θηρεύω (thēreuō)
thēreuō
to hunt/catch
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb thēreuō means to hunt or catch game, describing the active pursuit of an animal. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Luke 11:54, where it is used metaphorically rather than literally. Here, the religious leaders are said to be "lying in wait" for Jesus, seeking to trap Him with questions so they could find grounds for accusation.
This usage draws on the word’s root sense of ensnaring prey. The sources note that it corresponds to Hebrew terms for hunting or catching found in the Old Testament. By applying this aggressive imagery to a theological debate, the text highlights the hostile intent of those questioning Jesus, framing their inquiry not as genuine curiosity but as a strategic attempt to entrap Him.
Translators typically render this as "lie in wait" or "trap," capturing the deceptive and predatory nature of the action. The word’s singular occurrence underscores the intensity of the conflict described in Luke’s Gospel, marking a moment where dialogue turns into a hunt for legal advantage.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word thēreuō paints a vivid picture of someone lying in wait, like a hunter watching for prey. In Luke 11:54, it describes religious leaders who were not seeking Jesus with open hearts, but rather hunting for a mistake they could use against Him. Their questions were traps, designed to catch Him in something He might say so they could bring charges.
This image reminds us that not all conversations are built on trust or truth. Sometimes people approach faith with hidden agendas, looking for ways to discredit rather than understand. Recognising this helps us see the difference between genuine inquiry and hostile intent. It encourages us to guard our hearts and seek dialogue rooted in honesty and respect.
When we face opposition or suspicion, we can remember that Jesus remained calm and truthful even when others were trying to trap Him. His example invites us to respond with integrity, knowing that God sees our intentions and protects those who walk in the light.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to catch1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- θηρεῦσαί1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 11:54
lying in wait for him, and seeking to catch him in something he might say, that they might accuse him.
This verse uses thēreuō to describe how religious leaders actively sought to trap Jesus with questions, revealing their hostile intent rather than genuine curiosity.