Psalms 141:9
Keep me from the snares which they have laid for me, and the gins of the workers of iniquity.
Original Language Analysis
שָׁמְרֵ֗נִי
Keep
H8104
שָׁמְרֵ֗נִי
Keep
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
1 of 8
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
מִ֣ידֵי
me from the snares
H3027
מִ֣ידֵי
me from the snares
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
2 of 8
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
יָ֣קְשׁוּ
which they have laid
H3369
יָ֣קְשׁוּ
which they have laid
Strong's:
H3369
Word #:
4 of 8
to ensnare (literally or figuratively)
וּ֝מֹקְשׁ֗וֹת
for me and the gins
H4170
וּ֝מֹקְשׁ֗וֹת
for me and the gins
Strong's:
H4170
Word #:
6 of 8
a noose (for catching animals) (literally or figuratively); by implication, a hook (for the nose)
Cross References
Psalms 140:5The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set gins for me. Selah.Psalms 119:110The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts.Proverbs 13:14The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.Psalms 38:12They also that seek after my life lay snares for me: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long.Luke 20:20And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.Psalms 142:3When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.Jeremiah 18:22Let a cry be heard from their houses, when thou shalt bring a troop suddenly upon them: for they have digged a pit to take me, and hid snares for my feet.
Historical Context
Hunters used snares for animals. Metaphor describes conspiracies against David—Saul's pursuit, Absalom's rebellion, court intrigues.
Questions for Reflection
- What snares do you need God's protection from?
- How does awareness of enemy schemes affect prayer?
- How does "deliver us from evil" echo this?
Analysis & Commentary
Keep me from the snares which they have laid for me, and the gins of the workers of iniquity. Snare/trap imagery depicts premeditated schemes. Prayer acknowledges vulnerability while trusting God's protection.