Snakes frequently figure in the Bible as potent symbols with profound spiritual significance. The bible verses about snakes is shown as a symbol of temptation, deceit, judgment, healing, and even spiritual battle throughout the entire book of Revelation, from the first pages of Genesis to the last. Sciptures uses snake imagery in a variety of ways, some of which emphasize danger and evil while others, surprisingly, stress God’s provision and healing.
The serpent is used by Satan to lure Adam and Eve to sin in Genesis, which leads to the fall of humanity. God then gives Moses the task of raising a bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness so that anybody who looks upon it in faith can be healed from the deadly bites. Because of this duality, the snake becomes a paradox—a symbol of both a curse and a remedy. We learn from this complexity that even seemingly harmful things can be restored when God commands them to be so.
Jesus uses the imagery of the serpent in the New Testament to allude to His own crucifixion, saying that the Son of Man must be raised in the same way that Moses raised the serpent in order to bring about eternal life. In keeping with God’s promise in Genesis that the woman’s seed will bruise the serpent’s head, the apostle Paul likewise talks about believers crushing Satan beneath their feet. Therefore, snakes serve as a reminder of both the final victory that Christ ensures and the ongoing spiritual struggle that every believer faces.
By examining these snake-related scriptures, we may discover how deeply the Bible presents spiritual truths. The bible verses about snakes serve as a reminder of the reality of temptation, a reminder to be on guard against the devil’s plans, and a reminder of God’s ability to save, heal, and deliver. Every verse clarifies how God reveals His power and redeeming purpose through even the most dreaded imagery.
30 Powerful Bible Verses About Snakes in 2025
1. 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’?”
This verse introduces the serpent as a cunning deceiver, challenging God’s word and leading Eve into temptation. The snake here symbolizes Satan’s craftiness and the subtle way sin enters our lives. By questioning God’s commands, the serpent planted seeds of doubt that grew into disobedience. This passage warns us about how temptation often begins—not with outright rebellion, but with small questions and compromises. It reminds us to guard our hearts and remain steadfast in trusting God’s truth over the enemy’s lies.
2. Genesis 3:14-15
“So the Lord God said to the serpent, ‘Because you have done this, cursed are you above all livestock… And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.’”
Here, God pronounces judgment on the serpent, establishing a prophecy of ultimate victory through Christ. The imagery of the serpent’s head being crushed reveals the defeat of Satan by the promised Messiah. This passage not only explains why snakes are often seen as cursed creatures but also introduces the first glimmer of the Gospel. Despite humanity’s fall, God promises redemption through Jesus, who would conquer sin and death once and for all.
3. Numbers 21:6-9
“Then the Lord sent venomous snakes among them; they bit the people and many Israelites died. 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.’”
This event in the wilderness reveals both judgment and mercy. The snakes represent the consequences of Israel’s rebellion against God, but the bronze serpent lifted up becomes a symbol of deliverance. Anyone who looked at it in faith was healed. This foreshadows the cross of Christ, where those who look to Him in faith receive eternal life. The paradox of the snake—normally associated with danger—becomes a vessel of healing when God transforms it into a tool of salvation.
4. Matthew 10:16
“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”
Jesus uses the snake’s characteristics to teach His disciples about wisdom in ministry. While snakes often symbolize evil, here their cunning nature is reinterpreted as a call for discernment. Believers are called to balance wisdom with purity, navigating a hostile world without compromising their integrity. This verse shows that even the traits of a snake can teach valuable lessons when applied under God’s guidance.
5. Mark 16:17-18
“And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 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.”
This powerful promise of Jesus reveals the authority believers have in His name. The mention of picking up snakes should not be seen as a call to reckless behavior but as a demonstration of God’s protection over His servants. Snakes, which often symbolize danger and death, cannot overpower those who walk under Christ’s authority. This passage reminds us that faith is not merely about survival but about victory over evil and assurance of God’s protection in the midst of peril.
6. Acts 28:3-5
“Paul gathered a pile of brushwood, and as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand. The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead. But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects.”
This moment on the island of Malta demonstrates God’s miraculous protection over Paul. A deadly viper clung to his hand, but Paul shook it off unharmed. The astonished onlookers witnessed the power of God at work through His servant. This passage symbolizes how believers can overcome attacks from the enemy, represented by the snake, through unwavering faith in God. It is a reminder that no weapon formed against God’s children will prosper.
7. Psalm 91:13
“You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.”
This verse is a declaration of divine protection and authority. The cobra and serpent symbolize deadly threats, yet the believer is promised victory over them. Walking with God equips us with power to overcome spiritual attacks, temptations, and dangers that would otherwise destroy us. Just as snakes strike in silence, the enemy often attacks in subtle ways, but this passage assures us that those who dwell in God’s presence will walk in triumph and safety.
8. Deuteronomy 8:15
“He led you through the vast and dreadful wilderness, that thirsty and waterless land, with its venomous snakes and scorpions. He brought you water out of hard rock.”
This verse recalls Israel’s wilderness journey where venomous snakes symbolized the dangers of disobedience and the harshness of life outside of God’s provision. Yet in the midst of the desert, God miraculously provided water from the rock. Snakes here represent the threats that surround us in life’s wilderness, but the passage reminds us that God’s presence provides safety, guidance, and sustenance in the most hostile environments.
9. Amos 5:19
“It will be as though a man fled from a lion only to meet a bear, as though he entered his house and rested his hand on the wall only to have a snake bite him.”
In this verse, the snake represents unavoidable judgment and the futility of trying to escape God’s justice. Amos uses vivid imagery to show that those who run from one danger will encounter another if they do not repent. The snake bite symbolizes the inescapable consequences of sin. This serves as a sober reminder that without turning to God, humanity cannot escape the penalty of unrighteousness.
10. Isaiah 11:8
“The infant will play near the cobra’s den, and the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest.”
This prophecy points to the coming peace of God’s kingdom under the Messiah. The snake, often feared for its venom, is used to show how harmony will replace hostility in the renewed creation. Even the most vulnerable—children—will be safe in the presence of creatures that once posed danger. This verse illustrates the restoration of creation, where fear, violence, and danger will be replaced by perfect peace under God’s reign.
11. Isaiah 14:29
“Do not rejoice, all you Philistines, that the rod that struck you is broken; from the root of that snake will spring up a viper, its fruit will be a darting, venomous serpent.”
Here, the snake imagery symbolizes the rise of future enemies who would bring even greater destruction. The Philistines may have celebrated a temporary relief from their oppressor, but Isaiah warns that worse dangers lie ahead. The “viper” and “venomous serpent” describe escalating judgment and power. This verse demonstrates how snakes in Scripture often represent escalating danger, reminding us that false security without God can quickly turn into devastation.
12. Isaiah 65:25
“The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox, and dust will be the serpent’s food. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain,” says the Lord.
In this vision of the new heavens and new earth, snakes are depicted as subdued and powerless, eating dust. Unlike other creatures who are transformed into peace, the serpent remains humbled as a symbol of Satan’s final defeat. Though feared in the present, the snake is shown as stripped of its power in God’s eternal kingdom. This verse assures us that the presence of evil will one day be silenced forever.
13. Jeremiah 8:17
“See, I will send venomous snakes among you, vipers that cannot be charmed, and they will bite you,” declares the Lord.
This verse portrays snakes as instruments of divine judgment. Israel’s persistent sin and rejection of God would bring consequences symbolized by venomous snakes that could not be controlled or avoided. Unlike ordinary snakes that could be tamed or warded off, these represent unavoidable punishment. It is a warning that rejecting God’s word leaves us vulnerable to destructive forces that only His mercy can shield us from.
14. Ecclesiastes 10:8
“Whoever digs a pit may fall into it; whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake.”
This proverb uses the imagery of snakes to show the principle of consequences. Just as breaking through a wall might expose a hidden snake, so reckless actions or schemes often bring unexpected danger upon the one who plots them. The snake bite serves as a metaphor for reaping what we sow. It cautions us to act wisely and righteously, for sin and carelessness can unleash hidden dangers.
15. Amos 9:3
“Though they hide themselves on the top of Carmel, there I will hunt them down and seize them. Though they hide from my eyes at the bottom of the sea, there I will command the serpent to bite them.”
This powerful verse uses the serpent as an agent of God’s judgment. No matter how far Israel tried to run from God, even to the depths of the sea, they could not escape His justice. The serpent here represents inescapable accountability. It reminds us that God sees all, and there is no hiding from His truth. The imagery urges repentance and reliance on God’s mercy instead of seeking refuge in false security.
16. Micah 7:17
“They will lick dust like a snake, like creatures that crawl on the ground. They will come trembling out of their dens; they will turn in fear to the Lord our God and will be afraid of you.”
Micah describes nations humbling themselves before God’s people, comparing their submission to snakes crawling in the dust. Here, the snake symbolizes humiliation and defeat. Though serpents are often feared predators, in this passage they become a metaphor for humbled enemies who recognize God’s power and sovereignty. This verse reminds us that all prideful opposition to God will ultimately bow in reverence to His authority.
17. Job 20:16
“He will suck the poison of serpents; the fangs of an adder will kill him.”
This verse describes the fate of the wicked using the imagery of deadly serpents. The poison represents the destructive consequences of sin, which inevitably bring death and ruin. The fangs of the adder show that sin’s bite is lethal and cannot be ignored. Job’s friend uses this vivid picture to emphasize that wickedness brings its own punishment, just as venom destroys the one who ingests it.
18. Proverbs 23:32
“In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper.”
This proverb warns about the dangers of excessive drinking, using the metaphor of a snake bite to describe its destructive end. Sin may appear attractive at first, like smooth wine, but its result is pain, loss, and ruin. The venom of the viper illustrates how quickly and powerfully sin can damage one’s life. This verse is a timeless warning against temptation that lures us with pleasure but ends in harm.
19. 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.”
Here, Jesus gives His disciples authority over demonic forces, symbolized by snakes and scorpions. These creatures represent danger, deception, and the enemy’s attacks. Yet Jesus assures believers that they have victory and protection in His name. This verse is a declaration of spiritual authority—reminding us that while the enemy seeks to harm us, Christ has equipped us with power to overcome every assault.
20. Revelation 12:9
“The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.”
This climactic verse identifies the serpent from Genesis as Satan himself, the deceiver of the world. The imagery of the serpent culminates here in Revelation, where the enemy is cast down by God’s power. Though snakes appeared throughout Scripture as symbols of danger and deception, here the ultimate “ancient serpent” meets his defeat. This verse is both a warning of the enemy’s schemes and a promise of his final destruction.
21. Revelation 20:2
“He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.”
This verse depicts the ultimate triumph of God’s authority over Satan, called here “the ancient serpent.” From Genesis to Revelation, the serpent symbolizes the enemy’s deception and destruction, but here his power is restrained. The binding of the serpent is a clear reminder that no matter how fierce the enemy may seem, he is still subject to God’s sovereign control. It gives believers hope in the final victory of Christ over all evil.
22. Matthew 23:33
“You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell?”
Jesus used sharp words to confront the hypocrisy of the religious leaders, comparing them to snakes. This imagery highlights deceit, danger, and hidden evil. Just as vipers strike suddenly and without warning, the leaders used their positions to harm rather than to heal. Jesus’ rebuke reminds us that outward religiosity without genuine faith is deadly and that God sees through deception.
23. John 3:14-15
“Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”
Here, Jesus connects the bronze serpent in Numbers 21 to His own crucifixion. Just as the Israelites looked at the serpent and were healed from death, so those who look to Jesus in faith will be saved eternally. The snake, once a symbol of death, becomes a symbol of healing when lifted up by God’s command. This verse beautifully reveals God’s ability to turn symbols of judgment into instruments of salvation.
24. Jeremiah 46:22
“Egypt will hiss like a fleeing serpent as the enemy advances in force; they will come against her with axes, like men who cut down trees.”
Egypt is compared to a snake retreating in fear. The serpent imagery here conveys weakness, cowardice, and the futility of resisting God’s judgment. Once a powerful nation, Egypt is reduced to a slithering creature fleeing from its predator. This passage warns that human strength apart from God ultimately collapses when His judgment comes.
25. Job 26:13
“By his breath the skies became fair; his hand pierced the gliding serpent.”
This verse reveals God’s sovereignty over creation and His power over chaos. The “gliding serpent” is thought to symbolize Leviathan, a mythical sea monster, often linked with evil and chaos. God’s act of piercing it demonstrates His authority over every force that opposes Him. Even the most fearsome powers represented by serpents are subject to His hand.
26. Psalm 58:4
“Their venom is like the venom of a snake, like that of a cobra that has stopped its ears.”
The psalmist compares the wicked to venomous snakes, emphasizing their destructive words and hardened hearts. Just as cobras ignore a charmer’s voice, so the wicked refuse to hear God’s truth. The venom illustrates the deadly impact of lies, corruption, and rebellion. This verse calls us to guard against spiritual poison and cling to God’s life-giving truth.
27. Matthew 7:10
“Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?”
Jesus uses the imagery of a snake to contrast God’s goodness with human fathers. No loving parent would deceive their child by giving a snake instead of food. In the same way, God, who is infinitely loving, will not withhold good gifts from His children. Here, the snake symbolizes deception and danger, highlighting the faithfulness of God who gives life instead of harm.
28. Luke 11:11
“Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead?”
This verse parallels Matthew 7:10, reinforcing the point that God’s character is defined by generosity and goodness. The snake again represents something harmful, deceptive, and inappropriate. By contrasting the snake with nourishing food, Jesus reassures believers that they can trust their Heavenly Father to provide what is best.
29. Ecclesiastes 10:11
“If a snake bites before it is charmed, the charmer receives no fee.”
Here, the snake represents wasted opportunity and consequences of neglect. If a charmer fails to act in time, the snake strikes, and his skill is useless. This imagery teaches the importance of wisdom, timely action, and preparedness. Like the sudden bite of a snake, procrastination or neglect can bring painful results.
30. Revelation 20:10
“And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”
This verse reveals the final judgment of the serpent—Satan himself. The snake that once deceived humanity in Genesis now meets eternal defeat in Revelation. No longer a threat, he is condemned to eternal punishment. This passage gives believers assurance that the struggles and attacks of the enemy are temporary. God’s justice will prevail, and the serpent’s reign of deception will be forever ended.
Conclusion
Throughout the Bible, snakes are used as striking metaphors for temptation, peril, judgment, and, in the end, God’s victory. These verses serve as a reminder of the realities of spiritual warfare, from the serpent’s deception in Eden to Satan’s ultimate defeat in Revelation. The snake represents delicacy and subtlety, symbolizing the enemy’s attempts to divert us from God. However, every reference to snakes also brings us full circle to the hope of God’s power and deliverance.
Snakes can sometimes symbolize divine wrath, as was the case in the desert when Israel was killed by poisonous serpents. However, at the same time, God healed the person by raising a bronze snake on a pole, a symbol that was realized in Christ’s death on the cross. When given over to God’s will, what once represented a curse became a conduit for blessings. The core of the gospel is revealed by this paradox: what was intended to be death is made alive via Jesus.
In the end, the Bible’s snake story is about victory rather than fear. In order to represent victory over the enemy’s plans, believers are offered the ability to stomp serpents. Even though the old snake Satan still aims to deceive and destroy, his demise is inevitable. According to Revelation, God’s people will live in eternal peace once he is destroyed. We are reminded when we consider these verses to remain watchful against temptation, have faith in God’s protection, and celebrate the everlasting triumph that Christ has won for us.
