a primitive root; to entrap (with a noose), literally or figuratively; catch (lay a) snare.
Transliteration:nâqash
Pronunciation:naw-kash'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb נָקַשׁ (nâqash), Strong's H5367, is a primitive root primarily signifying "to entrap" or "to lay a snare." Its most literal application refers to the act of setting a physical trap, often with a noose, to catch an animal or a person. This implies an element of stealth, cunning, and often malice, as the intention is to capture an unsuspecting target. The semantic range extends powerfully into the figurative realm, describing various forms of entrapment:
1. **Physical Entrapment:** The literal act of setting a snare for game or for an enemy.
2. **Moral/Spiritual Entrapment:** Being caught in sin, temptation, or the consequences of one's own actions or the schemes of others. This can involve deception, leading astray, or being entangled in destructive patterns.
3. **Judgmental Entrapment:** God's action of allowing or orchestrating circumstances that lead to the capture or downfall of the wicked, often as a form of divine retribution.
The core idea is always one of being caught unawares, often by a hidden or cleverly laid device, leading to a state of being bound or brought low.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb נָקַשׁ (nâqash) appears in various contexts across the Old Testament, illustrating its diverse applications:
* **In the Context of Enemies and the Wicked:** Often, the wicked or one's adversaries are depicted as those who "lay snares" (נָקַשׁ) for the righteous. In [[Psalm 38:12]], the psalmist laments, "Those who seek my life lay snares (יְנַקְּשׁוּ); those who seek my hurt speak of ruin." Here, the act of snaring is synonymous with plotting evil and destruction. Similarly, [[Psalm 109:11]] invokes a curse where "the oppressor lay a snare (יְנַקֵּשׁ) for him," implying a desire for the enemy's complete ruin and capture. This highlights the malicious intent behind such actions.
* **Warning Against Moral Entrapment:** Proverbs utilizes נָקַשׁ to caution against falling into harmful situations or associations. [[Proverbs 22:25]] warns against associating with an angry person, "lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare (וְלָקַחְתָּ מוֹקֵשׁ לְנַפְשֶׁךָ)." While the verb form here is not nâqash, the concept of "taking a snare for oneself" is closely related, referring to self-entrapment through poor choices. However, the direct usage in [[Proverbs 13:14]] (though a different word, môqēš, the concept is parallel) and the general wisdom literature theme of avoiding "snares" (which nâqash describes the action of laying) is pervasive.
* **Divine Judgment and Entrapment:** Occasionally, God Himself is depicted as the one who orchestrates circumstances that lead to the "snaring" of nations or individuals as a form of judgment. In [[Jeremiah 50:24]], speaking of Babylon's fall, it is declared, "I set a snare (יָקַשְׁתִּי) for you, O Babylon, and you were caught, and you did not know it." Here, God is the active agent, and the snaring is a decisive, unexpected act of divine retribution. This underscores God's sovereignty even over the schemes of nations.
* **Prophetic Warnings of National Entrapment:** In prophetic literature, the laying of snares can symbolize the impending doom or the spiritual corruption that leads to a nation's downfall. [[Hosea 5:1]] pronounces judgment: "Hear this, O priests! Pay attention, O house of Israel! Give ear, O house of the king! For the judgment is for you; for you have been a snare (הֱיִיתֶם פַּח) at Mizpah, and a net spread (וְרֶשֶׁת פְּרוּשָׂה) upon Tabor." While nâqash isn't directly used here, the imagery of snares and nets is prominent, and nâqash would describe the action of setting such traps, highlighting the spiritual danger they posed.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of "snaring" is often expressed or paralleled with several other Hebrew terms, enriching its semantic field:
* **`{{H6341}}` פַּח (pach):** This noun refers to a "snare" or "trap" itself, often specifically a bird trap. It frequently appears in parallel with nâqash, where nâqash describes the action of laying the pach. For example, [[Psalm 124:7]] speaks of deliverance: "Our soul has escaped as a bird from the snare (מִפַּח) of the fowlers; the snare (הַפַּח) is broken, and we have escaped."
* **`{{H4686}}` מוֹקֵשׁ (môqēš):** Another common noun for "snare" or "trap," often denoting a bait-trap or a noose. It can also refer to a "stumbling block" or "temptation." Like pach, it describes the instrument of entrapment, while nâqash is the act. For instance, [[Proverbs 22:25]] (as noted above) uses môqēš in the context of self-entrapment.
* **`{{H7568}}` רֶשֶׁת (reshet):** This noun refers to a "net," typically for hunting or fishing. It shares the concept of catching or entangling.
* **`{{H6654}}` צוּד (tsud):** This verb means "to hunt" or "to lie in wait," often with the intention of trapping. It describes the broader activity that nâqash is a specific part of.
These terms collectively paint a picture of danger, deception, and the pervasive threat of being caught unawares, whether by human enemies, the allure of sin, or divine judgment. Nâqash specifically emphasizes the *active process* of setting the trap, highlighting the intentionality and often the malicious design behind it.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of נָקַשׁ (nâqash) is multifaceted:
* **The Insidious Nature of Evil:** The act of laying a snare underscores the cunning, deceptive, and often hidden nature of evil and malicious intent. It speaks to the spiritual warfare faced by the righteous, where adversaries do not always confront directly but seek to entrap subtly.
* **Divine Protection and Deliverance:** Despite the prevalence of snares laid by the wicked, a recurring theological theme is God's power to deliver His people from such traps. [[Psalm 91:3]] famously declares, "He will deliver you from the snare (מִפַּח) of the fowler." This highlights God as the ultimate protector and rescuer, who breaks the snares of the enemy and sets His people free.
* **Warning Against Sin and Folly:** The concept of being snared also serves as a potent warning against the allure of sin and the consequences of foolish choices. Just as a hunter's snare leads to capture, so too does sin lead to spiritual bondage and destruction. This calls for wisdom, discernment, and adherence to God's commands to avoid self-inflicted entrapment.
* **God's Just Judgment:** While often a tool of the wicked, nâqash can also describe God's righteous judgment. When God "lays a snare," it is an act of sovereign justice, demonstrating His control over history and His ability to bring the proud and the wicked to account, often through the very schemes they devise.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb נָקַשׁ (nâqash), meaning "to entrap" or "to lay a snare," describes the deliberate and often cunning act of setting a trap. Its usage extends from literal hunting and warfare to figurative representations of moral, spiritual, and judgmental entrapment. In the biblical narrative, nâqash frequently depicts the malicious intent of human adversaries who seek to ensnare the righteous, highlighting the insidious nature of evil. The concept also serves as a profound warning against the dangers of sin and folly, which can lead to self-inflicted spiritual bondage. Theologically, nâqash powerfully underscores God's role as the ultimate deliverer from all snares, demonstrating His protective care for His people, while also affirming His sovereign power to use "snaring" as an instrument of His righteous judgment against the wicked.
TRV