What does the Bible say about handling snakes?

Historical and Cultural Context of Snakes in the Bible

Snakes (or serpents) feature prominently in Scripture, carrying multifaceted symbolism through various eras and cultures. In ancient Near Eastern contexts, serpents were often associated with divination, deception, and at times, sacred power. Within biblical narratives, they can represent both evil forces and symbols of God’s deliverance, depending on the passage.

The Serpent in the Garden (Genesis 3)

The earliest notable mention is found in Genesis 3, where the serpent is depicted as a crafty being that deceives humanity. As it is written, “Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field that the LORD God had made...” (Genesis 3:1). This event fundamentally shapes humanity’s need for salvation, introducing sin into a once-perfect creation. While Genesis 3 does not directly address any instruction about “handling” snakes, it lays the foundation for understanding the serpent’s negative symbolic connotation in much of Scripture.

Serpent and Redemption Foreshadowed (Numbers 21 & John 3:14)

During the Israelites’ journey in the wilderness, venomous snakes became a tool of divine judgment (Numbers 21:4–6). God instructed Moses to fashion a bronze serpent and set it on a pole, enabling those who looked upon it to be healed (Numbers 21:8–9). Although this was not an act of physically handling snakes, the incident foreshadows the redemptive power to come. Jesus later alludes to this symbolism in John 3:14: “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up.”

Authority over Serpents: Luke 10:19

Jesus promises spiritual authority to His followers, saying, “Behold, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy...” (Luke 10:19). This statement reflects victory over demonic forces, not necessarily a command to physically handle snakes as a test of faith. Instead, it emphasizes the believer’s protection and power in Christ against spiritual danger—illustrating that nothing can separate God’s people from His sovereign rule.

Mark 16:17–18 and Snake Handling

One of the most discussed passages regarding snake handling appears in Mark 16:17–18. The text reads: “And these signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not harm them...” (Mark 16:17–18).

1. Textual Considerations: Many manuscripts include these verses as part of Mark’s Gospel, although some earlier manuscripts end at Mark 16:8. Despite the textual debates, a large number of manuscripts and early Christian writers affirm the longer ending.

2. Interpretive Approach: Even if one accepts the longer ending of Mark as canonical, this passage does not present routine snake handling as a deliberate practice of worship. Rather, it testifies that Christ’s protection extends to unexpected and dangerous situations encountered while fulfilling the Great Commission.

The Apostle Paul’s Encounter on Malta (Acts 28:3–6)

A significant New Testament narrative about a believer and a snake occurs when Paul is shipwrecked on the island of Malta. While gathering firewood, he is bitten by a viper (Acts 28:3). Onlookers expect him to swell up and die. However, Paul shakes off the creature “into the fire and suffered no ill effects” (Acts 28:5).

1. Divine Protection: This event illustrates God’s providence over Paul as he continues his mission. It demonstrates God’s power to sustain His servants in unforeseen dangers.

2. No Deliberate Handling: It is important to note that Paul did not seek out or handle the snake to prove his faith—he merely experienced protection in an unplanned incident.

Biblical Warnings against Testing God

Believers are never commanded to seek out lethal circumstances to display their faith. Jesus rebuked the devil’s temptation to jump from the temple by quoting Scripture: “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test” (Matthew 4:7). This principle applies to handling snakes: intentionally provoking danger can be considered testing God rather than exercising genuine faith.

Practical Considerations and Contemporary Views

Some groups have interpreted Mark 16:17–18 as an instruction to handle venomous snakes in religious ceremonies. However, the broader biblical context underscores that no passage advocates such a practice as a normative element of Christian worship.

• Historical Instances: Records of snake-handling churches exist in modern times, mostly emerging in the early 20th century. Historians and sociologists have documented the resulting injuries and fatalities, further highlighting the dangers of literal snake-handling rituals.

• Church Consensus: Mainstream Christian teaching across centuries has generally interpreted the promise of Mark 16:17–18 as God’s protective power over unforeseen hazards rather than a ritual to be performed.

Synthesizing a Balanced Understanding

1. Symbolism and Reality: Biblically, serpents often symbolize evil or danger. Yet, Scripture also presents momentary episodes where snakes highlight God’s ability to protect and heal.

2. Protection over Presumption: While God can and does intervene miraculously, the consistent biblical counsel is to trust in His providence without courting danger. Faith is rooted in relationship and obedience, rather than staging risky scenarios to verify divine favor.

Conclusion

Scripture emphasizes God’s sovereignty, protection, and authority over all creation, including serpents. Passages referencing snakes illustrate both human vulnerability and God’s power to save and heal. Although Mark 16:17–18 includes language about picking up snakes, the overwhelming consensus in Scripture and from historical Christian practice underscores caution against turning this into a mandated or deliberate ritual. Instead, the biblical message encourages a faith that trusts God’s provision, avoids putting Him to the test, and centers on proclaiming the gospel to the nations in a spirit of sound judgment and obedience.