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What the Bible Says About Serpents

Overview

The Bible addresses serpents across 38 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Genesis, Isaiah and Exodus. Closely related themes include Serpent, Satan, Salvation and Reptiles. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Eve, Jacob and Dan.

Key Bible verses about serpents

Old Testament

New Testament

People in the Bible and serpents

Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.

In the Bible dictionary

Studying serpents for yourself

  • Begin with Genesis 3:1, then read the passages below in canonical order.
  • Compare how Genesis, Isaiah and Exodus each treat the theme.
  • Consider the lives of Eve, Jacob and Dan and how their stories intersect with it.
  • Widen the study to related themes: Serpent, Satan, Salvation and Reptiles.

Frequently asked questions

What does the Bible say about serpents?

The Bible addresses serpents across 38 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Genesis, Isaiah and Exodus. Closely related themes include Serpent, Satan, Salvation and Reptiles. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Eve, Jacob and Dan.

How many Bible verses are about serpents?

The Bible references serpents in 38 verses (King James Version).

Where does the Bible first mention serpents?

In canonical order, the first of these passages is Genesis 3:1: “Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?”

Which people in the Bible are associated with serpents?

Eve, Jacob and Dan.

Preach & teach

Outline a sermon or build a study series on serpents.

Preach a series on Serpents