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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Pitfall</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/p/pitfall.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/romans/11-9.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/p/pitfall.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Pitfall</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/p/pitchers.htm" title="Pitchers">◄</a> Pitfall <a href="/topical/p/pitfalls.htm" title="Pitfalls">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#web" title="Webster's Dictionary">Webster's</a> • <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#heb" title="Strong's Hebrew Concordance">Hebrew</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>A pitfall, in biblical terms, often refers to a hidden or unexpected danger or difficulty that can lead to one's downfall. The concept of pitfalls is frequently used metaphorically in Scripture to describe spiritual and moral dangers that can ensnare individuals, leading them away from righteousness and into sin.<br><br><b>Old Testament References</b><br><br>In the Old Testament, pitfalls are often associated with traps set by enemies or the consequences of wickedness. For example, in <a href="/psalms/7-15.htm">Psalm 7:15</a> , it is written, "He has dug a hole and hollowed it out; he has fallen into a pit of his own making." This verse illustrates the idea that those who set traps for others may ultimately fall into their own snares, highlighting the justice of God in dealing with the wicked.<br><br>Proverbs frequently warns against the pitfalls of folly and sin. <a href="/proverbs/22-5.htm">Proverbs 22:5</a> states, "Thorns and snares lie on the path of the perverse; he who guards his soul stays far from them." Here, pitfalls are depicted as obstacles that the wise and righteous must avoid to maintain their spiritual integrity.<br><br><b>New Testament Insights</b><br><br>In the New Testament, pitfalls are often related to spiritual vigilance and the need to remain steadfast in faith. Jesus warns His disciples about the dangers of temptation and the need to be watchful. In <a href="/matthew/26-41.htm">Matthew 26:41</a> , He advises, "Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak." This admonition underscores the importance of spiritual alertness to avoid falling into the pitfalls of sin.<br><br>The Apostle Paul also addresses the concept of pitfalls in his epistles. In <a href="/1_timothy/6-9.htm">1 Timothy 6:9</a> , he warns, "Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction." Here, the pursuit of wealth is identified as a potential pitfall that can lead believers away from their faith and into spiritual peril.<br><br><b>Spiritual and Moral Implications</b><br><br>The Bible consistently portrays pitfalls as dangers that can lead to spiritual and moral failure. Believers are encouraged to seek wisdom and discernment to recognize and avoid these traps. In <a href="/ephesians/5-15.htm">Ephesians 5:15-16</a> , Paul exhorts, "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." This passage emphasizes the need for careful living and the avoidance of pitfalls through wise decision-making.<br><br><b>Practical Application</b><br><br>In practical terms, avoiding pitfalls requires a commitment to living according to God's Word and being guided by the Holy Spirit. Regular prayer, study of Scripture, and fellowship with other believers are essential practices that help Christians remain vigilant against the snares of the enemy. As <a href="/proverbs/3-5.htm">Proverbs 3:5-6</a> advises, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." This reliance on God provides the guidance necessary to navigate the potential pitfalls of life.<a name="web" id="web"></a><div class="vheading2">Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary</div>(<I>n.</I>) A pit deceitfully covered to entrap wild beasts or men; a trap of any kind.<a name="heb" id="heb"></a><div class="vheading2">Strong's Hebrew</div><a href="/hebrew/6354.htm"><span class="l">6354. pachath -- a pit</span></a><br><b>...</b> pit. Word Origin from an unused word Definition a pit NASB Word Usage caves<br> (1), chasm (1), pit (7), <b>pitfall</b> (1). hole, pit, snare. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/6354.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/abbott/xerxes/chapter_x_the_burning_of.htm"><span class="l">The Burning of Athens.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Thessalians."Their hostility to the Phocaeans."Defeat of the Thessalians."Phocaean<br> stratagem."A spectral army."Thessalian cavalry."<b>Pitfall</b> for the <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter x the burning of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/miller/the_yoke/chapter_xxxv_light_after_darkness.htm"><span class="l">Light after Darkness</span></a> <br><b>...</b> The night made a wall ahead of him which was imminent and indiscernible. It was<br> like a great weight upon his shoulders and a <b>pitfall</b> at his feet. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxxv light after darkness.htm</font><p><a href="/library/severus/life_and_writings_of_sulpitius_severus_/letter_v_to_an_unknown.htm"><span class="l">Letter v. To an Unknown Person, Entreating Him to Deal Gently with <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> to show favor to good intentions, so that he who, by the goodness of God, has entered<br> on a pious duty, should not be forced to sink into the <b>pitfall</b> of the <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../severus/life and writings of sulpitius severus /letter v to an unknown.htm</font><p><a href="/library/augustine/on_the_holy_trinity/chapter_13_man_was_to_be.htm"><span class="l">Man was to be Rescued from the Power of the Devil, not by Power <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> And compared to this, the power, how great soever, of those men who are called powerful<br> on earth, is found to be ridiculous weakness, and a <b>pitfall</b> is dug <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../augustine/on the holy trinity/chapter 13 man was to be.htm</font><p><a href="/library/cassian/the_conferences_of_john_cassian/chapter_xix_the_answer_on.htm"><span class="l">The Answer on the Devil's Illusion, Because He Promises us the <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> that despise Me shall be contemned." [2322] But you ought to know that this is the<br> subtlest device of the devil, this is his best concealed <b>pitfall</b>, into which <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter xix the answer on.htm</font><p><a href="/library/leo/writings_of_leo_the_great/chapter_xxxiii_how_those_are.htm"><span class="l">How those are to be Admonished who Commit Very Small but Frequent <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> standing outwardly, and lest, according to the retribution of the strict judge,<br> elation on account of lesser righteousness become a way to the <b>pitfall</b> of more <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter xxxiii how those are.htm</font><p><a href="/library/theodoret/the_ecclesiastical_history_of_theodoret/chapter_xvi_of_amphilochius_bishop_of.htm"><span class="l">Of Amphilochius, Bishop of Iconium.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> who has kept clear of lascivious passion is fixed fast in the toils of avarice;<br> and if he prove superior to greed there on the other side is the <b>pitfall</b> of envy <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../chapter xvi of amphilochius bishop of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/palgrave/the_treasury_of_sacred_song/cccci_the_cry_of_the.htm"><span class="l">The Cry of the Lost Answered</span></a> <br><b>...</b> And listen'd for its bleating night and day. Lost in a <b>pitfall</b>, yet alive<br> it lay,. To breathe the faint sad call that He would know; <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../palgrave/the treasury of sacred song/cccci the cry of the.htm</font><p><a href="/library/augustine/the_confessions_and_letters_of_st/chapter_v_he_seeks_rest_in.htm"><span class="l">He Seeks Rest in God, and Pardon of his Sins.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Better the precipice than the <b>pitfall</b>; better the tortures of curable disease than<br> the painlessness of mortification; and so, whatever your soul's guilt and <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/chapter v he seeks rest in.htm</font><p><a href="/library/leo/writings_of_leo_the_great/part_iv_how_the_preacher.htm"><span class="l">How the Preacher, when He Has Accomplished all Aright, Should <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> Whence it is brought about, that before the eyes of the just judge the memory of<br> virtue is a <b>pitfall</b> of the soul; because, in calling to mind what it has done <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../leo/writings of leo the great/part iv how the preacher.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/p/pitfall.htm"><span class="l"><b>Pitfall</b> (3 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) A pit deceitfully covered to entrap wild beasts or<br> men; a trap of any kind. Multi-Version Concordance <b>Pitfall</b> (3 Occurrences). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/p/pitfall.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/p/pitchers.htm"><span class="l">Pitchers (12 Occurrences)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/p/pitchers.htm - 10k</font><p><a href="/topical/p/pit.htm"><span class="l">Pit (110 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 5. (n.) Any abyss; especially, the grave, or Hades. 6. (n.) A covered deep hole<br> for entrapping wild beasts; a <b>pitfall</b>; hence, a trap; a snare. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/p/pit.htm - 41k</font><p><a href="/topical/p/pitfalls.htm"><span class="l">Pitfalls (2 Occurrences)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/p/pitfalls.htm - 6k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/dynamic-equivalence.html">What is dynamic equivalence in Bible translation? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/difference-dating-courting.html">What is the difference between dating and courting? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://clyx.com/term/pitfall.htm">Pitfall: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Pitfall (3 Occurrences)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/romans/11-9.htm">Romans 11:9</a></span><br />David says, "Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, a stumbling block, and a retribution to them.<br /><span class="source">(See RSV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/job/18-8.htm">Job 18:8</a></span><br />For he is cast into a net by his own feet, and he wanders into its mesh.<br /><span class="source">(See RSV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/lamentations/3-47.htm">Lamentations 3:47</a></span><br />Terror and the pit are come upon us, desolation and destruction.<br /><span class="source">(See NAS RSV NIV)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/p/pitfall.htm">Pitfall</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/pithom.htm">Pithom (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/wise.htm">Wise (422 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/men.htm">Men (18419 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/pitfall.htm">Pitfall (3 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/p/pitchers.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Pitchers"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Pitchers" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/p/pitfalls.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Pitfalls"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Pitfalls" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script></div></td></tr></table></div></div></div> <br /><br /> <div align="center"> <div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>