UBS Dictionary of the Greek New Testament

Sense 1: trap, snare

Semantic entry: 6.23

Semantic domains: Artifacts

Subdomains: Traps, Snares

Definition: a device used for trapping or snaring, principally birds

Notes: Since snares or traps for capturing birds are almost universal, there should be no difficulty involved in obtaining an appropriate term, though in the context of RV LUK 21:34 · LV LUK 21:34 · Read together LUK 21:34 the function of παγίς is figurative and clearly marked as a simile. It may be necessary in some instances to expand the simile somewhat as ‘as a snare is used to catch birds.’

Further resources: realia:1.4.2

Sense 2: danger, trap

Semantic entry: 21.4

Semantic domains: Danger, Risk, Safe, Save

Subdomains: Danger

Definition: (a figurative extension of meaning of παγίς[a] ‘trap,’ 6.23: παγίς) that which brings or is a means of sudden danger

Notes: Though in RV TI1 6:9 · LV TI1 6:9 · Read together TI1 6:9 παγίδα and ἐπιθυμίας πολλάς are syntactically coordinate, the semantic relationship involves dependency, since the danger consists of the many foolish and harmful desires. One could translate, therefore, ‘the danger of many foolish and harmful desires’ or ‘the danger of being trapped by many foolish and harmful desires.’ In this way, something of the literal as well as the figurative meaning of παγίς may be retained.

Sense 3: means of control, way of trapping

Semantic entry: 37.15

Semantic domains: Control, Rule

Subdomains: Control, Restrain

Definition: (figurative extension of meaning of παγίς[a] ‘trap’ 6.23: παγίς) an instrument or means for gaining control, implying an element of surprise

Notes: In a number of languages, it is possible to reflect something of the figurative meaning of παγίς by translating the term as a verb, for example, ‘may they be caught and trapped at their feasts’ or ‘may their feasts snare and trap them’ (see 6.23: παγίς and 6.24: θήρα).