or מֹקֵשׁ; from יָקֹשׁ; a noose (for catching animals) (literally or figuratively); by implication, a hook (for the nose); be ensnared, gin, (is) snare(-d), trap.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **môwqêsh**, represented by `{{H4170}}`, refers to a noose, snare, or trap, used for catching animals. It appears 27 times in 27 unique verses. While it can describe a literal device, it is more often used figuratively to represent a source of entanglement or ruin, whether through temptation, personal failing, or the schemes of enemies.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H4170}}` is frequently used to warn against spiritual and moral dangers. The Israelites were cautioned that serving the gods of other nations would be a **snare** to them ([[Deuteronomy 7:16]], [[Exodus 23:33]], [[Psalms 106:36]]). Similarly, making a covenant with the inhabitants of the land was forbidden, "lest it be for a **snare** in the midst of thee" [[Exodus 34:12]]. The term also describes the consequences of personal sin, such as in [[Proverbs 18:7]], which states that a fool's lips "are the **snare** of his soul." In a more literal sense, it depicts traps set by the wicked for the righteous [[Psalms 140:5]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of trapping and danger:
* `{{H6341}}` **pach** (gin, snare): This term often appears alongside `{{H4170}}` to describe a trap or spring net. In [[Joshua 23:13]], the nations are warned they will become "snares{H6341} and traps{H4170}" to Israel.
* `{{H7568}}` **resheth** (net): This word for a hunting net is used to illustrate the schemes of the proud, who "have spread a **net** by the wayside" and set "gins{H4170}" [[Psalms 140:5]].
* `{{H2256}}` **chebel** (cord, rope, snare): Denoting the ropes or cords used in a trap, this word is used in parallel with `{{H4170}}` to describe the "sorrows{H2256} of hell" and the "**snares** of death" ([[2 Samuel 22:6]], [[Psalms 18:5]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4170}}` is centered on the sources of spiritual and physical peril.
* **Idolatry as a Snare:** A primary theme is that turning away from God to worship idols or follow the ways of other nations is a direct path to ruin. This is seen in the warnings given to Israel regarding foreign gods and alliances ([[Judges 2:3]], [[Exodus 23:33]]).
* **Sin as a Self-laid Trap:** The book of Proverbs uses `{{H4170}}` to illustrate how an individual's own flaws—such as foolish speech, transgression, or the fear of man—can become the instrument of their own downfall ([[Proverbs 18:7]], [[Proverbs 29:6]], [[Proverbs 29:25]]).
* **The Snares of Death:** The term is used to personify death and the grave as a hunter laying traps for the living, as expressed in the psalmist's cry that "the **snares**{H4170} of death{H4194} prevented me" [[Psalms 18:5]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4170}}` is a powerful biblical metaphor for any force or failing that entraps and leads to destruction. It illustrates how external temptations, like idolatry, and internal weaknesses, like sinful speech, function as traps that can entangle a person or a nation. The word serves as a recurring warning of the consequences of disobedience and the mortal dangers posed by wickedness.
TRV