And David says, “Let their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a retribution for them;
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's striking here is that Paul applies this intense imprecation, originally directed at personal enemies, to the entire nation of Israel. The "table" and "food" symbolize their blessings and prosperity, which the Psalmist wished would become a "snare" and "trap." Paul reinterprets this not as a personal curse, but as a divine judgment where their very sustenance and national privileges would lead to their spiritual downfall and retribution for rejecting the Messiah.
And David says, “Let their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a retribution for them;
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul quotes from Psalm 69, a psalm lamenting the author's suffering and calling for judgment on his enemies. He applies this ancient prayer, originally directed at persecutors, to the people of Israel who have rejected Christ. The verse paints a picture of God turning their blessings—their very sustenance and prosperity—into instruments of their downfall, causing them to stumble and fall instead of finding nourishment.
Why would King David, or even Paul, invoke such harsh judgment on people? This isn't just venting frustration; it's a profound declaration about God's justice.
The words Paul quotes from Psalm 69 are often seen as David's personal prayer against his enemies. However, the context in Romans suggests Paul is presenting this not merely as a prayer, but as a prophetic declaration.
Divine Retribution
What does it mean for your 'table' – your food, your comfort, your very provision – to become a snare? This verse paints a stark picture of divine justice.
The key insight here is how God can turn what appears to be a blessing into a source of judgment when it's met with rejection and unbelief.
The Table as a Metaphor
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Understand the original words
pagis · Greek Noun
A device, lure, or bait intended to ensnare a person; figuratively used in Scripture to describe that which causes someone to fall into sin or judgment, often unexpectedly.
skandalon · Greek Noun
An impediment or cause of ruin; an obstacle placed in one's path that leads to spiritual fall or apostasy.
antapodoma · Greek Noun
A repayment or recompense, usually referring to just punishment for sins or rejection of God's truth.
Paul quotes Psalm 69, a psalm lamenting persecution and invoking judgment, applying it to the Jewish rejection of Jesus. The psalm's imagery of a 'table' becoming a 'snare' highlights how even God's provisions, meant for blessing, turned into judgment for those who refused Christ, mirroring the disastrous outcome of the nation's spiritual blindness and rejection of their true Messiah.
c. 1000 BC
Davidic Kingdom Established
The united monarchy under King David brings a period of relative peace and prosperity to Israel, establishing Jerusalem as its capital.
c. 970 BC
Solomon's Temple Built
King Solomon builds the First Temple in Jerusalem, solidifying Israel's religious and national identity. This Temple becomes a focal point of worship and national pride.
c. 722 BC
Assyrian Conquest of Northern Kingdom
The powerful Assyrian Empire conquers the northern Kingdom of Israel, deporting many Israelites and scattering them, leading to the loss of the ten northern tribes.
586 BC
Babylonian Exile Begins
The Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar II conquers Jerusalem and destroys the First Temple, exiling a significant portion of the Judean population to Babylon. This event marks a profound spiritual and national crisis.
c. 450 BC
Ezra and Nehemiah Lead Return from Exile
After the Persian Empire allows the Jews to return, Ezra and Nehemiah lead efforts to rebuild Jerusalem and re-establish religious and social order, reinforcing Jewish identity.
c. 40-30 BC
Roman Domination of Judea
The Roman Republic, and later Empire, exerts increasing control over Judea, installing client kings like Herod the Great and creating a climate of political and religious tension.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Crucifixion of Jesus Christ
Jesus, whom many Jews rejected as the promised Messiah, is crucified under Roman authority. This event becomes the central crisis for Jewish leadership and many of the populace.
This is the direct source of Paul's quotation, showing David invoking a similar judgment upon his own persecutors, which Paul applies to the broader rejection of Israel.
Exodus 32:4-6This passage describes Israel's idolatry with the golden calf, where their feasting and celebration became a snare and led to judgment, paralleling how their present 'table' (privileges/security) becomes a snare in Romans 11.
Deuteronomy 8:10-14This warns the Israelites against forgetting God when they prosper and have abundance ('eat and are full'), mirroring how their 'table' or blessings could become a snare and lead to retribution if not handled with gratitude.
Jeremiah 8:8-9This laments Israel's false scribes who have twisted God's law, turning wisdom into a snare, illustrating how something meant for good (like spiritual understanding or religious practice) can become a stumbling block and lead to ruin.
ellicottRomans 11:9: "And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompence unto them:"
(9) And David saith. —It appears highly improbable that this Psalm was really written by David. Nor can the Davidic authorship be argued strongly from this passage, as “David” merely seems to stand for the Book of Psalms, with which his name was traditionally connected. St. Paul is quoting freely from the LXX. In the original of Psalms 69 these verses refer to the fate…
vincentRomans 11:9: "And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompence unto them:"
David saithPsalm 69:23, Psalm 69:24. It is doubtful whether David was the author. Some high authorities are inclined to ascribe it to Jeremiah. David here may mean nothing more than the book of Psalm.TableRepresenting material prosperity: feasting in wicked security. Some explain of the Jews' presumptuous confidence in the law.Snare (παγίδα)From πήγνυμι to make fast.…
What's striking here is that Paul applies this intense imprecation, originally directed at personal enemies, to the entire nation of Israel. The "table" and "food" symbolize their blessings and prosperity, which the Psalmist wished would become a "snare" and "trap." Paul reinterprets this not as a personal curse, but as a divine judgment where their very sustenance and national privileges would lead to their spiritual downfall and retribution for rejecting the Messiah.
Paul quotes from Psalm 69, a psalm lamenting the author's suffering and calling for judgment on his enemies. He applies this ancient prayer, originally directed at persecutors, to the people of Israel who have rejected Christ. The verse paints a picture of God turning their blessings—their very sustenance and prosperity—into instruments of their downfall, causing them to stumble and fall instead of finding nourishment.
Paul quotes from Psalm 69, a psalm lamenting the author's suffering and calling for judgment on his enemies. He applies this ancient prayer, originally directed at persecutors, to the people of Israel who have rejected Christ. The verse paints a picture of God turning their blessings—their very sustenance and prosperity—into instruments of their downfall, causing them to stumble and fall instead of finding nourishment.
"And David says,
“Let their table become a snare and a trap,
a stumbling block and a retribution for them;" — What's striking here is that Paul applies this intense imprecation, originally directed at personal enemies, to the entire nation of Israel. The "table" and "food" symbolize their blessings and prosp…
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Last reviewed October 2026