It’s no surprise that snakes have a negative reputation in many cultural stories, especially those found in the Bible which is regarded as the most influential spiritual text worldwide. Snakes represent evil in the Bible, meant to symbolize the greed, deception and ultimate power of temptation – yet they often have positive, even salvific meanings too. What does a snake in the Bible symbolize and how has this ancient image stayed with us today?
The snake’s first appearance in the Bible is found in the Garden of Eden story, where it is cast as “the crafty serpent” – whose lies and manipulation lead Adam and Eve to disobey God by eating fruit from the Tree of Knowledge. In this tale, the snake has traditionally been the representative of evil, the temptation of knowledge which leads humans away from the righteous path and obedience. Biblical scholars suggest that the Christian churches have drawn parallels between the snake in Eden and the devil himself.
In the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Numbers, the snake is referred to again, this time in the story of Moses and the Israelites. After the Israelites grumble against Moses, God sends Snakes (the word itself is Hebrew for “spirit” or “spiritual”) to test them. Although this passage does not refer to the snake necessarily representing evil, it does illustrate feelings of discontentment and self-deception – both sins in Christianity. Other passages throughout the Old Testament where a snake is mentioned in a negative light involve the symbol of a snake being used as a form of punishment or divine retribution.
In spite of this, other passages in the bible have a more positive interpretation of the snake. Take, for example, the Gospel of John, where it is written that Jesus called himself the ‘Lamb of God’, comparing his mission to the sacrificial lamb of the Israelite worship. In the Book of Isaiah, the phrase ‘heal my people’ is used, alongside images of slithering snakes, thought to be a metaphor of redemption through faith in Jesus. Ultimately, the Christian message is one of forgiveness and understanding – even when it comes to the snake symbol.
Today, the symbol of the snake can be seen throughout Christian, Jewish, and Muslim icons. It has been used to illustrate temptation, wisdom and the healing of souls, with this image often linked to the story of Jesus’s crucifixion on the cross. This has given the snake an often-overlooked positive meaning. The snake is also seen in Judaism, usually as a reminder of punishment from rebellious behavior. Islamic culture also acknowledges the snake as a messenger of wisdom and a symbol of protection, and for some is also an independent entity in its own right, a creature of the divine.
Symbol of Medicine
The snake is also a symbol of medicine, healing and health in many cultures. In Greek mythology, a serpent was used to symbolize healing, specifically the god of medicine, Aesculapius. The image of two intertwined snakes – the caduceus – has been adopted by many healthcare practitioners as a representation of their profession. Even today, that link between health and the serpent symbol remains, and it can be found in still in hospitals, clinics and insignia.
In many cultures, a curled up snake is a sign of protection – serving as a barrier against evil, even if it is only symbolic. The Ouroboros, the image of a snake eating its own tail, is a popular symbol used in spiritual and medical practices. This image is often interpreted as symbolizing eternity, resurrection and renewal – a sign of rebirth and life after death.
And while snakes might seem like they’re a purely religious symbol, they have been used as a symbol of strength, power and wisdom in many other cultural stories and traditions, such as in Native American folklore and African religion. For centuries, this ancient animal has been adopted by people around the world as a symbol of protection, healing and mystical insight.
Symbol of Transformation
The snake is a key symbol to many spiritual traditions and mysticism and can be a powerful companion on our journey of self-discovery and transformation. The shedding of snake skin symbolizes the cycle and evolution of growth, transformation and renewal. Snakes and serpents are often compared to thoughts and feelings that cause us to evolve. They can represent our own inner struggles, temptations, and negative influences in our lives. Taking this further a snake can also act as a guiding force on our spiritual journey and help us to surrender to life’s higher power.
These images of snakes are often the signs of hope and renewal. Though it started as a symbol of sin and punishment, the snake has evolved over time to represent something more positive – the inner strength and courage that it takes to overcome our inner demons. Snakes can remind us of how far we’ve come on our path and give us the strength to keep going – to break through our fear and discover the divine purpose of our existence.
Symbol of Fear
The fear of snakes, or Ophidiophobia, is one of the most common phobias and carries plenty of negative perceptions. People think of snakes as slimy, slimy, rattling creatures that can be dangerous, even if the majority of them secure. Snakes have long been associated with death and evil omens, and the fear of snakes may stem from thousands of years of folklore and superstition. Fear of snakes increases due to the wide spread use of cruelty in many cultures.
In many cultures, the fear or avoidance of snakes is seen as a sign of strength and survival.Throughout history, many cultures have considered snakes to be such fearsome adversaries that they considered them to be some kind of divine force. Fearing snakes can be seen as an indication of respect for their power and strength. Fear is a protective behavioural response – snakes can cause harm and it is important to be aware of them. Often this fear can play a protecting role, helping us to avoid potential harm and danger.
Symbol of Survival
In different cultures the snake stands for both death and rebirth. In nature, the snake follows its own set of rules; one of the most striking of which is that it sheds its skin once a year. This sheds new light not just on the concept of life and death, but also on the idea of change and rebirth. This can represent our own journey of self-discovery and transformation, providing a powerful symbolism of survival.
As a species, snakes have been around since before recorded history. For example, the Sumerian god of wisdom, Enki, was often depicted with two snakes entwined around his arms, symbolizing eternity and immortality. Snakes also represent physical endurance and the ability to survive nature’s bravest and toughest conditions. This fiercely independent and resilient quality is often found in representation of snakes throughout literature and culture.
Symbol of Sexuality
The snake has a strong association with sexuality, especially in the west. This is a controversy which has existed for centuries and many consider it to be a manifestation of repressed sexuality. Snakes have been traditionally viewed as powerful, mysterious and sensual creatures. This idea dates back to biblical times, where the snake was cast as a symbol of temptation and seduction, as seen in the story of Adam and Eve.
The link between the snake and sexuality is pervasive in many cultures, from ancient Greek and Indian myths to Native American culture and even popular books, movies and songs today. The snake is often seen as a symbol of feminine power or the darker side of sexuality, often arousing fear in those who see it.
Snakes can also be seen as symbols of fertility because their long, slithering movements are associated with replenishment and survival. This can be seen in Hindu mythology, where Lord Shiva is associated with snakes and fertility rites. In some cultures, a snake may also symbolize a type of energy – a sacred energy that gives life to the universe.
Symbol of Knowledge
As seen in the story of Adam and Eve, the snake is also a symbol of knowledge and hidden secrets. Ancient cultures often linked the snake with secrets and the inner wisdom, knowledge and insight. In some cultures, snakes are seen as a representation of power and knowledge, and their presence can represent a presence of spirit or truth.
The snake’s ability to shed its skin also gives it a certain degree of metaphorical knowledge and enlightenment. The shedding of skin symbolizes a release from the old and a willingness to embrace something new. This offers insight into the cycle of growth, change and renewal – often leading to personal insight or a greater understanding of life.
Taking the symbolism further, a snake may also be seen as a source of spiritual guidance. In some cultures, snakes are seen as a sign of guidance, representing the inner compass, intuition and wisdom of an individual. This can be seen in the Chinese zodiac, with the snake signifying wisdom, intelligence, and spiritual guidance.
