Bible Dictionary
TRAP
A trap is a device used to catch birds or animals, often concealed in a hole and covered with branches or leaves. Scripture also uses the image figuratively for hidden dangers, temptations, and judgments that ensnare people.
Definition
A trap is a device used to catch birds or animals. It was probably often a concealed hole covered with twigs or leaves and baited with food, though the term could refer generally to methods of taking creatures.
Biblical Usage
The Bible uses traps literally and figuratively. As an image, a trap represents hidden danger, ensnaring opposition, judgment, or a circumstance that catches people. It is frequently mentioned with a snare, though the two are presented as different devices.
Historical Background
Concealed pits and similar devices were used to take large animals and may also have been used for birds. Descriptions in Job and Isaiah suggest traps or holes hidden in the ground or along a path.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>(moqesh; thera, literally, "hunting," used metaphorically in Psalms and Romans as "trap"): Any of the methods for taking birds; see SNARE; NET; GIN, etc. It is probable that a trap was more particularly a hole in the ground covered with twigs, concealed by leaves and baited with food. Such devices were common in taking the largest animals and may have been used with birds also. Trap is mentioned frequently in connection with snare and in such manner as to indicate that they were different devices: "Know for a certainty that Yahweh your God will no more drive these nations from out of your sight; but they shall be a snare and a trap unto you" (Jos 23:13). Another such reference will be found in Ps 69:22:</p><p>"Let their table before them become a snare;</p><p>And when they are in peace, let it become a trap."</p><p>This is quoted in Ro 11:9: "Let their table be made a snare, and a trap,</p><p>And a stumbling block, and a recompense unto them."</p><p>An instance where a trap alone is referred to can be found in Jer 5:26: "They set a trap, they catch men." Isa 42:22 uses this expression, "snared in holes." This might mean that a snare was placed in a hole, or that the hole was the snare to lure bird or animal to its death. The former proposition is sustained by Job, who says, "A noose is hid for him in the ground, and a trap for him in the way" (18:10). This translation appears as if it were reversed and should read, "A trap is hid for him in the ground and a noose in the way."</p><p>Gene Stratton-Porter</p>