G3802

Unveiling the Word

The Greek verb παγιδεύω (pagideuō) means “to trap” or “to ensnare.” This term is used in the New Testament to depict situations where individuals or groups attempt to catch someone in a trap, often metaphorically in a moral or legal sense. It can signify the act of laying traps for others, highlighting the theme of deception or entrapment. In Matthew 22:15, for example, the Pharisees plot to entangle Jesus in His words, demonstrating their intention to ensnare Him into a rhetorical trap. The significance of this word lies in its ability to convey the dynamics of confrontation and opposition faced by Jesus and His followers, revealing the manipulative strategies employed by His adversaries.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: παγιδεύω, pronounced [pa-gee-DEH-oo].

Etymology: The word comes from the root πάγος (pagos), meaning “a trap” or “snare.” The prefix “πα-” suggests an intensification or engagement in the action of ensnaring.

Part of Speech: παγιδεύω is a verb, specifically in the present tense, indicating an ongoing action. It can be conjugated in various forms based on the subject and tense.

Defining Meanings

To Trap: The primary meaning of παγιδεύω is to catch or ensnare someone, typically referring to physical or metaphorical traps.

To Entangle: The term can also imply the act of creating a situation where someone is caught in a dilemma, particularly in arguments or debates.

To Deceive: In a broader sense, παγιδεύω denotes the act of leading someone into a deceptive situation, often with malicious intent.

Exploring Similar Words

παγίς (pagis) [PAH-gees]: This noun means “trap” or “snare.” While παγιδεύω refers to the action of trapping, παγίς is the object used to accomplish that action.

ἀπάτη (apate) [ah-PAH-tay]: Meaning “deceit” or “fraud,” this noun captures the essence of trickery involved in entrapment, focusing more on the deceitful nature rather than the physical act of trapping.

συμβάλλω (sumballō) [soom-BAH-lo]: Meaning “to throw together,” this verb can indicate a more general sense of combining efforts, sometimes in a context that can lead to entrapment or deception.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For Verbs:

• Tense, Voice, Mood: The verb is primarily used in the present indicative active form, conveying ongoing action. For example, it can be used as “I trap” or “I am trapping.”

• Person and Number: Conjugation varies by person (1st, 2nd, 3rd) and number (singular, plural). In the 1st person singular, it would be “παγιδεύω” (I trap).

• Aspect: The aspect here is imperfective, indicating that the action is ongoing or habitual rather than completed.

Studying Lexicon Insights

In biblical contexts, παγιδεύω is often associated with the cunning tactics of opponents of Jesus, reflecting the broader theme of conflict between truth and deception. Lexicons highlight how the term encapsulates both literal trapping and metaphorical entrapment in arguments, emphasizing the manipulative behaviors seen in the Gospels. The theological implications include the recognition of human deception and the challenges faced by believers amidst worldly opposition. Variations in usage across different texts underscore the persistence of this theme throughout scripture.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

Matthew 22:15: “Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk.”

Luke 20:20: “And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words.”

Mark 12:13: “And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Example 1: Aristophanes, The Clouds: “He sought to trap [παγιδεύω] the simple in the complexities of argument.”

Example 2: Plato, The Republic: “The rulers might be ensnared by their own traps of rhetoric.”

Example 3: Xenophon, Memorabilia: “The cunning hunters would set their traps [παγίς] along the path.”

Septuagint Example 1: Proverbs 1:17: “Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird.”

Septuagint Example 2: Psalms 124:7: “Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare [παγίς] of the fowlers.”

Septuagint Example 3: Ecclesiastes 9:12: “For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare [παγίς].”

Noteworthy Summary

The verb παγιδεύω (pagideuō) represents the act of trapping or ensnaring, often in the context of deception and conflict. Its use in the New Testament highlights the adversarial tactics of those who oppose Jesus, emphasizing themes of entrapment in moral and spiritual battles.

Did You Know?

1. The term is frequently used in the context of debates and discussions in the Gospels, reflecting the political and religious tensions of the time.

2. Phrases involving παγιδεύω often illustrate the struggle between wisdom and folly, urging believers to remain vigilant against deception.

3. The concept of entrapment is not only limited to physical traps but extends to intellectual and spiritual challenges faced by followers of Christ.

Strong’s G3802: παγιδεύω (pagideuō) means “to trap” or “to ensnare,” representing the act of deceiving or leading others into a predicament, encapsulating the challenges faced by believers amidst opposition.