And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompence unto them:

ROMANS 11:9KJV
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Romans 11:9 (KJV)

What does Romans 11:9 mean?

Romans 11:9 says that David spoke of a time when the blessings and comforts ("their table") of certain people would actually become a trap and a stumbling block for them, turning into something that brings them harm instead of good. The verse describes a reversal, where what was meant for enjoyment or benefit becomes a source of trouble and judgment.

Paul is quoting King David’s words from the Psalms, applying them to people who have rejected God’s ways. In the larger context, Paul is explaining why some in Israel have not accepted the message about Jesus, and he uses this quote to show that even their privileges and blessings can become obstacles if their hearts are hardened.

The Greek behind Romans 11:9

  • ἡ τράπεζα (hē trapeza, "table"): This word often refers to a place of eating and fellowship, symbolizing abundance and blessing. Here, it emphasizes how even good things can become harmful if misused or received with the wrong attitude.
  • παγίς (pagis, "snare") and θήρα (thēra, "trap"): Both words describe devices meant to catch or entangle. Their use here highlights the idea that what should be safe and familiar can unexpectedly become dangerous.
  • πρόσκομμα (proskomma, "stumblingblock"): This word suggests something that causes someone to trip or fall. It adds the sense that blessings can become spiritual obstacles.
  • ἀνταπόδομα (antapodoma, "recompence"): This word means a repayment or consequence. It underlines that the negative turn of their blessings is not random, but a fitting result of their choices.

Why Romans 11:9 matters

  • Romans 11:9 helps clarify that spiritual blessings or privileges are not guarantees of safety; they can become dangers if someone’s heart is closed to God.
  • The verse connects Paul’s argument to the Old Testament, showing that Israel’s current situation was anticipated in their own Scriptures.
  • This verse warns against complacency, reminding readers that relying on outward blessings without genuine faith can lead to unexpected consequences.

Where else these words appear

“recompence” Greek G468 · used in 2 verses

  • Luke 14:12 Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee.

“snare” Greek G3803 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 21:35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.
  • 1 Timothy 3:7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
  • 1 Timothy 6:9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

“stumblingblock” Greek G4625 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 13:41 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;
  • Romans 9:33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
  • Galatians 5:11 And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.

“table” Greek G5132 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 15:27 And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table.
  • Luke 16:21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
  • John 2:15 And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables;