Snakes have a significant presence in the Bible, symbolizing various themes. Join us as we unravel the symbolic meaning of snakes in the Scriptures and the valuable lessons they offer to believers.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Self-Care
Bible Verses About Snakes
Genesis 3:1
“Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?””
This verse introduces the serpent as a crafty and deceptive creature. The serpent, later identified as Satan (Revelation 12:9), uses his cunning nature to question God’s instructions to Eve, ultimately leading to the fall of mankind.
It serves as a reminder that we must be vigilant and discerning when it comes to the subtle ways in which the enemy tries to deceive and lead us away from God’s truth.
Numbers 21:8-9
“The LORD said to Moses, “Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live.” So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, they lived.”
This verse recounts the incident where the Israelites were being attacked by venomous snakes in the wilderness as a consequence of their sin. In response, God instructed Moses to create a bronze snake and lift it up on a pole. Those who looked at the bronze snake would be healed and saved from death.
This passage is a foreshadowing of Jesus being lifted up on the cross for our salvation. It serves as a reminder of the power of faith and obedience in God’s redemptive plan, as well as the importance of looking to Jesus as the ultimate source of healing and deliverance.
Psalm 58:4-5
“Their venom is like the venom of a snake, like that of a cobra that has stopped its ears, that will not heed the tune of the charmer, however skillful the enchanter may be.”
This verse describes the wicked and unrighteous individuals whose speech and actions are like the venom of a snake. They are resistant to correction, refusing to listen to any form of wisdom or guidance, just as a snake does not respond to the tunes of a charmer.
It serves as a cautionary reminder of the consequences of embracing wickedness and refusing to heed the voice of God. It also encourages us to pursue righteousness and to be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Proverbs 23:32
“In the end, it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper.”
This verse speaks about the dangers of indulging in excessive wine and strong drink. It warns that indulgence in such substances may bring temporary pleasure, but ultimately, it will have harmful consequences, likening it to the bite of a snake and the poison of a viper.
It reminds us of the importance of moderation and self-control in all aspects of life, as well as the need to resist temptations that may lead us down destructive paths.
Jeremiah 8:17
“See, I will send venomous snakes among you, vipers that cannot be charmed, and they will bite you,”
This verse speaks of the judgment that God will bring upon the people of Judah for their disobedience. He describes sending venomous snakes, vipers that cannot be charmed, to bite them as a consequence of their actions.
It serves as a reminder of the righteous judgment of God and the consequences that come from turning away from Him. It also emphasizes the importance of repentance and turning back to God in order to avoid His judgment.
Matthew 10:16
“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”
This verse is part of Jesus’ instructions to His disciples as He sends them out to preach the Gospel. He contrasts the nature of the world, represented by wolves, with the nature of His disciples, likened to sheep. He instructs them to be shrewd like snakes, which implies being wise, discerning, and aware of the tactics of the enemy, while remaining innocent and pure in heart like doves.
It speaks to the need for believers to navigate the challenges and temptations of the world with both wisdom and integrity, being aware of the spiritual battles we face and relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit in all situations.
Matthew 23:33
“You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell?”
This verse highlights Jesus’ confrontation with the religious leaders of His time, who were hypocritical and deceptive in their actions. He identifies them as snakes and a brood of vipers, condemning their behavior and warning of the judgment they will face if they do not repent.
It serves as a reminder that the outward appearance may deceive, and that true righteousness is not found in religious rituals or outward displays, but in a genuine relationship with God and a transformed heart. It also emphasizes the importance of examining our own hearts and motives, guarding against hypocrisy and self-righteousness.
Mark 16:18
“…they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”
This verse is part of Jesus’ commission to His disciples after His resurrection. He promises them that they will possess supernatural abilities, including being able to handle snakes without harm, drink poison without being affected, and heal the sick through the laying on of hands.
While this verse refers to specific signs that would accompany the early apostles and their ministry, it also points to the power and authority that believers have through the Holy Spirit. It affirms God’s ability to protect and enable His people as they carry out His mission in the world.
Acts 28:5
“But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects.”
This verse recounts an incident where the apostle Paul was shipwrecked on the island of Malta. As he gathered wood for a fire, a poisonous snake bit him. Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no harm.
It serves as a testimony to the supernatural protection and power of God that is available to believers. It also reminds us of the importance of standing firm in our faith and trusting in God’s provision and deliverance, even in the face of danger or adversity.
Romans 3:13
“Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit. The poison of vipers is on their lips.”
This verse describes the sinful nature of humanity, highlighting the corrupt and deceitful speech that often characterizes unrighteous individuals. It likens their speech to the poison of vipers, emphasizing the destructive nature of their words.
It serves as a reminder of the power and influence of our words, both for good and for evil. It encourages us to use our speech in a way that is pleasing to God, promoting truth, love, and edification rather than deception or destruction.
1 Corinthians 10:9
“We should not test Christ, as some of them did—and were killed by snakes.”
In this verse, the apostle Paul warns against putting God’s mercy and patience to the test, referring to the incident in the wilderness where the Israelites grumbled against God and were subsequently bitten by venomous snakes as a punishment for their rebellion.
It serves as a reminder that we should not take God’s grace and mercy for granted, but instead, live in obedience and gratitude. It also highlights the importance of trusting in God’s guidance and provision, rather than doubting or questioning His faithfulness.
James 3:7
“All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind,
This verse speaks to the dominion that humanity has been given over the creation. It acknowledges that, throughout history, humans have been able to tame various animals, birds, reptiles, and sea creatures, exercising control and influence over them.
While this verse does not specifically mention snakes, it includes reptiles as part of the creation that humans have had the ability to tame. It reminds us of the God-given responsibility that comes with our dominion over the earth, as well as the inherent potential for humans to exercise both positive and negative influence.
James 3:8-10
“but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue, we praise our Lord and Father, and with it, we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.”
These verses discuss the power and influence of our words, focusing on the tongue as an untamable and potentially destructive force. James warns of the contradiction that arises when we use our tongues to both praise God and curse our fellow human beings, emphasizing the need for consistency and integrity in our speech.
It serves as a reminder of the importance of guarding our words and using them wisely and responsibly. It encourages us to cultivate a heart that is filled with love, gratitude, and encouragement, seeking to edify and build up others rather than tearing them down.
James 3:14-15
“But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.”
These verses highlight the contrast between godly wisdom and earthly wisdom. James warns against the presence of bitter envy and selfish ambition, describing them as qualities that do not align with the truth and wisdom that comes from God.
It serves as a reminder of the dangers of harboring negative and selfish attitudes, which can ultimately lead to destructive actions and separation from God. It encourages us to seek the guidance and wisdom of the Holy Spirit, allowing our hearts and minds to be transformed by His truth.
James 3:17
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”
This verse contrasts earthly wisdom with godly wisdom, emphasizing the characteristics of wisdom that come from heaven. James highlights that godly wisdom is pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, merciful, fruitful, impartial, and sincere.
It serves as a guide for believers, encouraging us to pursue and practice wisdom that aligns with God’s character. It challenges us to examine our own attitudes and actions, seeking to cultivate a heart that embodies these qualities and reflects the wisdom that comes from God.
1 Peter 5:8
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
In this verse, the apostle Peter warns believers to be vigilant and cautious, alert to the schemes and attacks of the devil. He likens the devil to a roaring lion, seeking to devour those who are susceptible to his tactics.
It serves as a reminder of the spiritual battle that we are engaged in and the importance of remaining steadfast in our faith. It encourages us to rely on the power of God, resist the enemy, and stand firm in the truth of His Word.
Revelation 12:9
“The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray.”
This verse identifies the great dragon, Satan, as the ancient serpent from the book of Genesis, emphasizing his role in deceiving and leading the world astray. It highlights the ongoing spiritual battle between the forces of evil and the forces of God.
It serves as a reminder of the reality of spiritual warfare and the need to be on guard against the enemy’s tactics. It also assures believers of God’s ultimate victory over Satan and the reassurance that we have in our relationship with Jesus Christ.
What Does the Bible Say About Snakes?
In the Bible, snakes are often used as symbols of deception, evil, and temptation. The very first mention of a snake in the Bible is in the Garden of Eden, where Satan, in the form of a serpent, tempts Eve to disobey God and eat the forbidden fruit (Genesis 3). This sets the stage for the introduction of sin and the fall of mankind. This story serves as a warning about the deceptive nature of evil and the consequences of disobedience.
Throughout the Bible, snakes are used as metaphorical representations of evil, wickedness, and the devil. In the New Testament, Jesus himself referred to snakes as cunning and harmful, warning his disciples to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves (Matthew 10:16). He also likened the Pharisees to a brood of vipers, highlighting their deceitful and hypocritical nature (Matthew 23:33).
However, it’s important to note that while snakes are used symbolically to represent evil and temptation in the Bible, they are also part of God’s creation and are not inherently evil. In fact, in the book of Numbers, God instructs Moses to make a bronze serpent and set it on a pole to provide healing and salvation for the Israelites who had been bitten by venomous snakes (Numbers 21:8-9). This act serves as a foreshadowing of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for the redemption and healing of humanity.
Ultimately, the Bible teaches us to be cautious and discerning when it comes to the deceitful tactics of the enemy, but also to seek God’s protection and salvation from the effects of sin and evil.