Lexical Summary aspis: Shield, Serpent Original Word: ἀσπίς Strong's Exhaustive Concordance asp. Of uncertain derivation; a buckler (or round shield); used of a serpent (as coiling itself), probably the "asp" -- asp. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition an asp NASB Translation asps (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 785: ἀσπίςἀσπίς, ἀσπίδος, ἡ, an asp, a small and most venomous serpent, the bite of which is fatal unless the part bitten be immediately cut away: Romans 3:13. (Deuteronomy 32:33; Isaiah 30:6 (etc. Herodotus, Aristotle, others.) Aelian nat. an. 2, 24; 6, 38; Plutarch, mor., p. 380 f. i. e. de Isid. et Osir. § 74; Oppian. cyn. 3, 433.) (Cf. BB. DD. under the word Topical Lexicon Term Overview Strong’s Greek 785 designates the snake commonly called the “asp,” an Egyptian cobra whose bite is swift and deadly. Although it appears only once in the Greek New Testament, the word carries a rich legacy from the Hebrew Scriptures and the Septuagint, where it often depicts lethal deceit and unrestrained evil. Occurrence in the New Testament Romans 3:13, in Paul’s catalog of universal human sinfulness, cites Psalm 140:3. Paul writes, “Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit. The venom of vipers is on their lips”. By inserting the imagery of the asp, the apostle underscores that sin is not merely an external act but an inner poison that issues forth in destructive speech. Old Testament and Intertestamental Background 1. Deuteronomy 32:33 contrasts covenant faithlessness with “the venom of serpents, the deadly poison of cobras.” Symbolic Meaning 1. Deadly Deceit: The invisible nature of venom parallels hidden sin that erupts in speech. Ancient Cultural Context In Egyptian iconography the cobra often guarded royalty and temples, embodying deceptive power and false security. Israel’s Scriptures invert that symbol, portraying the asp not as a guardian but as an agent of death. Paul’s single use in Romans draws on this shared cultural memory to indict all humanity, Jew and Gentile alike. Theological Implications in Romans 3:13 1. Universality of Sin: The asp’s venom is on “their” lips—an inclusive plural. Paul levels the playing field under sin’s curse. Christological Fulfillment Jesus references serpents in Luke 10:19—“I have given you authority … to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you”. At the cross He absorbs the mortal “bite,” fulfilling Genesis 3:15 and inaugurating the age in which the believer’s speech is transformed from poison to praise (Ephesians 4:29). Practical Ministry Lessons 1. Guarded Speech: Pastoral exhortation must stress James 3:8-10, recognizing the tongue’s potential for viper-like damage. Related Themes for Further Study Serpent imagery (Genesis 3; Numbers 21; John 3:14), the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21; James 3), divine protection (Psalm 91), and messianic victory over evil (Romans 16:20; Revelation 20:10). Forms and Transliterations ασπίδα ασπίδας ασπίδες ασπίδι ασπίδος ασπιδων ασπίδων ἀσπίδων ασπίς aspidon aspidōn aspídon aspídōnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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