Topical Bible: The Wicked are Compared to Serpents

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In the Bible, the imagery of serpents is frequently used to describe the wicked, emphasizing their deceitful, dangerous, and destructive nature. This metaphor draws on the characteristics of serpents, which are often seen as cunning and treacherous creatures. The comparison serves to highlight the moral and spiritual corruption of the wicked, as well as the threat they pose to the righteous.

One of the earliest and most significant instances of this imagery is found in the account of the Fall in Genesis. The serpent, described as "more cunning than any beast of the field" (Genesis 3:1), deceives Eve into disobeying God, leading to the introduction of sin into the world. This association of the serpent with deception and evil sets the stage for its symbolic use throughout Scripture.

In the Psalms, the wicked are explicitly compared to serpents. Psalm 58:3-4 states, "The wicked are estranged from the womb; the liars go astray from birth. Their venom is like the poison of a serpent, like a cobra that shuts its ears." Here, the psalmist underscores the inherent deceitfulness and harmfulness of the wicked, likening their words and actions to the venom of a serpent, which brings harm and destruction.

The prophet Isaiah also employs this imagery in his denunciation of the wicked. In Isaiah 59:5 , he writes, "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." This vivid metaphor illustrates the deadly consequences of the wicked's schemes and the pervasive nature of their iniquity.

In the New Testament, Jesus uses the serpent imagery to describe the Pharisees and religious leaders of His time. In Matthew 23:33 , He declares, "You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape the sentence of hell?" This strong rebuke highlights the hypocrisy and spiritual blindness of those who oppose God's truth, likening them to venomous serpents that endanger the spiritual well-being of others.

The apostle Paul also references this imagery in his epistles. In Romans 3:13 , he writes, "Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit. The venom of vipers is on their lips." Paul uses this metaphor to describe the pervasive sinfulness of humanity, emphasizing the destructive power of deceitful speech.

Throughout Scripture, the comparison of the wicked to serpents serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers posed by those who reject God's ways. This imagery underscores the need for vigilance and discernment in the face of evil, as well as the ultimate triumph of righteousness over wickedness through God's redemptive plan.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 58:4
Their poison is like the poison of a serpent: they are like the deaf adder that stops her ear;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 23:33
You serpents, you generation of vipers, how can you escape the damnation of hell?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Mysteries of the Brazen Serpent
... Can a father send his son into this wicked world with a consciousness of all the
evils that ... Fiery serpents, ye are nothing when compared with fiery ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the mysteries of the brazen.htm

Answer to the Objection of the Heathen, that it was not Right to ...
... they held goodness in high esteem; while, on the other hand, the wicked shall receive ...
With justice, then, have you been compared to those serpents who shut ...
/.../clement/exhortation to the heathen/chapter x answer to the objection.htm

Meditations for one that is Like to Die.
... canst endure, is nothing, if it be compared to those ... stung with back-biters, like
fiery serpents; anon he ... we are separated from the company of wicked men; and ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/meditations for one that is.htm

The Snare of the Fowler
... Men are here compared to silly, weak birds, that have not ... not to the wicked man,
for the wicked man sins ... cacti grow, there the most venomous serpents are to be ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the snare of the fowler.htm

A Believer's Privilege at Death
... begins when his life ends; but the wicked have all ... It may be compared to a wild
fig-tree growing on ... in the year in which they killed all serpents and venomous ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/2 a believers privilege at.htm

Against those who Object Because the Devil Has not Been Put Out of ...
... if thou art careless thou wilt cause wicked works by ... For as the physicians taking
serpents and cutting off ... on the poor." [599] What could be compared with this ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily ii against those who.htm

Matt. xxvi. 17, 18
... punishment, both because they became wicked, when they ... these are considered child's
play compared with those. ... from amongst men, but serpents, scorpions, wolves ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxxxi matt xxvi 17.htm

Blessed are they that Mourn
... There are many who may be compared to weeping marbles, they are both watery ... A wicked
man will say he is a sinner, but a child of ... In this be wise as serpents'. ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/6 blessed are they that.htm

False Profession.
... how oft is the candle of the wicked put out by ... departeth not from iniquity, to whom
may he be compared? ... what doth Christ compare them but to serpents and vipers ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xx false profession.htm

Ninth Commandment
... has been called "tongue murder." Slanderers are compared to flies ... of life: but violence
covereth the mouth of the wicked. ... and of birds, and of serpents, and of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/ninth commandment.htm