קוּשׁ (qosh)
qosh
to lure
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb qosh means to set a trap by placing bait or a lure to catch prey. It appears only once in the Old Testament, found in Isaiah 29:21. In this context, it describes those who pervert justice in legal proceedings by setting traps for the innocent.
This single occurrence gives the word a sharp, specific focus on deceit rather than general hunting. The image is not of open pursuit but of hidden enticement designed to ensnare someone unfairly. Translators often render this as "lay snare" or "set trap," capturing the deliberate and dishonest nature of the act.
Understanding qosh highlights the severity of the injustice Isaiah condemns. It is not merely a mistake in judgment but a calculated effort to entrap others for wrongful gain. This rare usage underscores the biblical emphasis on integrity in legal and social relationships.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew verb qosh describes the act of setting a trap using bait to catch prey. In Isaiah 29:21, this image is applied to corrupt legal proceedings where justice is perverted. Those who use this method do not seek truth but aim to ensnare the innocent through deceitful words and false testimony. This rare word highlights the severity of such injustice, showing it as a calculated effort to harm others for wrongful gain.
For your faith life, this reminds us of the value of integrity in all relationships. When we speak or act, we should avoid any form of manipulation or entrapment. Instead, let our words be honest and our actions fair, reflecting God's desire for justice and truth. May you find peace in knowing that God sees through all deceit and upholds what is right.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they lay a trap/ !1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יְקֹשׁ֑וּ/ן1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 29:21
who cause a person to be indicted by a word, and lay a snare for one who reproves in the gate, and who deprive the innocent of justice with false testimony.
This verse uses the word to describe corrupt judges who set traps for the innocent through false accusations, highlighting the deliberate nature of their injustice.