Animals of the Bible · Underground · Reptiles
The Viper
The Viper — a wonderful creature of Scripture and of the Bible world
Discovered in your collection
- Key verse
- Proverbs 23:32
- Where it lived
- The “underground” habitat in the Bible lands: the valleys and hills of the Holy Land
- What it reminds us of
- The Viper in Scripture
Stories from Scripture
The Viper in the stories of the Bible
People of faith
The Viper in Scripture
“At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.” Wisdom from the Bible warns us about temptations that look attractive at first but hide the poison of pain and the ruin of the soul. (The King James Bible calls this snake an “adder.”)
Proverbs 23:32The prophets and the wise
What the Bible teaches about the viper
“…into the land of trouble and anguish, from whence come the young and old lion, the viper and fiery flying serpent…” The journey through the dangerous desert reminds us of the Lord’s wonderful protection of those who travel with Him.
Isaiah 30:6
Wonders of Creation
Did you know?
On the island of Malta (Acts 28:3-5), a viper bit the apostle Paul’s hand, but God worked a miracle and Paul was not harmed, to the amazement of all who saw it.
In Bible times, the viper was part of the everyday scenery of the lands of the ancient East.
Every feature of this creature shows the order and care of the Creator for all the living things on earth.
From the Holy Scriptures
What do we read in the Bible about the viper?
32 At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.
6 The burden of the beasts of the south: into the land of trouble and anguish, from whence come the young and old lion, the viper and fiery flying serpent, they will carry their riches upon the shoulders of young asses, and their treasures upon the bunches of camels, to a people that shall not profit them.
Verses are quoted from the King James Version (KJV). Read each passage in the context of its chapter in the Bible.
What the viper teaches us
The Viper in Scripture
The viper stands for hidden danger and the poison of pretending. John the Baptist and Jesus called people to a sincere change of heart, reminding us that God protects us from every danger when we walk in the truth.
How we can live this out today
Look at nature and thank God for the care He gives to every creature, big or small!
Mini-Quiz
What did you learn about the viper?
In which book of the Bible do we find references to the viper?
For parents and children
At home and in Sunday school
A question for parents and children
What can we learn from the way God takes care of the animals in nature? How does the Bible show us His love for us?
“Lord, thank You for the wonderful world You made and for Your care every day. Teach me to love Your creation and to follow You with a thankful heart! Amen.”