5:22

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

22a The iniquities of a wicked man entrap him ;

22b the cords of his sin entangle him.

5:22a–b

iniquities…sin: In the OT, the terms iniquities and sin often refer to the consequences of those deeds. In this verse, a wicked person is compared to an animal that is caught in a trap/snare or net. Just as the animal cannot escape, so also the sinner cannot escape from the consequences of his sins.

entrap…cords…entangle: The word cords may refer to “ropes” (New Living Translation (2004)), but the parallel term is entrap, so it may be better to use an expression such as:

caught in the net of their own sin (Good News Translation)
-or-
caught in the meshes of his own sin (New Jerusalem Bible)

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