“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6
What Does The Bible Say About Snakes
The Bible talks about snakes in different ways, showing both their role in creation and how they are sometimes used to teach important lessons. Snakes are creatures made by God, and they are part of the world He created. They move quietly on the ground, and their way of living reminds us of how every part of nature has a purpose.
In the Bible, snakes are sometimes seen as symbols of danger or evil because they are clever and can cause harm. There are stories where snakes are connected to difficult situations, showing how we need to be careful in life and watch for things that can lead us away from what is good. These stories remind us to be wise and not easily tricked by things that might look harmless but could hurt us.
The Bible also talks about times when snakes were used to teach people about trust and healing. In one story, people looked at a snake and found help from God when they were in trouble. This shows that even something seen as dangerous can be turned into a way to remind us of God’s power and mercy.
Snakes in the Bible are often used to show lessons about choices, wisdom, and how we can trust God even when life seems scary. They remind us that everything in creation can teach us something, and we should always look to God for guidance and strength.
Also Read: Bible Verses about Loving Animals
The Serpent in the Garden of Eden
The Bible first introduces the image of a snake in the Garden of Eden, representing deception and temptation. The serpent’s cunning words led Adam and Eve astray, marking the fall of mankind. These verses emphasize the craftiness of snakes and how they symbolize spiritual battles and human weakness in the face of temptation.
Genesis 3:1
“The serpent was clever, more clever than any wild animal God had made. He spoke to the Woman: ‘Do I understand that God told you not to eat from any tree in the garden?'”
Genesis 3:14
“God told the serpent: ‘Because you’ve done this, you’re cursed, cursed beyond all cattle and wild animals, cursed to slink on your belly and eat dirt all your life.'”
Genesis 3:15
“I’m declaring war between you and the Woman, between your offspring and hers. He’ll wound your head, you’ll wound his heel.”
2 Corinthians 11:3
“And now I’m afraid that exactly as the Snake seduced Eve with his smooth patter, you are being lured away from the simple purity of your love for Christ.”
Revelation 12:9
“The great Dragon—ancient Serpent, the one called Devil and Satan, the one who led the whole earth astray—was thrown out, and all his Angels were thrown out with him.”
Snakes as a Sign of Judgment
Throughout Scripture, snakes are often used as instruments of judgment against rebellion and sin. These verses reflect how God allowed snakes to execute divine judgment, reminding us of the consequences of disobedience and the seriousness of God’s commands.
Numbers 21:6
“God sent poisonous snakes among the people; they bit them, and many in Israel died.”
Deuteronomy 8:15
“God led you through that huge and fearsome wilderness, those desolate, arid badlands crawling with fiery snakes and scorpions.”
Jeremiah 8:17
“Watch this: I’m sending poisonous snakes among you, snakes that can’t be charmed, snakes that’ll bite you and kill you.”
Amos 5:19
“You’re running from a lion, only to meet a bear. A snake bites you when you lean against a wall.”
Isaiah 14:29
“Don’t celebrate too soon, Philistines. If you think the rod that beat you is broken, think again. A worse punishment is on the way—a snake, a serpent, to strike you.”
Snakes and Wisdom
Jesus references snakes to teach us to be wise yet innocent. These verses illustrate how snakes can embody discernment and strategy, traits valuable in the lives of believers as they navigate a complex and sometimes hostile world.
Matthew 10:16
“Stay alert. This is hazardous work I’m assigning you. You’re going to be like sheep running through a wolf pack, so don’t call attention to yourselves. Be as cunning as a snake, inoffensive as a dove.”
Proverbs 30:19
“The way an eagle flies in the sky, the way a snake glides over a rock, the way a ship navigates the ocean, the way a man loves a woman.”
Psalm 58:4-5
“Their venom is like the venom of a snake; even a deaf cobra cannot charm them.”
Ecclesiastes 10:8
“If you dig a hole, you might fall in; if you demolish a wall, you could be bitten by a snake.”
Mark 16:18
“They will handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them.”
Snakes as Symbols of Evil
Snakes often represent evil and danger, both spiritual and physical. These passages highlight the dangers of aligning with evil forces and the destructive consequences of sin, as often depicted through the imagery of serpents.
Psalm 140:3
“They smear venom on their lips; their words are snake tongue lies.”
Isaiah 59:5
“They hatch snake eggs and weave spider webs. Eat an egg and die; crush one and a snake hatches.”
Luke 3:7
“When crowds of people came out for baptism because it was the popular thing to do, John exploded: ‘Brood of snakes! What do you think you’re doing slithering down here to the river?'”
Acts 28:3-5
“Paul pitched in and helped. He had gathered up a bundle of sticks, but when he put it on the fire, a venomous snake, roused from its torpor by the heat, struck his hand.”
Micah 7:17
“They’ll come out of their holes like snakes, crawl from their hiding places like lizards.”
God’s Power Over Snakes
Scripture repeatedly demonstrates God’s authority over snakes, emphasizing His power to protect His people and triumph over evil. These verses reflect God’s supremacy and control over creation, including the most dangerous creatures.
Exodus 7:10-12
“Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and did what God commanded. Aaron threw down his staff before Pharaoh and his servants, and it turned into a snake.”
Psalm 91:13
“You’ll walk unharmed among lions and snakes, and kick young lions and serpents from the path.”
Mark 16:17-18
“These are some of the signs that will accompany believers: They will throw out demons in my name, they will speak in new tongues, they will pick up snakes with their hands.”
Isaiah 11:8
“Infants will crawl safely among poisonous snakes; toddlers will stick their hands in a den of vipers and not be hurt.”
Luke 10:19
“See what I’ve given you? Safe passage as you walk on snakes and scorpions, and protection from every assault of the Enemy.”
Snakes and Deliverance
The Bible also portrays snakes as part of miraculous deliverance. These instances show God’s ability to transform harm into salvation for His people, offering hope in the midst of danger.
Numbers 21:8-9
“God said to Moses, ‘Make a snake and put it on a flagpole. Whoever is bitten and looks at it will live.'”
2 Kings 18:4
“Hezekiah smashed the bronze serpent Moses had made, because people had been burning offerings to it.”
John 3:14
“In the same way that Moses lifted the serpent in the desert so people could have something to see and then believe, it is necessary for the Son of Man to be lifted up.”
Isaiah 65:25
“The wolf and lamb will graze the same meadow, and lions and oxen eat straw from the same trough, but snakes—they’ll get a diet of dirt!”
1 Corinthians 10:9
“We must never try to get Christ to serve us instead of us serving him; they tried it, and God launched an epidemic of poisonous snakes.”
Snakes and the End Times
In the prophetic visions of the end times, snakes appear as symbols of ultimate evil and defeat. These passages highlight the final triumph of God over all forces of darkness, offering believers the promise of victory through Him.
Revelation 20:2
“He grabbed the Dragon, that old Snake—the very Devil, Satan himself!—chained him up for a thousand years.”
Isaiah 27:1
“At that time, God will unsheathe his sword, his merciless, massive, mighty sword. He’ll punish the serpent Leviathan as it flees, the serpent Leviathan thrashing in flight.”
Revelation 12:15
“The serpent vomited a river of water to swamp and drown the woman.”
Micah 7:17
“They’ll slink off like snakes, crawl into their holes like lizards, startled out of their wits by God, in dread and reverence before him.”
Psalm 74:13-14
“It was you who split open the sea by your power; you broke the heads of the monster in the waters. It was you who crushed the heads of Leviathan.”
Snakes and God’s Creation
Finally, snakes are part of God’s intricate creation, serving as a reminder of His wisdom and sovereignty. These verses reflect the balance and purpose in all creatures, even those that evoke fear or danger, pointing to God’s glory in the natural world.
Job 26:13
“By his breath the skies became beautiful; his hand pierced the gliding serpent.”
Proverbs 23:32
“In the end it bites like a serpent and stings like an adder.”
Isaiah 65:25
“Snakes will no longer bite to kill but will feed on dust.”
Psalm 148:7-10
“Praise the Lord from the earth, you sea creatures and ocean depths; wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds.”
Genesis 1:24
“God spoke: ‘Earth, generate life! Every sort and kind: cattle and reptiles and wild animals—all kinds.'”
Christian Quotes on Snakes
“The serpent is a master of deception, but the power of God is greater than any lie he can whisper. We must cling to the truth of Scripture to overcome his schemes.” – Charles Spurgeon
“Sin entered the world through the serpent, but salvation comes through the Savior. Victory over the snake was secured at the cross.” – Billy Graham
“The serpent in the garden is a reminder that the enemy doesn’t show his fangs immediately. He entices, then ensnares. Be watchful and pray.” – A.W. Tozer
“When Jesus said to be as wise as serpents, He meant for us to use discernment without succumbing to the serpent’s craftiness.” – John Piper
“Even the venom of the serpent cannot prevail against the antidote of Christ’s blood. His power to save surpasses all evil.” – D.L. Moody
“The serpent represents the lies we believe about God and ourselves. Christ is the truth that crushes the serpent’s head.” – Tim Keller
“The bronze serpent lifted up in the wilderness foreshadowed the cross. Looking to Jesus is still the only cure for the venom of sin.” – R.C. Sproul
“Every Christian must face the serpent, but God’s Word equips us with the sword of the Spirit to defeat him.” – Francis Chan
“The snake might coil and strike, but its power is limited by the authority of Christ. We walk in that authority daily.” – Joyce Meyer
“The serpent in the Bible reminds us of the ongoing spiritual battle, but also of the ultimate victory we have in Christ.” – David Jeremiah
Final Thought
Snakes are a recurring image in Scripture, representing temptation, judgment, and spiritual warfare. From the serpent in the Garden of Eden to the bronze serpent in the wilderness and the ultimate defeat of the dragon in Revelation, these creatures symbolize the struggle between good and evil. Yet, they also remind us of God’s sovereignty, protection, and the redemption available through Jesus Christ.
This study of “Bible Verses About Snakes” reveals profound truths about our spiritual journey: the need for vigilance, the assurance of God’s power, and the hope of victory. Let us remain steadfast, clinging to God’s promises and walking in the wisdom and authority given to us in Christ. The serpent may strike, but its defeat is sealed by the cross. Through faith, we rise above deception and walk in the light of God’s truth.