In the Bible, the term "viper" is used to describe a venomous snake, often symbolizing danger, deceit, and malice. The viper is mentioned in several passages, both in the Old and New Testaments, and serves as a powerful metaphor for evil and hypocrisy.

Old Testament References

The Hebrew word often translated as "viper" is "ʾepʿeh," which appears in the context of describing the deadly nature of certain snakes. In Isaiah 30:6, the prophet speaks of a land of trouble and anguish, inhabited by "the viper and flying serpent." This imagery underscores the perilous and hostile environment that the Israelites would encounter.

In Isaiah 59:5, the prophet uses the viper to illustrate the sinful actions of the people: "They hatch viper’s eggs and weave a spider’s web. Whoever eats their eggs will die; crack one open, and a viper is hatched." Here, the viper symbolizes the destructive and deceitful nature of sin, emphasizing the consequences of iniquity.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, the viper is prominently featured in the ministry of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ. John the Baptist, addressing the Pharisees and Sadducees, exclaims, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?" (Matthew 3:7). This harsh rebuke highlights the religious leaders' hypocrisy and moral corruption, likening them to venomous snakes that pose a spiritual threat.

Similarly, Jesus uses the term "viper" to condemn the Pharisees and scribes for their duplicity and wickedness. In Matthew 12:34, He declares, "You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks." This statement underscores the deep-seated nature of their sinfulness, as their words reveal the true condition of their hearts.

The Apostle Paul also encounters a viper in Acts 28:3-6. After being shipwrecked on the island of Malta, Paul is bitten by a viper but suffers no harm. The islanders initially believe he is a murderer whom justice has not allowed to live, but when Paul remains unharmed, they change their minds and think he is a god. This incident demonstrates God's protection over Paul and serves as a testament to divine power over natural dangers.

Symbolism and Interpretation

Throughout Scripture, the viper is a symbol of danger, deceit, and the insidious nature of sin. It represents the hidden threats that can lead to spiritual death if not recognized and addressed. The viper's venomous bite is a metaphor for the destructive power of evil words and actions, which can corrupt and harm both individuals and communities.

In the biblical narrative, the viper serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and discernment in the face of spiritual threats. It calls believers to examine their hearts and actions, ensuring they align with the righteousness and truth of God's Word.Acts 28:3
And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Creation of Moving Creatures.
... The viper, the cruelest of reptiles, unites itself with the sea lamprey, and,
announcing its presence by a hiss, it calls it from the depths to conjugal union. ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/homily vii the creation of.htm

And I Perceived and Found it Nothing Strange, that Bread which is ...
... And Thy righteousness displeaseth the wicked; much more the viper and reptiles,
which Thou hast created good, fitting in with the inferior portions of Thy ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter xvi and i perceived.htm

Only Chapter Treats of the Great Importance of Perseverance in ...
... For now the devils set on us the reptiles, that is to say, thoughts about the ... we
are very careful, will deform the soul as the sting of a viper poisons and ...
/.../teresa/the interior castle or the mansions/only chapter treats of the.htm

The Creation of Terrestrial Animals.
... in a fish, what their fancy wishes, who change the nature of reptiles and of ... from
the pine tree; the tortoise, gorged with the flesh of the viper, finds in the ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/homily ix the creation of.htm

The Close of the Theban Empire --(Continued)
... the good player on the horn, the hippopotamus, the cat, the chicken, the swallow,
and especially reptiles. Death was personified by a great viper, the queen of ...
/.../chapter ithe close of the.htm

Satan's Banquet
... stately equipage, and rare curiosities beyond our reach, these hatch the viper brood
of ... cave full of noisome birds, or a nest of rattling reptiles, and loathes ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/satans banquet.htm

the Legendary History of Egypt
... his people, and did his utmost to alleviate them; he taught to all comers potent
formulas against reptiles and beasts ... "As soon as the living viper had breathed ...
/.../chapter iii -the legendary history of.htm

The Nile and Egypt
... of the Reptiles- Supplement to the Description de AEgypte. ... like the colubers; others
are venomous, such as the soy tale, the cerastes, the haje viper, and the ...
/.../chapter i the nile and egypt.htm

Ancient Chaldaea
... cattle of the fields, the wild beasts of the fields, the reptiles of the ... does not
produce such terrible consequences as that of the horned viper or Egyptian ...
/.../chapter iancient chaldaea.htm

part i
... of the elements"light, air, water, earth, fire (concealed), whilst other elements
are diffused in all animals"in birds, fishes, reptiles, beasts, and men ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm

What is natural revelation? | GotQuestions.org

Can a person be saved through general revelation? | GotQuestions.org

How did Noah fit all the animals on the Ark? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus