Hey there, if you’re curious about what the Bible has to say about snakes, but you’re not in the mood for a lengthy read, here’s the quick scoop: Snakes pop up in the Bible a few times, and they’re often associated with deception and temptation.
But if you’re itching to dive deeper into the biblical take on these slithery creatures, stick around! We’re about to explore the Bible’s perspective on snakes and how they fit into the grand biblical narrative.
What Does the Bible Say About Snakes?
The Bible mentions snakes in various contexts, and it’s not all about the hiss and slither. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what the Good Book has to say.
Snakes in the Garden
In the very beginning, in the book of Genesis, we meet a cunning serpent. This snake tempts Adam and Eve to eat the forbidden fruit. This event marked the introduction of sin into the world. So, right off the bat, we see that snakes aren’t portrayed in the best light.
Moses and the Bronze Serpent
Fast forward to the book of Numbers, and we find another snake story. The Israelites, wandering in the wilderness, grumble against God and are afflicted by venomous snakes. God instructs Moses to make a bronze serpent and put it on a pole. Anyone who looked at it after being bitten would live. This story points to the idea of faith and healing.
Jesus and the Serpents
In the New Testament, Jesus mentions snakes too. In the book of Matthew, he says, “Be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” Here, he’s not talking about actual snakes but using them as a metaphor for being wise and cautious.
God’s View on Snakes
So, what’s God’s view on snakes? Well, the Bible doesn’t paint a very rosy picture of these reptiles. They often symbolize cunning, temptation, and evil. However, the Bible also shows that God can use even the lowliest creatures for His purposes, like with the bronze serpent.
As for snakes in the New Testament, they serve more as symbolic representations rather than literal creatures.
Now, let’s take a closer look at some Bible verses about snakes.
Bible Verses About Snakes
- Genesis 3:1-4 – This is where the serpent tempts Eve in the Garden of Eden.
- Numbers 21:6-9 – The bronze serpent incident in the wilderness.
- Matthew 10:16 – Jesus’s metaphorical reference to snakes and doves.
- Mark 16:18 – A verse about handling serpents, but it’s not recommended to take this literally.
- Luke 10:19 – Jesus speaks of authority over snakes.
- Acts 28:3-5 – Paul’s encounter with a viper on the island of Malta.
- Revelation 12:9 – A reference to the “ancient serpent,” often associated with Satan.
- Revelation 20:2 – The binding of the dragon, another reference to Satan.
- Isaiah 11:8 – A prophetic verse about a child playing near a cobra’s den, symbolizing a time of peace.
- Proverbs 23:32 – A warning about the venom of snakes.
These verses provide a broader perspective on how snakes are portrayed in the Bible, ranging from temptations and dangers to symbols of wisdom and healing.