Today we will talk about bible verses about snakes. Snakes appear in various contexts throughout the Bible, highlighting a range of meanings from wisdom to danger. For many Christians, these verses aren’t just about the creatures themselves but also symbolize deeper spiritual truths. As we dive into God’s Word, we can discover lessons of caution, wisdom, and the triumph of good over evil. So let’s be on the lookout for the wisdom embedded in these scriptures as we read through them together.
Bible Verses About Snakes
Wisdom of the Serpent
In our faith journey, we often encounter lessons wrapped in delightful stories. The Bible uses the imagery of snakes to teach us about wisdom. When we hear about the “wisdom of the serpent,” we might think of how the Bible encourages us to be wise in our dealings with the world. We are called to be shrewd yet innocent, a balance that’s not always easy to maintain. As we explore these verses, we remind ourselves to seek God’s wisdom so that we can navigate life’s complexities with grace and understanding.
Matthew 10:16
“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” – Matthew 10:16
Genesis 3:1
“Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” – Genesis 3:1
Proverbs 14:15
“The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.” – Proverbs 14:15
Ecclesiastes 10:8
“Whoever digs a pit may fall into it; whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake.” – Ecclesiastes 10:8
Proverbs 22:3
“The wise see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.” – Proverbs 22:3
Symbol of Danger
As we walk through life, we encounter various dangers that seek to lead us away from the path God has laid for us. Snakes in the Bible often symbolize these threats. It’s important for us to recognize the signs of danger in our lives—whether it’s unhealthy relationships, poor choices, or influences that pull us away from God. By being aware, we can stay vigilant and protect our relationship with the Lord and our well-being.
Genesis 49:17
“Dan will be a serpent by the roadside, a viper along the path that bites the horse’s heels so that its rider tumbles backward.” – Genesis 49:17
Luke 10:19
“I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” – Luke 10:19
Mark 16:18
“They will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” – Mark 16:18
Revelation 12:9
“The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray.” – Revelation 12:9
Habakkuk 2:15
“Woe to him who gives drink to his neighbors, pouring it from the wineskin till they are drunk, so that he can gaze on their naked bodies!” – Habakkuk 2:15
Transformation and Healing
Throughout the Bible, snakes are sometimes associated with transformation and healing. For us, this speaks powerfully about the change that happens within us when we accept Jesus. Just as snakes shed their skin, we are called to shed our old selves and embrace the new creation God has made us. These verses remind us that through faith in Christ, we experience healing both physically and spiritually.
John 3:14
“Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up.” – John 3:14
Numbers 21:8-9
“The Lord said to Moses, ‘Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live.’ So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, they lived.” – Numbers 21:8-9
2 Kings 18:4
“He removed the high places, smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles. He broke into pieces the bronze snake Moses had made, for up to that time the Israelites had been burning incense to it. It was called Nehushtan.” – 2 Kings 18:4
Exodus 15:26
“He said, ‘If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.'” – Exodus 15:26
Psalms 107:20
“He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.” – Psalms 107:20
Facing Our Fears
Snakes can often evoke fear. However, the Bible reminds us that we don’t have to let fear control us. Each mention of snakes encourages us to face our fears head-on, armed with God’s promises. God assures us that He is with us, empowering us to confront the challenges that might make us feel small. This is an important lesson for us whenever we find ourselves intimidated by life’s looming uncertainties.
Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10
Psalm 91:13
“You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.” – Psalm 91:13
1 Peter 5:8
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” – 1 Peter 5:8
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13
Romans 8:31
“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” – Romans 8:31
Spiritual Warfare
The Bible frequently uses the imagery of snakes in the context of spiritual warfare. It reminds us that we are in a constant battle against forces of evil. While the snake may represent danger or treachery, our victory is assured through Christ. We must remember that while we face challenges, we are equipped with spiritual armor and authority over these forces. We will not be overwhelmed when we stand firm in our faith!
Ephesians 6:12
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” – Ephesians 6:12
Colossians 2:15
“And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” – Colossians 2:15
1 John 4:4
“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” – 1 John 4:4
James 4:7
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” – James 4:7
2 Corinthians 10:4
“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.” – 2 Corinthians 10:4
Influence and Deception
The serpent is a symbol of deception in the Bible, particularly related to how easily we can be swayed from the truth. When we explore verses related to snakes, we need to be mindful of their influence in the world around us. We must guard ourselves against thoughts and actions that lead us away from God’s Word. The important lesson here is to always seek the truth and be vigilant against false teachings.
2 Corinthians 11:14
“And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.” – 2 Corinthians 11:14
1 Timothy 4:1
“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.” – 1 Timothy 4:1
Matthew 7:15
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.” – Matthew 7:15
Colossians 2:8
“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.” – Colossians 2:8
Romans 16:17
“I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.” – Romans 16:17
Rebirth and New Life
Snakes shedding their skin symbolize rebirth and new life—a beautiful parallel to our salvation experience. The Bible talks about being born again and how we leave our old selves behind to embrace the life God offers us. Let’s be inspired by these verses that remind us of our transformation in Christ. We have new beginnings every day when we walk in His light and truth!
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
John 1:12-13
“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” – John 1:12-13
Galatians 2:20
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” – Galatians 2:20
Ephesians 4:22-24
“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” – Ephesians 4:22-24
Titus 3:5
“He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” – Titus 3:5
Confronting Our Sinful Nature
Snakes, as symbols of sin and temptation, help us reflect on our struggles against our sinful nature. We may find ourselves wrestling with our thoughts and actions. These Bible verses remind us of the importance of confession, repentance, and turning to God for strength. Victory over sin is possible when we lean on the grace and forgiveness God extends to us.
Romans 7:24-25
“What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!” – Romans 7:24-25
James 1:14-15
“But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” – James 1:14-15
1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9
Galatians 5:17
“For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh; they are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.” – Galatians 5:17
1 Peter 2:11
“Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.” – 1 Peter 2:11
Final Thoughts
As we journeyed through these bible verses about snakes, we unearthed a plethora of wisdom, caution, and empowerment. From symbols of deception and danger to reminders of wisdom and transformation, these verses offer a unique lens through which we can see our spiritual lives reflected. By understanding the messages these snake-related scriptures provide, we can be more vigilant, courageous, and transformed in our walks with God.
Remember, snakes remind us to confront our fears and sinful nature while trusting in God’s authority and promises. As we continue to embrace our faith and pursue wisdom, let us also be mindful of the influences around us, always reaffirming our commitment to walk in the light of Christ. Each day brings us closer to resembling the new creations we are called to be, shedding the old and embracing the new life through Him.
Ultimately, may these reflections on biblical snakes inspire us to guard our hearts against deception, stand firm in spiritual warfare, and experience the healing that comes from trusting in Jesus. Together, let’s face each day with a sense of purpose and faith!
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4