785. aspis
Lexical Summary
aspis: Shield, Serpent

Original Word: ἀσπίς
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: aspis
Pronunciation: as-pees'
Phonetic Spelling: (as-pece')
KJV: asp
NASB: asps
Word Origin: [of uncertain derivation]

1. a buckler (or round shield)
2. used of a serpent (as coiling itself), probably the "asp"

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 Origin
a prim. word
Definition
an asp
NASB Translation
asps (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 785: ἀσπίς

ἀσπίς, ἀσπίδος, , 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 ; Tristram, Nat. Hist. of the Bible, p. 270ff.)

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.”
2. Job 20:16, Psalm 58:4, and Psalm 140:3 all connect the asp with lying lips or unjust rulers, linking murderous intent with deceptive words.
3. Psalm 91:13 and Isaiah 11:8 envision messianic victory and eschatological peace in which the deadly snake can do no harm. These texts set the stage for the New Testament hope that the Messiah will undo the power symbolized by the asp.

Symbolic Meaning

1. Deadly Deceit: The invisible nature of venom parallels hidden sin that erupts in speech.
2. Judicial Indictment: Because the Law demanded truthful testimony, the asp becomes a metaphor for those who pervert justice with lies.
3. Eschatological Defeat: Prophetic passages anticipate the day when redeemed humanity will “tread upon the lion and cobra” (Psalm 91:13), signaling the final overthrow of evil.

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.
2. Total Depravity of Speech: The mouth, intended for blessing God, becomes the instrument of lethal harm.
3. Necessity of the Gospel: Only the righteousness revealed in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:21-26) can neutralize the lethal poison of sin.

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.
2. Gospel Antidote: Proclaiming Christ’s atoning work is the only cure for the venom of sin.
3. Spiritual Warfare: Believers wield the Word and prayer to “tread” on deceptive powers, living out Psalm 91:13.
4. Eschatological Hope: As Isaiah 11:8 foresees, the day is coming when even the most venomous symbols of the curse will pose no threat in Christ’s restored creation.

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 aspídōn
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Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Romans 3:13 N-GFP
GRK: ἐδολιοῦσαν ἰὸς ἀσπίδων ὑπὸ τὰ
NAS: THE POISON OF ASPS IS UNDER
KJV: the poison of asps [is] under
INT: they practice deceit poision of vipers [is] under the

Strong's Greek 785
1 Occurrence


ἀσπίδων — 1 Occ.

784
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