Proverbs 29:6
In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice.
Original Language Analysis
בְּפֶ֤שַֽׁע
In the transgression
H6588
בְּפֶ֤שַֽׁע
In the transgression
Strong's:
H6588
Word #:
1 of 7
a revolt (national, moral or religious)
אִ֣ישׁ
man
H376
אִ֣ישׁ
man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
2 of 7
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
מוֹקֵ֑שׁ
there is a snare
H4170
מוֹקֵ֑שׁ
there is a snare
Strong's:
H4170
Word #:
4 of 7
a noose (for catching animals) (literally or figuratively); by implication, a hook (for the nose)
Cross References
Ecclesiastes 9:12For 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; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them.Exodus 15:1Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.2 Timothy 2:26And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.Psalms 118:15The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.Psalms 97:11Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.Psalms 11:6Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup.
Historical Context
Solomon's wisdom literature emphasized the cause-and-effect nature of moral choices in covenant community. Written around 950 BC, these proverbs served as instruction for young men learning statecraft and wisdom. The imagery of snares was familiar from hunting practices and enemy warfare tactics common in ancient Israel.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'snares' have you created through your own moral compromises, and how does repentance offer escape?
- How does the joy of righteousness contrast with the anxiety and bondage of hidden sin in your life?
- In what ways do you see self-deception functioning as a 'snare' that keeps people trapped in destructive patterns?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare (בְּפֶשַׁע אִישׁ רָע מוֹקֵשׁ)—the Hebrew môqēš (snare/trap) depicts sin as self-entrapment. Evil men (אִישׁ רָע, ish ra) become ensnared by their own transgressions (pesha, rebellion against moral order), whereas the righteous doth sing and rejoice (יָרוֹן וְשָׂמֵחַ, yaron v'sameach). The contrast is stark: wickedness produces bondage, righteousness produces freedom and joy.
This principle echoes throughout Scripture—Psalm 7:15-16 depicts the wicked digging a pit and falling into it themselves. The 'snare' is not external punishment but the inherent consequence of moral rebellion. Paul later affirms this in Galatians 6:7: 'whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.'