παγίς (pagis)
pagis
trap
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun pagis refers to a physical trap or snare, specifically one used to catch birds. In its literal sense, it describes the noose or device that entangles prey unexpectedly. The sources note that this imagery relies on the suddenness of capture; victims are caught unawares, highlighting the element of surprise inherent in the danger.
Scripture frequently uses this concrete image metaphorically to describe spiritual peril. In Luke 21:35, Jesus warns against being caught by the "snares" of worldly anxieties and sudden tribulation. Paul applies the term in First Timothy to describe how the desire for wealth can lead people into ruin, while also noting that a church leader must not fall into the devil’s trap (1 Timothy 3:7). Romans 11:9 quotes the Psalms, describing how such snares become a snare and a stumbling block for those who reject God.
The word carries significant theological weight by personifying sin as a deceptive mechanism. It is not merely a mistake but an entrapment set by hostile forces. Translators consistently render it as "trap" or "snare," preserving the sense of being bound and held against one’s will by external allurements.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word pagis describes a physical trap or snare, often used for catching birds. It highlights how sudden capture can happen when we are not looking. In our daily lives, this reminds us that spiritual dangers often arrive as unexpected surprises rather than obvious threats.
Jesus warns in Luke 21:35 that such snares can come upon all who dwell on the earth. This means worldly anxieties and sudden troubles can entangle anyone if we are not vigilant. It is not about fear, but about staying awake and aware of what truly matters.
We find hope in the fact that deliverance is possible. Second Timothy 2:26 speaks of recovering from the devil’s snare. This shows that God provides a way out even when we feel caught. We can look to His guidance to avoid these hidden dangers and walk in freedom.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a snare2×
- snare1×
- a snare;1×
- [the] snare1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- παγίδα3×
- παγίς·1×
- παγίδος1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 21:35
For it will come like a snare on all those who dwell on the surface of all the earth.
Jesus uses this term to warn that spiritual blindness will catch unprepared people suddenly, emphasizing the need for constant vigilance against worldly anxieties.
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I Timothy 6:9
But those who are determined to be rich fall into a temptation, a snare, and many foolish and harmful lusts, such as drown men in ruin and destruction.
Paul identifies the desire for wealth as a specific snare that leads to ruin, showing how internal greed can become an external trap.
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II Timothy 2:26
and they may recover themselves out of the devil’s snare, having been taken captive by him to do his will.
This verse offers hope by describing recovery from the devil's snare, indicating that those taken captive can be restored to do God's will.