The Bible often uses snakes as symbols of both evil and divine power. From the Garden of Eden to miraculous events in the wilderness, snakes appear throughout Scripture with significant meaning. Sometimes they represent danger, temptation, or deception, while other times God uses them to show His glory and protection. Let’s explore what the Bible says about snakes in various contexts, drawing lessons of caution, redemption, and spiritual power.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Snakes in Dreams
Snakes as Symbols of Evil
From the very beginning, snakes have symbolized deception and evil in the Bible. The serpent in the Garden of Eden tempted Eve, leading to the fall of mankind. This imagery continues throughout Scripture as a symbol of Satan and spiritual danger. Understanding the symbolism behind snakes helps us remain vigilant in our spiritual walk and resist temptation with God’s strength.
Genesis 3:1
“The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the Lord God had made. One day he asked the woman, ‘Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?'”
Revelation 12:9
“This great dragon—the ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, the one deceiving the whole world—was thrown down to the earth with all his angels.”
2 Corinthians 11:3
“But I fear that somehow your pure and undivided devotion to Christ will be corrupted, just as Eve was deceived by the cunning ways of the serpent.”
John 8:44
“For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning… for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
Psalm 140:3
“Their tongues sting like a snake; the venom of a viper drips from their lips.”
God’s Power Over Serpents
The Bible shows that although serpents may represent evil or danger, God’s power always surpasses theirs. Stories like Moses’ staff turning into a serpent or Paul shaking off a viper illustrate God’s authority over these creatures. These verses encourage believers to trust in God’s sovereign protection and power in times of danger or fear.
Exodus 7:10
“So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and did what the Lord had commanded them. Aaron threw down his staff before Pharaoh and his officials, and it became a serpent!”
Exodus 7:12
“They threw down their staffs, which also became serpents! But then Aaron’s staff swallowed up their staffs.”
Numbers 21:9
“So Moses made a snake out of bronze and attached it to a pole. Then anyone who was bitten by a snake could look at the bronze snake and be healed!”
Acts 28:3
“As Paul gathered an armful of sticks and was laying them on the fire, a poisonous snake, driven out by the heat, bit him on the hand.”
Acts 28:5
“But Paul shook off the snake into the fire and was unharmed.”
Jesus and the Serpent Imagery
Interestingly, Jesus referenced serpent imagery in His teachings. He drew comparisons that revealed both spiritual wisdom and divine deliverance. One key moment is when He likened Himself to the bronze serpent Moses lifted up—pointing to the salvation He would bring. These comparisons show how even the image of a serpent can point to God’s redemptive work through Christ.
John 3:14
“And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up.”
Matthew 10:16
“Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves.”
Luke 10:19
“Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you.”
Mark 16:18
“They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.”
Matthew 23:33
“Snakes! Sons of vipers! How will you escape the judgment of hell?”
Serpents and Deception
Snakes often represent deceit in the Bible. Their sly and silent nature mirrors how sin can creep into our lives without warning. These verses caution believers to be alert, discerning, and grounded in the truth of God’s Word. Knowing how the enemy works helps us guard our hearts and live wisely in a world full of spiritual traps.
Romans 16:20
“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.”
Isaiah 27:1
“In that day the Lord will take his terrible, swift sword and punish Leviathan, the swiftly moving serpent, the coiling, writhing serpent. He will kill the dragon of the sea.”
Proverbs 23:32
“For in the end it bites like a poisonous snake; it stings like a viper.”
Job 26:13
“His Spirit made the heavens beautiful, and his power pierced the gliding serpent.”
Micah 7:17
“Like snakes crawling from their holes, they will come out to meet the Lord our God. They will fear him greatly, trembling in terror at his presence.”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Dinosaurs
Protection from Serpents
Though serpents are dangerous, God promises His protection for those who trust Him. The Scriptures reassure us that even when facing harm—symbolized by snakes—God is our shield and defense. These verses strengthen our faith, reminding us that nothing, not even a deadly serpent, can overpower the hand of God guarding us.
Psalm 91:13
“You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!”
Isaiah 11:8
“The baby will play safely near the hole of a cobra. Yes, a little child will put its hand in a nest of deadly snakes without harm.”
Mark 16:17
“These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages.”
Luke 21:18
“But not a hair of your head will perish!”
Proverbs 30:19
“how an eagle glides through the sky, how a snake slithers on a rock, how a ship navigates the ocean, how a man loves a woman.”
Snakes in the Wilderness
The wilderness stories involving snakes are full of spiritual lessons. When the Israelites sinned, God allowed poisonous snakes among them as a form of discipline, but also provided a way of healing. These accounts show God’s justice and mercy, teaching us the importance of repentance and the hope of divine deliverance.
Numbers 21:6
“So the Lord sent poisonous snakes among the people, and many were bitten and died.”
Numbers 21:7
“Then the people came to Moses and cried out, ‘We have sinned by speaking against the Lord and against you. Pray that the Lord will take away the snakes.’ So Moses prayed for the people.”
Deuteronomy 8:15
“Do not forget that he led you through the great and terrifying wilderness with its poisonous snakes and scorpions, where it was so hot and dry. He gave you water from the rock!”
Isaiah 14:29
“Do not rejoice, you Philistines, that the rod that struck you is broken—for from that root a snake will spring up, a deadly viper!”
Jeremiah 8:17
“Listen! I am sending snakes—poisonous vipers that cannot be charmed. They will bite you, and you will die. I, the Lord, have spoken!”
Final Judgment and Serpent Imagery
In the final chapters of the Bible, serpent imagery is tied to ultimate judgment and the end of evil. The serpent—Satan—is cast down and defeated once and for all. These verses give believers hope and assurance that God’s justice will prevail and that the ancient enemy will be destroyed forever.
Revelation 20:2
“He seized the dragon—that old serpent, who is the devil, Satan—and bound him in chains for a thousand years.”
Isaiah 65:25
“The wolf and the lamb will feed together. The lion will eat hay like a cow. But the snakes will eat dust. In those days no one will be hurt or destroyed on my holy mountain. I, the Lord, have spoken!”
Revelation 12:15
“Then the dragon tried to drown the woman with a flood of water that flowed from his mouth.”
Revelation 12:17
“And the dragon was angry at the woman and declared war against the rest of her children—all who keep God’s commandments and maintain their testimony for Jesus.”
Revelation 20:10
“Then the devil, who had deceived them, was thrown into the fiery lake of burning sulfur, joining the beast and the false prophet. There they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”