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παγίς

pagís

G3803 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A device or object designed to catch or entrap, most commonly a trap or snare for animals; by extension, any means of entrapment, either literal (physical traps and nets) or metaphorical (plots, schemes, dangers, or causes of downfall). Figuratively, denotes anything that ensnares or leads to difficulty, ruin, or moral failure.

Semantic Range

trap, snare, noose, device for catching animals, scheme for entangling, cause of ruin or downfall, temptation, hidden danger

Root / Etymology

From πήγνυμι (to fasten, fix) with the noun-forming suffix, denoting something fastened or set up to trap. Original sense is a device that is fastened down for the purpose of catching.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, παγίς primarily referred to a physical trap or snare, typically for animals (e.g., nets, spring-traps). The term is found in works of Plato, Xenophon, and later writers. In the Greek translations of Hebrew scriptures (the Septuagint), παγίς frequently renders Hebrew words for traps, snares, and pitfalls (such as פַּח pach and מוֹקֵשׁ moqesh), both in literal contexts (hunting, danger) and figuratively, for dangers to individuals or nations. In the New Testament, παγίς appears only in figurative senses, signifying a source of moral, spiritual, or existential peril: a cause of unexpected ruin, temptation, or evil outcome (e.g., Rom 11:9, 1 Tim 3:7, 6:9). In these contexts, the English 'snare' or 'trap' generally translates the word but may not convey the wider sense of schemes, dangers, or moral entrapments that the Greek term could suggest. Related terms include θήρα (hunt, prey), ἄγκιστρον (hook), and δίκτυον (net), but παγίς emphasizes the act or result of ensnaring. The metaphorical use is common in Hellenistic literature to describe unexpected or hidden dangers.

Translation Consistency

primary "trap" 3 occurrences

"Trap" is the most natural, common English term that covers both the literal device for catching animals and the figurative sense of entanglement, scheme, or cause of downfall. It matches the majority of attested renderings and fits everyday, idiomatic usage for both physical and metaphorical contexts.

Alternatives (2 occurrences):
"snare" (2x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from πήγνυμι; a trap (as fastened by a noose or notch); figuratively, a trick or statagem (temptation):--snare.

Root Family

παγίς (pagis) — trap, snare, device for entrapment, cause of downfall

Root παγ- to fasten, to entrap, to set a trap

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G3803-01 παγίδα pagida N ACC F SG snare a trap a trap 3
G3803-03 παγίς pagis N NOM F SG a snare a trap a snare 1
G3803-02 παγίδος pagidos N GEN F SG snare of a trap snare 1

Occurrences in Scripture

5 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G3803-03 Luke 21:35 παγίς pagis N NOM F SG a snare a trap a snare
G3803-01 Romans 11:9 παγίδα pagida N ACC F SG snare a trap a trap
G3803-01 1 Timothy 3:7 παγίδα pagida N ACC F SG snare a trap a trap
G3803-01 1 Timothy 6:9 παγίδα pagida N ACC F SG a snare a trap a trap
G3803-02 2 Timothy 2:26 παγίδος pagidos N GEN F SG snare of a trap snare
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