Romans 11:9
And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompence unto them:
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λέγει
saith
G3004
λέγει
saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
3 of 19
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Γενηθήτω
Let
G1096
Γενηθήτω
Let
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
4 of 19
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τράπεζα
table
G5132
τράπεζα
table
Strong's:
G5132
Word #:
6 of 19
a table or stool (as being four-legged), usually for food (figuratively, a meal); also a counter for money (figuratively, a broker's office for loans
αὐτοῖς
their
G846
αὐτοῖς
their
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 19
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
εἰς
a recompence
G1519
εἰς
a recompence
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
8 of 19
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
παγίδα
G3803
παγίδα
Strong's:
G3803
Word #:
9 of 19
a trap (as fastened by a noose or notch); figuratively, a trick or statagem (temptation)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰς
a recompence
G1519
εἰς
a recompence
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
11 of 19
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰς
a recompence
G1519
εἰς
a recompence
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
14 of 19
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
σκάνδαλον
G4625
σκάνδαλον
Strong's:
G4625
Word #:
15 of 19
a trap-stick (bent sapling), i.e., snare (figuratively, cause of displeasure or sin)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
Psalm 69 is highly Messianic—quoted multiple times in the NT regarding Christ's suffering (John 2:17; 19:28-29; Acts 1:20). David's enemies prefigure Christ's enemies. Paul applies David's imprecations to those who rejected Jesus, showing continuity in salvation history.
Questions for Reflection
- How can blessings and privileges become 'snares' when misused or when they lead to presumption?
- What does it mean that Israel's 'table' (covenant privileges) became their stumbling block?
- How should this warning about spiritual complacency apply to the church's use of its privileges today?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Paul quotes Psalm 69:22-23 (LXX), a Messianic psalm: And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompence unto them. The table (trapeza, τράπεζα) represents blessing, provision, fellowship. What should nourish becomes an instrument of judgment—a snare (pagida, παγίδα) and trap (thēran, θήραν). These hunting metaphors depict sudden, inescapable judgment.
The word skandalon (σκάνδαλον, stumblingblock) is significant—Israel stumbled over the skandalon of the cross (1 Corinthians 1:23). Their very privileges (Torah, temple, covenant) became obstacles when used to reject Messiah. Antapodoma (ἀνταπόδομα, recompence) means retribution or recompense—the hardening is judicial recompense for covenant unfaithfulness. David's imprecatory prayer finds fulfillment in Israel's rejection of David's greater Son.