The arrogant have hidden a trap for me, and with cords they have spread a net; beside the way they have set snares for me. Selah
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's easy to miss here is the vivid, almost tactical detail in "snare... cords... net... gins." This isn't just a general complaint about enemies; David paints a picture of deliberate, multi-pronged traps set specifically in his path, showing how insidious and well-planned his adversaries' attacks are. He's not just facing opposition; he's navigating a landscape deliberately rigged against him.
The arrogant have hidden a trap for me, and with cords they have spread a net; beside the way they have set snares for me. Selah
English Standard Version (ESV)
In this psalm, David cries out to God, describing the malicious plots of arrogant enemies who are actively trying to trap and destroy him. These adversaries aren't just openly attacking; they're setting hidden snares and nets, indicating a treacherous and deceitful pursuit meant to ambush him. David's pleas highlight his vulnerability and dependence on God for deliverance from these cunning and persistent foes.
Ever felt like people are setting you up for a fall, not with open hostility, but with subtle, hidden schemes? David felt this deeply.
In Psalm 140:5, David describes his enemies not just as aggressive, but as "proud" and "arrogant." This pride fuels their desire to secretly ensnare him.
More Than Just Brute Force
The imagery here isn't of a direct assault, but of cunning traps: a hidden snare, cords, a spread net, and gins.
This isn't just about physical danger; it's about the calculated, prideful schemes of those who disdain David and plot his downfall, seeking to capture him unawares.
Why would the psalmist include 'Selah' right after describing such dangerous traps? It's an invitation to pause and consider.
The word 'Selah' appears frequently in the Psalms, often marking a pause for reflection, emphasis, or musical interlude. Here, it’s placed after David details the elaborate snares set by his proud enemies.
Ask a follow-up
A Moment to Breathe and Trust
Purpose of the Pause:
In this context, 'Selah' likely emphasizes the malicious intent behind the 'proud' and underscores the urgency of David’s plea for deliverance.
Understand the original words
ge'eh · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
Individuals characterized by pride and self-exaltation. In Scripture, arrogance is seen as a root of sin, as it elevates human perspective above the sovereignty and wisdom of God.
pach · Hebrew Noun
A device used to ensnare or bring someone to ruin. Metaphorically, it refers to the schemes, temptations, or obstacles that wicked people place in the path of the righteous to cause them to stumble or fall into sin.
The imagery of snares and nets vividly portrays the deceptive and relentless nature of David's enemies, who sought to trap him like a wild animal. This Psalm reflects a time when David was actively hunted and ensnared by those in power, highlighting his reliance on God's deliverance.
c. 1025-980 BC
David's Rise to Power
David, a skilled warrior and poet, navigates a complex political landscape, facing constant threats from enemies within and outside Israel. His life is marked by periods of intense danger and persecution.
c. 1010 BC
Saul's Persecution of David
King Saul, gripped by jealousy and paranoia, actively hunts David, viewing him as a threat to his throne. This period sees David in hiding, constantly evading capture.
c. 1000 BC— this verse
David as a Fugitive
David spends years as a fugitive, pursued by Saul and his men. He relies heavily on God for protection, developing deep trust amidst constant peril.
c. 970 BC
David Becomes King of Israel
After Saul's death, David ascends to the throne, uniting the tribes of Israel. While king, he continues to face opposition and plots from enemies.
This passage echoes the same imagery of hidden snares and nets, emphasizing how the wicked trap the innocent without cause. It directly connects the act of ensnaring to their malicious intent.
Psalms 57:6Here, the psalmist describes his enemies' traps as 'well-set,' directly paralleling the deliberate and hidden nature of the snares mentioned in Psalm 140:5. Both verses highlight the calculated danger posed by oppressors.
Psalms 119:110This verse speaks of the wicked setting a trap for the psalmist, revealing a consistent theme throughout the Psalms where enemies use cunning and hidden dangers to ensnare God's people. It shows the pervasive struggle against deceitful adversaries.
Jeremiah 18:22The prophet Jeremiah invokes a prayer to God similar to Psalm 140, asking for deliverance from enemies who have laid snares and dug pits. This demonstrates how the experience of being trapped by the wicked was a recurring peril faced by God's servants.
Romans 11:9Quoting from Psalm 69, Paul describes the 'table' of the ungodly becoming a 'snare and a trap.' This New Testament reference shows how the ancient imagery of traps and snares continued to be used metaphorically to describe the dangers of ungodly ways.
pulpitPsalms 140:5: "The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set gins for me. Selah."
Verse 5. - The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords. An instance of the figure hendiadys. What is meant is a snare composed of cords. Such snares, when laid for animals, were "hidden" in long grass, or low shrubs, or rough ground. They have spread a net by the wayside; they have set gins for me (comp. Psalm 31:4; Psalm 35:7; Psalm 57:6; Psalm 119:10; Psalm 1…
clarkePsalms 140:5: "The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set gins for me. Selah."
Have hid a snare for me - They hunted David as they would a dangerous wild beast: one while striving to pierce him with the spear; another to entangle him in their snares, so as to take and sacrifice him before the people, on pretense of his being an enemy to the state. Selah - This is the truth.
What's easy to miss here is the vivid, almost tactical detail in "snare... cords... net... gins." This isn't just a general complaint about enemies; David paints a picture of deliberate, multi-pronged traps set specifically in his path, showing how insidious and well-planned his adversaries' attacks are. He's not just facing opposition; he's navigating a landscape deliberately rigged against him.
In this psalm, David cries out to God, describing the malicious plots of arrogant enemies who are actively trying to trap and destroy him. These adversaries aren't just openly attacking; they're setting hidden snares and nets, indicating a treacherous and deceitful pursuit meant to ambush him. David's pleas highlight his vulnerability and dependence on God for deliverance from these cunning and persistent foes.
In this psalm, David cries out to God, describing the malicious plots of arrogant enemies who are actively trying to trap and destroy him. These adversaries aren't just openly attacking; they're setting hidden snares and nets, indicating a treacherous and deceitful pursuit meant to ambush him. David's pleas highlight his vulnerability and dependence on God for deliverance from these cunning and persistent foes.
"The arrogant have hidden a trap for me, and with cords they have spread a net; beside the way they have set snares for me. Selah" — What's easy to miss here is the vivid, almost tactical detail in "snare... cords... net... gins." This isn't just a general complaint about enemies; David paints a picture of deliberate, multi-pronge…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026