Bible Dictionary
Snare
A snare was a concealed trap or noose used to catch birds and animals. Scripture frequently uses it figuratively for temptation, sudden judgment, dangerous schemes, and the devil’s entrapment.
Definition
A snare is a concealed trap or noose used to catch birds or animals. It could be made of hair or wire, set in a favorable place, and concealed so that the creature would not perceive the danger.
Biblical Usage
Scripture frequently uses the snare figuratively for temptation, a deceptive bribe, sudden judgment, death, or a dangerous scheme. It is also called the snare of the devil and describes the suddenness with which the day of judgment may come.
Historical Background
Birds were attracted by scattered grain and caught by nooses. Snares could also be hidden in holes or set for the feet, illustrating the biblical imagery of concealed danger.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
The expression (Amos 3:5), “Shall one take up a snare from the earth?” etc. (Authorized Version), ought to be, as in the Revised Version, “Shall a snare spring up from the ground?” etc. (See GIN.)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>snar (pach; pagis, but brochos, in 1Co 7:35): Over half a dozen Hebrew words are used to indicate different methods of taking birds and animals, of which the snare (pach) is mentioned oftener than any other. It was a noose of hair for small birds, of wire for larger birds or smaller animals. The snares were set in a favorable location and grain scattered to attract the attention of feathered creatures. They accepted the bribe of good feeding and walked into the snare, not suspecting danger. For this reason the snare became particularly applicable in describing a tempting bribe offered by men to lead their fellows into trouble, and the list of references is a long one, all of the same nature. See Ex 10:7; 1Sa 18:21; 28:9; Ps 11:6; 18:5, "snares of death"; used symbolically of anything that may kill: 91:3; 124:7; 140:5; 141:9; Pr 7:23; 13:14; 18:7; 20:25; 22:25; 29:25; Ec 9:12. But this is a people robbed and plundered; they are all of them snared in holes, and they are hid in prison-houses: they are for a prey, and none delivereth; for a spoil, and none saith, Restore" (Isa 41:22). Here it is specified that the snare was in a hole so covered as to conceal it. Jer 18:22 clearly indicates that the digging of a pit to take prey was customary, and also the hiding of the snare for the feet. North American Indians in setting a snare usually figure on catching the bird around the neck. Jer 50:24, "I have laid a snare for thee"; Ho 9:8, "A fowler's snare is in all his ways"; Am 3:5 seems to indicate that the snare was set for the feet; Lu 21:34, "But take heed to yourselves, lest haply .... that day come on you suddenly as a snare"; Ro 11:9, "Let their table be made a snare, and a trap"; 1Co 7:35, "not that I may cast a snare upon you"; 1Ti 3:7, "the snare of the devil"; also 6:9 "But they that are minded to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and hurtful lusts, such as drown men in destruction and perdition."</p><p>See GIN; NET; TRAP.</p><p>Gene Stratton-Porter</p>