Snakes are one of the most intriguing creatures mentioned in the Bible.
They appear from the very beginning of Scripture and continue to be symbolic throughout the Old and New Testaments.
Sometimes, they represent danger, deception, and evil.
Other times, they symbolize wisdom, healing, and even God’s power.
Because of their deep symbolism, snakes carry significant meaning in biblical narratives.
Understanding what the Bible says about snakes helps us grasp spiritual lessons about temptation, protection, and God’s authority.
Let’s explore how Scripture describes these fascinating creatures and what they teach us about our faith.
The Snake in the Garden of Eden
The most famous reference to a snake in the Bible is found in the Garden of Eden.
Genesis 3 tells the story of the serpent who deceived Eve into eating the forbidden fruit.
This act led to sin entering the world, bringing suffering and separation from God.
The serpent is described as “more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made” (Genesis 3:1).
The serpent tricks Eve by questioning God’s command and planting doubt in her mind.
Because of this deception, God curses the serpent, saying, “You will crawl on your belly and you will eat dust all the days of your life” (Genesis 3:14).
This moment establishes the serpent as a symbol of deception, temptation, and sin.
The story of the Garden reminds believers to be cautious of lies that twist God’s truth.
It also foreshadows the battle between good and evil—a battle that Christ ultimately wins.
The Snake as a Symbol of Evil
The Bible often uses snakes as a representation of evil forces.
In the book of Revelation, Satan is directly referred to as “that ancient serpent” (Revelation 12:9).
This connection reinforces the idea that the enemy is cunning, deceitful, and always seeking to lead people astray.
Jesus also used snake imagery when speaking about the Pharisees, calling them a “brood of vipers” (Matthew 23:33).
This strong language emphasized their hypocrisy and misleading teachings.
The comparison shows that evil does not always appear in obvious ways—sometimes it hides behind religious appearances or deceptive words.
The Bible warns believers to stay alert against false teachings, lies, and spiritual attacks, just as one would be cautious of a venomous snake.
The Bronze Serpent: A Symbol of Healing
Not all references to snakes in the Bible are negative.
One of the most surprising moments occurs in the book of Numbers.
During Israel’s journey through the wilderness, the people rebel against God and complain about their hardships.
As a result, God sends venomous snakes among them, and many die from their bites (Numbers 21:6).
When the people repent, God instructs Moses to make a bronze serpent and lift it up on a pole.
Anyone who looked at it would be healed (Numbers 21:9).
This event foreshadows Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.
In John 3:14-15, Jesus says, “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life.”
The bronze serpent became a symbol of salvation—pointing to Christ, who would be lifted up for the healing of humanity’s sin.
This story reminds believers that even in judgment, God provides a way for redemption.
Jesus Instructs His Disciples to Be Wise as Serpents
Jesus once used snakes as an example of wisdom.
In Matthew 10:16, He told His disciples, “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves.
Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”
This verse suggests that while believers should remain pure in heart, they must also be wise and discerning.
Snakes are known for their alertness and ability to escape danger.
In the same way, Christians are called to navigate the world with caution and wisdom, avoiding traps set by the enemy.
Jesus did not call His followers to be naive but to be spiritually aware and ready to stand firm in faith.
This balance of wisdom and purity is essential in living out God’s truth while remaining vigilant against deception.
Paul and the Snake on Malta
Another significant mention of a snake in the Bible occurs in Acts 28.
The apostle Paul, after surviving a shipwreck, lands on the island of Malta.
As he gathers firewood, a viper latches onto his hand.
The islanders assume this is a sign that Paul must be a sinful man, but he shakes off the snake into the fire and remains unharmed (Acts 28:5).
This moment demonstrates God’s protection over Paul.
It also echoes Jesus’ words in Mark 16:18, where He says that believers “will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them.”
While this does not mean Christians should test God’s protection by handling snakes recklessly, it does show that God has power over all creation.
Paul’s survival was a testimony to the people on the island, leading them to listen to his message about Christ.
The Final Defeat of the Serpent
The Bible makes it clear that the battle between good and evil will not last forever.
Revelation 20:2 speaks of the final defeat of Satan, calling him “the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil.”
This imagery connects back to the serpent in the Garden of Eden, showing that the enemy who brought sin into the world will ultimately be destroyed.
God’s victory over the serpent is first hinted at in Genesis 3:15, where God tells the serpent, “He will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”
This is understood as a prophecy of Jesus’ triumph over Satan through His death and resurrection.
Although the serpent may strike, his defeat is certain.
This is a powerful reminder that, no matter the challenges believers face, God has already secured the final victory.
Lessons Christians Can Learn from Snakes in the Bible
Snakes in the Bible carry deep spiritual meaning.
They serve as warnings against deception, pride, and sin, while also representing wisdom, healing, and God’s ultimate power.
Through the story of the serpent in Eden, believers are reminded to guard their hearts against temptation.
Through the bronze serpent in the wilderness, they see that salvation comes through faith in God’s provision.
Through Jesus’ teachings, they learn that wisdom and discernment are key to living a godly life.
And through Paul’s encounter on Malta, they are reminded that God’s protection is greater than any harm the world can bring.
The biblical message is clear: while serpents may be dangerous, they are no match for the power of God.
Final Thoughts
The Bible uses snakes to teach powerful lessons about faith, temptation, and God’s authority.
Though they often symbolize evil, they also serve as reminders of God’s wisdom and healing.
From the Garden of Eden to the final victory in Revelation, the presence of the serpent in Scripture highlights the ongoing spiritual battle between good and evil.
Yet, through Christ, that battle has already been won.
Believers are called to be watchful, wise, and unwavering in their faith, knowing that God’s truth will always triumph over the lies of the enemy.