Can you trample on snakes and scorpions safely?

Biblical Background and Key Passages

Luke 10:19 records a statement often quoted in discussions about authority over harmful creatures: “Behold, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. Nothing will harm you.” Many also note Mark 16:18, where believers “will pick up snakes with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not harm them.” These passages have prompted questions about whether one can literally trample on (or safely handle) dangerous creatures.

Other verses speak metaphorically of serpents and scorpions, such as Psalm 91:13: “You will tread on the lion and cobra; you will trample the young lion and serpent.” While these passages express divine protection, careful study of context, purpose, and historical usage is essential.

Immediate Context in Luke 10

In Luke 10, Jesus sends out seventy-two disciples to preach the good news and heal the sick. They return rejoicing that even demons submit to them in Jesus’ name (Luke 10:17). Jesus speaks of giving them “authority to tread on snakes and scorpions” (Luke 10:19). This statement follows their success in spiritual warfare—casting out demons and confronting evil forces—rather than an emphasis on literal snake handling.

The imagery of “snakes and scorpions” in Luke 10:19 consistently points to Jesus’ granting of power over destructive spiritual forces. While the language can be taken literally, the context focuses on authority over evil, illustrating that harmful forces (both physical and spiritual) are ultimately subject to Jesus and His followers.

Symbolic and Literal Interpretations

1. Symbolic View: The reference to serpents and scorpions frequently symbolizes demonic powers and threats to a believer’s mission. Early Christian sources and various biblical commentators have explained that serpents and scorpions typify “the enemy” (Luke 10:19) and any peril that might oppose the work of God’s kingdom. In this view, Jesus promises that His people will ultimately triumph over all forms of opposition—physical or spiritual—under His authority.

2. Literal View: Some groups have historically handled dangerous reptiles during worship services, citing these passages. However, accounts of such practices show that this approach has led to dangerous outcomes. The broad scriptural narrative discourages “testing God” (Luke 4:12). Instances in Scripture where believers survive venomous creatures (e.g., Paul and the viper in Acts 28:3–6) demonstrate God’s protection in the course of fulfilling His purpose, rather than an invitation to seek out harm.

Historical and Cultural Considerations

In the first-century Mediterranean world, venomous serpents and scorpions were frequent threats, especially in desert regions. Jesus spoke to disciples who were traveling long distances without modern amenities or medicinal solutions. The promise of protection would have encouraged them that no threat—natural or supernatural—could hinder the gospel’s spread.

Archaeological discoveries from ancient synagogues and Christian meeting places have found iconography reflecting triumph over dark imagery, echoing biblical themes of victory over evil. While such findings are more symbolic than prescriptive for believers to engage in harmful activities, they affirm the historic cultural reality of living amid venomous creatures and the Christian belief in God’s protective power.

Distinguishing Divine Protection from Presumption

Scripture includes accounts where God’s people do live safely among dangers, as with Daniel in the lions’ den (Daniel 6) and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace (Daniel 3). These situations underscore God’s sovereign protection amid circumstances that advance His divine plan. Still, the consistent biblical teaching discourages deliberately seeking dangerous scenarios to test God (cf. Luke 4:9–12).

Paul’s incident on Malta (Acts 28:3–6) shows God preserving him from a viper’s bite. The purpose was to demonstrate divine authority and open a door for the gospel. This was not a case of Paul displaying his faith recklessly, but God’s gracious intervention confirming the ministry in progress.

Spiritual Authority Over Evil

In spiritual terms, believers who are in Christ can be confident that evil forces cannot overpower them because of Jesus’ victory at the cross and the resurrection (Colossians 2:15). The focus of Luke 10 points clearly to spiritual dominion: “However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:20). Overcoming “snakes and scorpions” is ultimately an illustration of triumph over demonic oppression or attack.

Practical Discernment and Faith

1. Applying Wisdom: While trusting God’s protection, a balanced approach includes practical discernment. Biblical faith and wisdom work together, as one should not intentionally expose oneself to needless danger for the sake of “proof.”

2. Mission and Providence: When Christians, either historically or today, face dangers in their mission work—ranging from harsh environments to potential encounters with venomous creatures—they can pray with confidence that God can protect them. Testimonies from missionary accounts record remarkable rescues from peril. Yet none of those stories invite believers to actively seek dangers; rather, they illustrate trust that God is sovereign and able to deliver.

Related Passages and Manuscript Reliability

• Psalm 91:13: “You will tread on the lion and cobra; you will trample the young lion and serpent.” Early manuscript traditions of the Psalms, including some Dead Sea Scrolls fragments, confirm the consistency of these promises of protection.

• Mark 16:18: While later manuscripts expand Mark’s Gospel with Jesus’ statements about picking up serpents and not being harmed by poison, existing textual evidence from Codex Alexandrinus and other sources indicates this passage was known to the early church. Reputable biblical scholarship, supported by numerous manuscript witnesses, affirms that Mark 16:9–20 was part of the wider tradition, though it is noted with manuscript variations in some critical editions. Even so, the broader scriptural context does not encourage rash testing of these promises.

Conclusion

From all angles of Scripture and historical practice, the promise to “trample on snakes and scorpions” stands as an assurance of divine protection and authority over every threat allied with the kingdom of darkness. It does not advocate reckless engagement with venomous creatures or other forms of danger.

Believers can rest in the power and authority of the risen Christ, trusting God for protection in the path of obedience, missions, and service. He can deliver in miraculous ways, as demonstrated throughout biblical history. However, the overarching lesson is reliance on God’s sovereignty, not presumption. Jesus Christ’s victory—attested by reliable manuscripts, historical evidence for the resurrection, and consistent scriptural testimony—grounds all believers in confidence that no ultimate harm can come to those who trust and follow Him.