlighting the vulnerability of the ensnared and the often malicious intent or overwhelming power of the ensnarer.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb יָקֹשׁ (yâqôsh, `{{H3369}}`) appears in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, illustrating its diverse applications:
* **Literal Trapping:** In [[Amos 3:5]], the rhetorical question, "Does a bird fall into a snare on the earth, when there is no trap for it?" uses the passive form of the verb to speak of a bird being caught, directly linking the act of trapping with the physical presence of a snare. This verse emphasizes cause and effect, implying that every capture has a deliberate cause. Similarly, [[Job 40:24]] asks if Leviathan can be taken with snares, highlighting the impossibility of trapping such a creature.
* **Figurative Ensnarement by Enemies:** Often, the verb describes the malicious intent of human adversaries. [[Psalm 38:12]] laments, "Those who seek my life lay snares for me," portraying the psalmist's enemies as actively plotting his downfall. The prayer in [[Psalm 141:9]], "Keep me from the snares which they have laid for me," further underscores this danger and the plea for divine protection.
* **Ensnarement by One's Own Actions/Words:** [[Proverbs 6:2]] offers a potent warning: "You are snared by the words of your mouth; you are caught by the words of your mouth." Here, the passive form of יָקֹשׁ (yâqôsh, `{{H3369}}`) powerfully illustrates how one's own careless or ill-considered speech can lead to self-inflicted trouble, emphasizing personal responsibility for consequences.
* **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty:** In a striking application, God Himself is depicted as the one who ensnares. [[Jeremiah 50:24]] declares concerning Babylon, "I have laid a snare for you, and you were caught, O Babylon, and you did not know it." This usage highlights God's sovereign control over nations and His righteous judgment, which often comes unexpectedly and inescapably upon those who oppose Him.
* **Vulnerability to Unexpected Calamity:** [[Ecclesiastes 9:12]] uses the imagery of being "caught in a snare" to describe the sudden and unpredictable nature of human misfortune: "For man also does not know his time: like fish caught in a cruel net, and like birds caught in a snare." This points to the universal human condition of vulnerability to unforeseen events.
* **Deliverance from Snares:** The theme of deliverance from snares is prominent, especially in the Psalms. [[Psalm 124:7]] joyfully proclaims, "Our soul has escaped as a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped." This verse uses the passive form to describe escaping the trap, celebrating divine rescue from imminent danger.
### Related Words & Concepts
The verb יָקֹשׁ (yâqôsh, `{{H3369}}`) is part of a rich semantic field related to trapping and capture in the Hebrew Bible. Key related terms include:
* **Nouns:**
* יָקוֹשׁ (yâqôsh, `{{H3353}}`): This noun is derived directly from the verb and means "fowler" or "trapper"—the one who lays the snare.
* מּוֹקֵשׁ (môqēsh, `{{H4170}}`): A common noun meaning "snare," "trap," or "gin." It often refers to the physical device used for catching but can also denote a metaphorical trap or stumbling block. It is frequently associated with the act of ensnaring.
* פַּח (pach, `{{H6341}}`): Another prevalent noun for "snare," "trap," or "net," often used in parallel with מּוֹקֵשׁ (môqēsh, `{{H4170}}`) to emphasize the danger of entrapment.
* **Verbs:**
* לָכַד (lākad, `{{H3920}}`): "To catch," "to seize," "to capture." While broader in meaning, it often describes the successful outcome of the act of ensnaring.
* צוּד (tsûd, `{{H6679}}`): "To hunt," "to chase." This verb describes the pursuit leading to a capture, often by means of a trap.
* **Concepts:** Deception, ambush, entrapment, sudden judgment, vulnerability, spiritual warfare, cunning, and deliverance. The imagery of the snare is a powerful metaphor for the dangers and unforeseen perils of life, both physical and spiritual.
### Theological Significance
The theological implications of יָקֹשׁ (yâqôsh, `{{H3369}}`) are profound and multifaceted:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Justice:** The most striking theological application is God's role as the ultimate ensnarer. When God "lays a snare" for nations like Babylon ([[Jeremiah 50:24]]), it underscores His absolute sovereignty over human affairs and His righteous judgment against wickedness. This demonstrates that no power, however mighty, can escape His determined will and justice.
* **Human Vulnerability and the Consequences of Sin:** The frequent portrayal of humans being "snared" by their own actions ([[Proverbs 6:2]]) highlights the inherent vulnerability of humanity to sin and folly. Sin itself is depicted as a trap, leading to inevitable consequences. This imagery serves as a cautionary tale, urging wisdom and careful living.
* **Spiritual Warfare and the Schemes of Evil:** The "snare of the fowler" is a potent metaphor for the insidious schemes of spiritual adversaries or wicked individuals ([[Psalm 141:9]]). It reminds believers that they are engaged in a spiritual battle where cunning traps are set to lead them astray or cause their downfall.
* **The Necessity of Divine Deliverance:** Counterbalancing the threat of being ensnared is the consistent theme of divine deliverance. The psalmist's joy in escaping the fowler's snare ([[Psalm 124:7]]) is a powerful testament to God's faithfulness as a deliverer. This emphasizes reliance on God for protection and rescue from all forms of danger, whether physical or spiritual. The imagery provides hope and assurance that even when caught in seemingly inescapable situations, God can break the snare and set His people free.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb יָקֹשׁ (yâqôsh, `{{H3369}}`) is a potent and versatile term meaning "to ensnare" or "to trap." While literally referring to the act of a fowler catching prey, its primary biblical significance lies in its extensive figurative usage. It vividly portrays the sudden, often unseen, and inescapable nature of capture, whether by human enemies, one's own folly, or the righteous judgment of God. Closely associated with terms like "snare" (מּוֹקֵשׁ, `{{H4170}}`; פַּח, `{{H6341}}`) and "fowler" (יָקוֹשׁ, `{{H3353}}`), יָקֹשׁ (yâqôsh, `{{H3369}}`) creates a powerful semantic field around the concept of entrapment. Theologically, it underscores God's sovereign control over judgment, highlights human vulnerability to sin and the schemes of evil, and ultimately celebrates God's role as the ultimate deliverer who breaks the snares and sets His people free, offering both warning and profound hope.
TRV