Topical Encyclopedia In the Bible, the term "venomous" is often associated with serpents and other creatures that possess the ability to inflict harm through their poisonous bites or stings. The imagery of venomous creatures is frequently used metaphorically to describe the destructive power of sin, evil, and deceit.Old Testament References The concept of venomous creatures is introduced early in the Scriptures. In Genesis 3:1, the serpent is described as "more cunning than any beast of the field" , setting the stage for its role in the temptation and fall of humanity. Although the serpent in Genesis is not explicitly described as venomous, its association with deception and sin is clear. In Deuteronomy 32:33, the venom of serpents is used metaphorically to describe the bitterness and destructive nature of Israel's enemies: "Their wine is the venom of serpents, the deadly poison of cobras" . This passage highlights the lethal and corrupting influence of those who oppose God's people. The Book of Job also references venomous creatures. In Job 20:16, the wicked are said to "suck the poison of cobras; the fangs of a viper will kill them" . Here, venom symbolizes the inevitable consequences of living a life contrary to God's righteousness. New Testament References In the New Testament, venomous imagery is used to illustrate the harmful nature of sinful speech and behavior. James 3:8 describes the tongue as "a restless evil, full of deadly poison" , emphasizing the potential for words to cause great harm and destruction, much like the bite of a venomous creature. The Apostle Paul, in Romans 3:13, quotes from the Psalms to describe the sinful nature of humanity: "Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit. The venom of vipers is on their lips" . This passage underscores the pervasive and deadly nature of sin, likening it to the venom of serpents. Symbolism and Theological Implications Venomous creatures in the Bible often symbolize the presence and effects of sin and evil. The imagery serves as a powerful reminder of the destructive power of sin and the need for vigilance and reliance on God's protection and grace. The metaphor of venom highlights the insidious nature of sin, which can infiltrate and corrupt the heart and mind, leading to spiritual death. The Bible also provides hope and deliverance from the power of venomous sin through faith in Jesus Christ. In Mark 16:18, Jesus promises that His followers "will pick up snakes with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not harm them" . This assurance points to the ultimate victory over sin and evil through the power of Christ's resurrection and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. In summary, the concept of venomous creatures in the Bible serves as a vivid illustration of the dangers of sin and the need for divine intervention and redemption. Through the lens of Scripture, believers are called to recognize the deadly nature of sin and to seek refuge in the saving grace of God. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (a.) Full of venom; noxious to animal life; poisonous; as, the bite of a serpent may be venomous.2. (a.) Having a poison gland or glands for the secretion of venom, as certain serpents and insects. 3. (a.) Noxious; mischievous; malignant; spiteful; as, a venomous progeny; a venomous writer. Greek 2342. therion -- a wild beast ... venomous, wild beast. Diminutive from the same as thera; a dangerous animal -- (venomous, wild) beast. see GREEK thera. (theria) -- 2 Occurrences. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2342.htm - 7k 2191. echidna -- a viper 3644. olothreutes -- a destroyer Strong's Hebrew 6620. pethen -- (a venomous serpent) perhaps cobra... 6619, 6620. pethen. 6621 . (a venomous serpent) perhaps cobra. Transliteration: pethen Phonetic Spelling: (peh'-then) Short Definition: cobra. ... /hebrew/6620.htm - 6k 660. epheh -- (a kind of) viper Library Now Suppose that While You were Writing This, as You Tell us You ... The Life of St. Patrick Felicitous Phrases Only Chapter Treats of the Great Importance of Perseverance in ... The Teaching of the Boisterous and Untaught, Desiring to Love: and ... That Perfect Love Binds to God Without Loosing and Makes Man ... Hell. A Believer's Privilege at Death The Long, Rough Road He Trod Christ's First and Last Subject Thesaurus Venomous (4 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Full of venom; noxious to animal life; poisonous; as, the bite of a serpent may be venomous. ...Venomous (4 Occurrences). ... /v/venomous.htm - 8k Adder (9 Occurrences) Poison (17 Occurrences) Cockatrice (3 Occurrences) Vent (8 Occurrences) Venom (8 Occurrences) Serpent (40 Occurrences) Vengeance (63 Occurrences) Viper (8 Occurrences) Imitate (13 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about snake handling? Should we be handling snakes in church? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did John the Baptist refer to the Pharisees as a brood of vipers? | GotQuestions.org What is the proper way to handle sin in my life? | GotQuestions.org Venomous: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Venomous (4 Occurrences)Mark 16:18 Acts 28:4 Deuteronomy 8:15 Isaiah 14:29 Subtopics Related Terms |