Serpent
Summary
A reptile frequently mentioned in Scripture, most notably as the instrument of Satan's temptation of Eve, and used throughout the Bible as a symbol of cunning, danger, and evil.
☩The Serpent in Eden
The serpent appears in Genesis as the instrument through which Satan tempted Eve, described as more cunning than any other creature. The serpent's subtlety did not surprise Eve, allowing Satan to work his deception through this familiar creature. God's curse upon the serpent included crawling on its belly and eating dust, with the promise that the woman's seed would crush its head—the first announcement of the gospel. Throughout Scripture, Satan is identified as "that old serpent" who deceived humanity.
☩Serpents in Israel's History
When the Israelites murmured against God in the wilderness, He sent fiery serpents whose burning bite caused many deaths. The term "fiery" likely refers to the inflammatory sensation of the venom rather than the serpents' appearance. Moses was commanded to make a bronze serpent and lift it on a pole; those who looked upon it in faith were healed. Jesus identified this event as prefiguring His own lifting up on the cross, where all who look to Him in faith receive eternal life.
☩Characteristics and Symbolism
Scripture notes the serpent's subtlety, its venomous bite, its ability to be charmed, and its mysterious mode of movement. Jesus instructed His disciples to be "wise as serpents," referring to the creature's prudence in avoiding danger. Serpents' preference for hiding in hedges, walls, and dry places is mentioned, as is the ancient practice of snake charming. The sharp tongue of the serpent, incorrectly believed by some to be the instrument of poison, is used metaphorically for slanderous speech.
☩New Testament References
Jesus gave His disciples authority over serpents as part of their power over all the forces of the enemy. Paul was bitten by a viper on Malta but suffered no harm, demonstrating divine protection. In Revelation, the serpent represents Satan throughout the cosmic conflict, ultimately to be cast into the lake of fire. The serpent's identification with Satan explains its ubiquitous symbolism of evil throughout Scripture and ancient Near Eastern literature.
Related Verses56 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Serpent," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Serpent," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Serpent," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 4.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Serpent," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).
- 5.James Hastings (ed.), "Serpent," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).