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 term `{{H4170}}` (מוֹקֵשׁ, *môwqêsh*) primarily denotes a "noose" or "snare" used for catching animals. Derived from the root `{{H3369}}` (יָקֹשׁ, *yaqōsh*), meaning "to lay a snare" or "to catch," `{{H4170}}` fundamentally describes an instrument of entrapment. Its semantic range extends significantly beyond the literal hunting device. Figuratively, it represents anything that ensnares, entraps, or causes one to stumble into danger, ruin, or sin. This can include temptations, moral pitfalls, the consequences of unrighteous actions, or the malicious plots of adversaries. The base definition also includes the nuance of "a hook (for the nose)," implying a means of control or subjugation, though this specific application is less frequent than the "snare" imagery. Thus, `{{H4170}}` encapsulates the idea of a hidden danger designed to capture and hold its victim, whether physically, morally, or spiritually.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H4170}}` appears approximately 28 times in the Hebrew Bible, manifesting in both literal and, more predominantly, figurative contexts.
1. **Literal Sense (Animal Trapping):** In its most direct application, `{{H4170}}` refers to a physical trap. For instance, [[Amos 3:5]] asks rhetorically, "Does a bird fall into a snare on the earth, when there is no trap for it?" Here, `{{H4170}}` is a concrete device for capture.
2. **Idolatry and Foreign Alliances as Snares:** A prominent theological use of `{{H4170}}` is to describe the spiritual danger posed by pagan practices and foreign peoples. God repeatedly warns Israel that the inhabitants of Canaan and their gods would become a "snare" (`{{H4170}}`) to them if not utterly removed. [[Exodus 23:33]] declares, "They shall not dwell in your land, lest they make you sin against Me; for if you serve their gods, it will surely be a snare to you." Similarly, [[Deuteronomy 7:16]] and [[Judges 2:3]] reiterate this warning, emphasizing how idolatry leads to spiritual compromise and judgment. This highlights `{{H4170}}` as a spiritual trap that leads to covenant unfaithfulness.
3. **Sin and Folly as Snares:** The wisdom literature frequently employs `{{H4170}}` to depict the perilous consequences of sin, folly, and unrighteous living. [[Proverbs 29:6]] states, "An evil man is ensnared by his transgression, but a righteous man sings and rejoices." Here, sin itself becomes the `{{H4170}}` that entraps the wicked. [[Proverbs 22:5]] warns against "thorns and snares" in the way of the perverse. [[Ecclesiastes 7:26]] famously describes the wicked woman as "more bitter than death... her heart is snares and nets." In these contexts, `{{H4170}}` underscores the self-destructive nature of ungodly choices.
4. **Enemies' Plots and Malice:** The Psalms often portray `{{H4170}}` as a device set by adversaries to harm the righteous. [[Psalm 140:5]] laments, "The proud have hidden a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set traps for me." The psalmist frequently prays for deliverance from such malicious `{{H4170}}` (e.g., [[Psalm 141:9]]).
5. **Divine Judgment:** Occasionally, `{{H4170}}` can represent a means of divine judgment, where the wicked are caught in their own devices or by God's decree. [[Psalm 69:22]] is a striking example, prophesying, "Let their table become a snare before them, and their well-being a trap." This implies that what was intended for their good or their own schemes will turn into their downfall. [[Jeremiah 50:24]] describes Babylon being caught in a snare it did not know.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of entrapment is pervasive in the Hebrew Bible, and `{{H4170}}` shares semantic space with several related terms and ideas:
* **`{{H3369}}` (יָקֹשׁ, *yaqōsh*):** The verbal root from which `{{H4170}}` is derived, meaning "to lay a snare," "to ensnare," or "to hunt." This root emphasizes the active process of setting the trap.
* **`{{H6341}}` (פַּח, *pach*):** Another common word for "snare" or "trap," often used interchangeably or in parallel with `{{H4170}}`. [[Psalm 91:3]] speaks of deliverance "from the snare of the fowler" (`{{H6341}}`), a context where `{{H4170}}` could easily fit. Both terms signify a hidden danger.
* **`{{H4685}}` (מַצּוּדָה, *matzudah*):** Refers to a "net" or "hunting net," often implying a more extensive capture device.
* **`{{H7568}}` (רֶשֶׁת, *reshet*):** Another term for "net," particularly a fishing net, but also used figuratively for entrapment.
* **`{{H6351}}` (פַּחַד, *pachad*):** While meaning "terror" or "dread," it can be associated with the fear induced by a trap or sudden danger.
* **`{{H4171}}` (מוֹקֵד, *moqed*):** Though similar in spelling, this word means "burning" or "hearth" and is semantically distinct, highlighting the importance of precise Strong's number reference.
The conceptual network surrounding `{{H4170}}` thus includes notions of hidden danger, temptation, deception, moral pitfalls, and the consequences of unrighteous actions.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H4170}}` is profound, underscoring both divine warning and human vulnerability.
1. **Divine Warning and Covenant Fidelity:** God frequently uses the imagery of `{{H4170}}` to warn His people against anything that would compromise their covenant relationship with Him. Idolatry, intermarriage with foreign nations, and embracing pagan customs are repeatedly identified as "snares" (`{{H4170}}`) that lead to spiritual apostasy and divine judgment. This highlights God's protective love and His desire for Israel's exclusive devotion. The `{{H4170}}` is not merely a danger but a test of faithfulness.
2. **The Peril of Sin:** `{{H4170}}` serves as a powerful metaphor for the deceptive and destructive nature of sin. Sin often appears alluring, but it is ultimately a trap that ensnares the individual, leading to bondage, suffering, and separation from God. The Proverbs particularly emphasize how one's own choices, especially unrighteous ones, can become a `{{H4170}}` from which escape is difficult. This conveys a deep theological truth about personal responsibility and the inherent consequences of moral transgression.
3. **Human Vulnerability and God's Deliverance:** The frequent prayers in the Psalms for deliverance from the `{{H4170}}` of enemies or the wicked underscore humanity's inherent vulnerability to external malicious forces and internal moral failings. Yet, these prayers are often expressions of faith in God as the ultimate deliverer. [[Psalm 91:3]] beautifully proclaims, "Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence." This demonstrates God's sovereignty and His faithfulness to rescue those who trust in Him, emphasizing His role as the one who breaks the bonds of the `{{H4170}}`.
4. **Justice and Retribution:** In certain contexts, `{{H4170}}` also functions as an instrument of divine justice. The wicked, who set snares for others, are often themselves caught in their own `{{H4170}}` (e.g., [[Psalm 69:22]]). This illustrates the principle of *lex talionis* and God's righteous judgment, where the consequences of evil deeds rebound upon the perpetrator.
### Summary
`{{H4170}}` (מוֹקֵשׁ, *môwqêsh*) is a rich Hebrew term primarily signifying a "noose" or "snare." While literally referring to an animal trap, its dominant biblical usage is figurative, depicting a wide array of dangers and entrapments. These include the spiritual perils of idolatry and foreign influences, the self-destructive consequences of sin and folly, and the malicious plots of human adversaries. The theological significance of `{{H4170}}` is multifaceted: it serves as a divine warning against anything that compromises covenant faithfulness, highlights the deceptive and binding nature of sin, underscores human vulnerability, and ultimately points to God as the faithful Deliverer who breaks the snares and ensures justice. The concept of `{{H4170}}` thus encapsulates the biblical understanding of hidden dangers, moral pitfalls, and the ever-present need for divine guidance and rescue.
TRV