In the Bible, snakes are often symbolic of evil, danger, and deceit, with the poison-snake being a particularly vivid representation of these themes. The imagery of venomous serpents is used throughout Scripture to convey the deadly nature of sin and the cunning of Satan.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 3:1-5: The serpent in the Garden of Eden is the first and most infamous snake in the Bible. While not explicitly described as venomous, its role in the Fall of Man imbues it with a metaphorical poison, as it deceives Eve into disobeying God. The serpent's cunning nature is highlighted: "Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field that the LORD God had made" (Genesis 3:1).

2. Numbers 21:6-9: During the Israelites' journey in the wilderness, God sends fiery serpents among the people as a punishment for their complaints. These serpents bite the people, causing many to die. In response to Moses' intercession, God instructs him to make a bronze serpent and set it on a pole, so that anyone bitten could look at it and live. This event underscores the deadly nature of the serpents' poison and serves as a foreshadowing of Christ's redemptive work: "Then the LORD sent venomous snakes among them; they bit the Israelites, and many of the people died" (Numbers 21:6).

3. Deuteronomy 8:15: In recounting the Israelites' journey, Moses reminds them of God's protection in the wilderness, a place filled with "fiery serpents and scorpions." This reference highlights the constant threat posed by venomous creatures and God's provision in delivering His people from such dangers.

4. Psalm 58:4: The psalmist uses the imagery of a venomous snake to describe the wicked: "Their venom is like the poison of a serpent, like a cobra that shuts its ears" (Psalm 58:4). This comparison emphasizes the destructive and insidious nature of evil.

5. Isaiah 14:29: The prophet Isaiah warns the Philistines of impending judgment, using the imagery of a venomous serpent to describe the coming threat: "For from the root of the snake will spring up a viper, and its fruit will be a darting, venomous serpent" (Isaiah 14:29). This metaphor illustrates the inevitability and danger of divine retribution.

6. Mark 16:18: In the New Testament, Jesus speaks of signs that will accompany believers, including protection from deadly snakes: "They will pick up snakes with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not harm them" (Mark 16:18). This promise signifies the power of faith and divine protection over physical and spiritual dangers.

7. Acts 28:3-6: The Apostle Paul experiences a miraculous deliverance from a venomous snakebite on the island of Malta. After being bitten by a viper, the islanders expect him to die, but he suffers no harm, demonstrating God's protection and the fulfillment of Jesus' promise: "But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects" (Acts 28:5).

Symbolism and Interpretation:

In biblical literature, the poison-snake serves as a powerful symbol of sin, temptation, and the devil's deceit. The venom of these serpents is often likened to the corrupting influence of sin, which leads to spiritual death. However, the Bible also provides hope through God's provision and protection, as seen in the bronze serpent in the wilderness and the promises of Christ. The imagery of the poison-snake thus serves as both a warning of the dangers of sin and a testament to God's redemptive power.Poison-snake (4 Occurrences)

Proverbs 23:32
In the end, its bite is like that of a snake, its wound like the wound of a poison-snake.
(BBE)

Isaiah 11:8
And the child at the breast will be playing by the hole of the snake, and the older child will put his hand on the bright eye of the poison-snake.
(BBE)

Isaiah 14:29
Be not glad, O Philistia, all of you, because the rod which was on you is broken: for out of the snake's root will come a poison-snake, and its fruit will be a winged poison-snake.
(BBE)

Isaiah 59:5
They give birth to snake's eggs, and make spider's threads: whoever takes their eggs for food comes to his death, and the egg which is crushed becomes a poison-snake.
(BBE)

Poison-snake (4 Occurrences)
Poison-snake. Poisons, Poison-snake. Poison-snakes . Multi-Version
Concordance Poison-snake (4 Occurrences). Proverbs ...
/p/poison-snake.htm - 7k

Snake's (3 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 14:29 Be not glad, O Philistia, all of you, because the rod which was on
you is broken: for out of the snake's root will come a poison-snake, and its ...
/s/snake's.htm - 7k

Snake (43 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 11:8 And the child at the breast will be playing by the hole of the snake,
and the older child will put his hand on the bright eye of the poison-snake. ...
/s/snake.htm - 19k

Venomous (4 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 14:29 Be not glad, O Philistia, all of you, because the rod which was on
you is broken: for out of the snake's root will come a poison-snake, and its ...
/v/venomous.htm - 8k

Darting (4 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 14:29 Be not glad, O Philistia, all of you, because the rod which was on
you is broken: for out of the snake's root will come a poison-snake, and its ...
/d/darting.htm - 7k

Winged (69 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 14:29 Be not glad, O Philistia, all of you, because the rod which was on
you is broken: for out of the snake's root will come a poison-snake, and its ...
/w/winged.htm - 26k

Threads (13 Occurrences)
... give birth to snake's eggs, and make spider's threads: whoever takes their eggs
for food comes to his death, and the egg which is crushed becomes a poison-snake...
/t/threads.htm - 10k

Poisons (1 Occurrence)

/p/poisons.htm - 6k

Poison-snakes (3 Occurrences)
Poison-snakes. Poison-snake, Poison-snakes. Pokereth-hazzebaim . Multi-Version
Concordance ... (BBE). Poison-snake, Poison-snakes. Pokereth-hazzebaim . ...
/p/poison-snakes.htm - 7k

Spring (122 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 14:29 Be not glad, O Philistia, all of you, because the rod which was on
you is broken: for out of the snake's root will come a poison-snake, and its ...
/s/spring.htm - 40k

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