מוֹקֵשׁ (mo.qesh)
mo.qesh
snare
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 23 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun moqesh refers to a snare, trap, or bait used to catch animals. Its primary image is that of a noose or net designed to entangle prey, but the word extends into metaphorical territory to describe any source of harm or danger. In the Old Testament, it characterizes situations where a person is caught off guard by unexpected trouble or led into sin.
This word appears frequently in Proverbs and Psalms to illustrate spiritual peril. For instance, Psalm 18:6 speaks of being surrounded by "the snares of death," emphasizing the overwhelming nature of distress. In Proverbs 29:6, it is noted that "sin makes a snare for the wicked," highlighting how wrongful actions create inescapable consequences for those who commit them.
The term also carries a political or social weight when applied to people or policies. Exodus 10:7 asks why Moses should remain if he will be a "snare" to Egypt, implying a cause of trouble or entanglement. Similarly, warnings in Deuteronomy and Joshua caution against foreign alliances that might become snares, turning potential partners into sources of spiritual compromise and danger.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word moqesh describes a snare or trap designed to catch prey unexpectedly. In Scripture, this image moves beyond physical danger to describe spiritual peril. Sin often works like a hidden trap, setting itself up in ways that seem harmless until we are caught. When we choose paths that ignore God’s wisdom, we may find ourselves entangled in consequences we did not foresee.
Yet the Bible also offers clear deliverance from these snares. Proverbs 29:25 reminds us that fear of people is a snare, but trusting in Yahweh brings safety. This promise invites you to rest in God’s protection rather than anxiety about human opinion. When trouble surrounds you, remember that God remains your refuge and strength.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 23 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- <into>/ a snare7×
- a snare4×
- from/ [the] snares of2×
- and/ <into>/ a snare2×
- with/ snares1×
- from/ snares of1×
- and/ [the] snares of1×
- and/ [is] a snare1×
- a snare of1×
- [will be] a snare1×
- [the] snares of1×
- [are] [the] snare of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מוֹקֵ֣שׁ3×
- מִ/מֹּ֥קְשֵׁי3×
- לְ/מוֹקֵֽשׁ\׃3×
- מוֹקֵ֥שׁ2×
- מוֹקֵ֑שׁ2×
- לְ/מוֹקֵ֔שׁ2×
- מֹֽקְשֵׁי\־1×
- לְ/מוֹקֵֽשׁ\׃\ \פ1×
- לְ/מוֹקֵ֖שׁ1×
- וּ֝/מֹקְשׁ֗וֹת1×
- וּ/מוֹקֵ֖שׁ1×
- וּ/לְ/מוֹקֵ֗שׁ1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 29:25
The fear of man proves to be a snare, but whoever puts his trust in Yahweh is kept safe.
This verse contrasts the danger of fearing people with the safety found in trusting Yahweh, showing how moqesh describes a spiritual trap caused by misplaced fear.
-
Psalms 141:9
Keep me from the snare which they have laid for me, from the traps of the workers of iniquity.
David asks God to protect him from snares laid by workers of iniquity, highlighting the word’s use for malicious plots against the righteous.
-
Exodus 23:33
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.”
God warns that serving foreign gods will become a snare, illustrating how idolatry entangles people in spiritual compromise and sin.
-
Proverbs 18:7
A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
Here the word describes how a fool’s own words become a trap for his soul, showing that self-inflicted harm often comes from careless speech.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does moqesh mean in the Bible?
How is moqesh different from other words for trap?
Where does this word appear most often?
Every Occurrence (23 verses across 11 books)
Exodus 3 verses
Pharaoh’s servants said to him, “How long will this man be a snare to us? Let the men go, that they may serve Yahweh,…
Exodus 23:33They shall not dwell in your land, lest they make you sin against me, for if you serve their gods, it will surely be a…
Exodus 34:12Be careful, lest you make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land where you are going, lest it be for a snare among…