In the biblical narrative, snakes and vipers are often symbolic creatures, representing both physical and spiritual realities. They appear in various contexts throughout Scripture, serving as metaphors for deceit, danger, and divine judgment, as well as instruments of God's will.

The Snake in Genesis

The first and most notable appearance of a snake in the Bible is in the Garden of Eden. In Genesis 3, the serpent is described as "more cunning than any beast of the field that the LORD God had made" (Genesis 3:1). The serpent tempts Eve to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, leading to the fall of humanity. This event establishes the snake as a symbol of temptation and sin. The serpent's role in the fall is further emphasized in God's curse: "Because you have done this, cursed are you above all livestock and every beast of the field; on your belly you will go, and dust you will eat all the days of your life" (Genesis 3:14).

The Snake in the Wilderness

In the Book of Numbers, snakes appear again as instruments of divine judgment. When the Israelites speak against God and Moses, the LORD sends fiery serpents among them, and many Israelites die (Numbers 21:6). In response to the people's repentance, God instructs Moses to make a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. Those who look upon it are healed, prefiguring the redemptive work of Christ, as referenced in John 3:14-15.

The Viper in the New Testament

In the New Testament, vipers are often used metaphorically to describe the Pharisees and Sadducees. John the Baptist calls them a "brood of vipers" (Matthew 3:7), highlighting their hypocrisy and deceit. Jesus echoes this sentiment in Matthew 12:34, saying, "You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks" . The viper thus becomes a symbol of spiritual corruption and moral decay.

Paul and the Viper

In Acts 28, the Apostle Paul encounters a viper on the island of Malta. After being shipwrecked, Paul is bitten by a viper but suffers no harm, leading the islanders to believe he is a god (Acts 28:3-6). This incident demonstrates God's protection over His servants and serves as a testament to Paul's divine mission.

Symbolism and Interpretation

Throughout the Bible, snakes and vipers are emblematic of both the physical and spiritual realms. They represent the cunning and deceit of Satan, the consequences of sin, and the judgment of God. Yet, they also illustrate God's power to redeem and protect His people. The imagery of the snake and viper serves as a reminder of the ongoing spiritual battle and the need for vigilance and faithfulness in the life of a believer.