Bible Dictionary

Serpent

A legless reptile, commonly known as a snake.

Quick Reference

Total Entries

368

Entry Position

304 of 368

Letter

S

Meaning

A legless reptile, commonly known as a snake.

Key Scriptures

  • Genesis 3:1-15
  • Numbers 21:4-9
  • Deuteronomy 8:15
  • Psalm 58:4-5
  • Proverbs 23:32
  • Isaiah 14:29
  • Matthew 10:16
  • John 3:14
  • Revelation 12:9
  • Revelation 20:2

Also Called

snake

Original Language

Hebrew

נָחָשׁ

nachash

serpent; snake

Greek

ὄφις

ophis

serpent; snake

Meaning

A serpent is a legless reptile, commonly known as a snake.


Biblical Usage

In Scripture, serpents are mentioned throughout both the Old and New Testaments.

The serpent is first introduced in the Garden of Eden. Serpents also appear in the laws given to Israel, in historical events, in poetry, in prophetic passages, and in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles.

Some passages use the serpent as a literal animal, while others use the term in figures of speech or symbolic descriptions.


Key References

  • Genesis 3:1-15
  • Numbers 21:4-9
  • Deuteronomy 8:15
  • Psalm 58:4-5
  • Proverbs 23:32
  • Isaiah 14:29
  • Matthew 10:16
  • John 3:14
  • Revelation 12:9
  • Revelation 20:2

  • Adam
  • Eve
  • Garden of Eden
  • Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil

Study More

Continue your Bible study by exploring related Scriptures, dictionary terms, and connected topics.

Scriptures

  • Genesis 3:1-15
  • Numbers 21:4-9
  • Deuteronomy 8:15
  • Psalm 58:4-5
  • Proverbs 23:32
  • Isaiah 14:29
  • Matthew 10:16
  • John 3:14
  • Revelation 12:9
  • Revelation 20:2

Related Terms

Study Topics