Jeremiah 8:17

KJV

For, behold, I will send serpents, cockatrices, among you, which [will] not [be] charmed, and they shall bite you, saith the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

For, behold, I will send {H7971} serpents {H5175}, cockatrices {H6848}, among you, which will not be charmed {H3908}, and they shall bite {H5391} you, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Yes, now I am sending snakes among you, vipers that no one can charm, and they will bite you," says ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

“For behold, I will send snakes among you, vipers that cannot be charmed, and they will bite you,” declares the LORD.

American Standard Version

For, behold, I will send serpents, adders, among you, which will not be charmed; and they shall bite you, saith Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 8:17 delivers a chilling prophecy of inescapable divine judgment against the unrepentant nation of Judah. Through the vivid imagery of uncharmable, venomous serpents and cockatrices, the Lord declares His intent to unleash a devastating and unavoidable punishment upon His people for their persistent idolatry and rebellion. This verse underscores the futility of human resistance against God's determined will and highlights the severity of the consequences for rejecting His warnings and covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 8:17 is embedded within a broader section of Jeremiah's prophecy (chapters 7-10) that vehemently denounces Judah's false sense of security and their persistent spiritual apostasy. Preceding this verse, Jeremiah laments the people's spiritual blindness, their embrace of idolatry, and their refusal to heed God's calls to repentance (e.g., [Jeremiah 7:23-26](/jeremiah/7-23 "Jeremiah 7:23-26 - Disobedience and Stubborn Hearts")). The prophet highlights their misplaced trust in the Temple and religious rituals, even as their hearts were far from God. The immediate verses in chapter 8 describe the Lord's grief over their stubbornness and the impending desolation of the land. Verse 17, therefore, serves as a concrete and terrifying manifestation of the judgment previously alluded to, emphasizing its swiftness and deadly nature as a direct consequence of their unfaithfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Jeremiah was delivered during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of several kings leading up to the Babylonian exile (late 7th to early 6th centuries BCE). Judah was caught between the declining Assyrian Empire and the rising power of Babylon. Despite repeated warnings from God through Jeremiah, the people of Judah, including their leaders and false prophets, continued in their syncretistic religious practices, blending the worship of Yahweh with pagan deities. Culturally, snake charming was a known practice in the ancient Near East, believed to offer protection or control over venomous creatures. The mention of "uncharmable" serpents in this context is a powerful cultural reference, signifying that no human wisdom, magical incantation, or military strategy could avert the divine judgment that was coming, primarily through the formidable Babylonian army, which God would raise up as His instrument (cf. [Habakkuk 1:6](/habakkuk/1-6 "Habakkuk 1:6 - God Raises Up the Chaldeans")).
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 8:17 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Primarily, it underscores the **certainty and severity of divine judgment** against a covenant-breaking people, demonstrating that persistent sin and refusal to repent inevitably lead to dire consequences. The imagery of the uncharmable serpents highlights the **inescapable nature of God's wrath**, emphasizing that no human effort or wisdom can deflect His decreed punishment—a stark contrast to the people's reliance on their own devices or false prophets. This futility of resistance is a crucial aspect of the theme of **divine sovereignty**, where God's will is ultimately unthwartable. Moreover, the verse serves as a **prophetic warning**, a common motif in Jeremiah, urging the people to recognize the gravity of their spiritual state and the imminence of God's wrath, a warning that, tragically, largely went unheeded (cf. [Jeremiah 6:15](/jeremiah/6-15 "Jeremiah 6:15 - Shame for Abominations")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **send (Hebrew, _shâlach'_):** This verb signifies a deliberate and purposeful dispatching. In this context, it emphasizes God's active role as the initiator and orchestrator of the impending judgment. It is not a passive allowance but an intentional act of sending forth agents of destruction, highlighting His sovereignty over all events, even those that bring calamity.
* **serpents (Hebrew, _nâchâsh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to hiss," this term refers to a snake, often implying a venomous one. Coupled with "cockatrices" (H6848, _tsephaʻ_, a viper or adder), these terms collectively represent deadly, painful, and inescapable instruments of destruction. The choice of these creatures evokes primal fear, suggesting a judgment that is both terrifying and agonizing.
* **charmed (Hebrew, _lachash'_):** This word refers to whispering, incantations, or magical spells used to control or neutralize threats, particularly associated with snake charming. The phrase "will not be charmed" is crucial, asserting the absolute futility of human attempts—whether through magical rites, military might, or political maneuvering—to avert the divinely ordained punishment. It signifies that this judgment is beyond human manipulation or appeasement.
* **saith (Hebrew, _nᵉʼum'_):** This prophetic formula authenticates the message as a direct divine utterance. _Nᵉʼum_ signifies an oracle or a solemn declaration.
* **the LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His self-existent, eternal nature and His faithfulness to His covenant, even when that faithfulness involves administering justice for covenant violations. This declaration underscores the divine authority and unalterable nature of the prophecy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For, behold, I will send serpents, cockatrices, among you,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes the divine origin and nature of the impending judgment. The "behold" (KJV) or "indeed" (NIV) serves as an attention-grabber, signaling the certainty and severity of what is to come. The "I" refers to Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, emphasizing His personal involvement in bringing this calamity. The "serpents" and "cockatrices" are symbolic, representing the invading Babylonian army, which would act as God's instrument of judgment against Judah. This imagery conveys a sense of pervasive, deadly, and unexpected danger.
* **"which [will] not [be] charmed,"**: This is the critical and terrifying qualifier. In a culture where snake charming was practiced to neutralize venomous threats, this phrase declares that the coming "serpents" of judgment will be utterly immune to all human attempts at control, appeasement, or evasion. No wisdom, no military strategy, no plea, and no ritualistic charm will be able to deflect or diminish the divine wrath. It highlights the absolute and unstoppable nature of God's decree.
* **"and they shall bite you, saith the LORD."**: The final clause confirms the inevitable and painful outcome. The "biting" signifies the devastating and injurious consequences of the judgment, which would be experienced personally and nationally by the people of Judah. The concluding "saith the LORD" (or "declares the Lord") powerfully authenticates the entire prophecy as an unalterable divine word, emphasizing that this is not merely Jeremiah's warning but the solemn, certain declaration of the Almighty God.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 8:17 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message of impending doom. **Symbolism** is paramount, as the "serpents" and "cockatrices" are not literal reptiles but powerful **metaphors** for the invading Babylonian army, which would inflict deadly and inescapable harm upon Judah. The choice of these specific creatures evokes a visceral sense of terror, pain, and inevitability, as their venom is swift and deadly, and they are difficult to evade. The phrase "which will not be charmed" employs **irony**, subverting the common cultural belief in the efficacy of snake charming, thereby highlighting the absolute futility of human efforts against divine decree. This also functions as a form of **hyperbole**, emphasizing the extreme and unyielding nature of the judgment. The entire declaration is a form of **divine speech**, underscored by the concluding "saith the LORD," which lends ultimate authority and certainty to the prophetic warning. The vivid imagery and stark language create a sense of urgency and dread, characteristic of Jeremiah's prophetic style.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 8:17 powerfully articulates God's unwavering commitment to justice and His absolute sovereignty over nations and events. It serves as a stark reminder that persistent rebellion against His covenant and commands will inevitably lead to severe consequences. The uncharmable serpents symbolize the unyielding nature of divine judgment once it has been decreed, emphasizing that human attempts to circumvent or mitigate God's righteous wrath are utterly futile. This verse underscores the biblical principle that God's warnings are not empty threats but solemn declarations, and His patience has limits. It highlights the serious implications of sin and the necessity of genuine repentance for averting divine discipline.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience") – Details the curses that will befall Israel for disobedience to God's covenant, including invasion and destruction by enemies.
* [Isaiah 10:5-6](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5-6 - Assyria, God's Rod of Anger") – Describes how God uses foreign nations, like Assyria, as instruments of His wrath to punish His disobedient people, even if those nations do not recognize His hand.
* [Proverbs 29:1](/proverbs/29-1 "Proverbs 29:1 - Consequences of Hardening One's Neck") – Warns that "He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy," echoing the theme of inescapable judgment for persistent rebellion.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 8:17, though rooted in ancient Israel's context, offers profound and timeless lessons for believers today. It serves as a potent reminder that God is sovereign, just, and holy, and His warnings are to be taken with utmost seriousness. We must not become complacent in our faith or presume upon God's grace, ignoring the spiritual "serpents" of sin and compromise that threaten our walk with Him. The verse underscores the gravity of persistent rebellion and unrepented sin, highlighting that such actions have grave consequences, both individually and corporately. It calls us to a posture of humility and repentance, recognizing that true security lies not in human ingenuity, strength, or self-reliance, but in obedient submission to the Lord. Our hope is found not in charming away the consequences of sin, but in turning to the One who alone can deliver us from its deadly grip.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "uncharmable serpents" might God be warning me about in my own life or in the church today?**
* **How seriously do I take God's warnings in Scripture, and what practical steps am I taking to heed them?**
* **In what ways might I be relying on my own efforts or false securities rather than fully trusting in God's sovereignty and seeking His will?**
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment for sin motivate me to pursue holiness and share the Gospel with others?**

### FAQ

**Are the "serpents" and "cockatrices" in Jeremiah 8:17 literal animals, or are they symbolic?**

Answer: While the imagery is drawn from literal venomous snakes, in the context of prophetic literature, the "serpents" and "cockatrices" are overwhelmingly symbolic. They represent the instruments of God's divine judgment, most directly referring to the invading Babylonian army. This interpretation is consistent with other prophetic passages where nations are depicted as destructive forces sent by God (e.g., [Isaiah 10:5](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5 - Assyria, God's Rod of Anger") where Assyria is called God's "rod of anger"). The terrifying and inescapable nature of these creatures powerfully conveys the severity and inevitability of the Babylonian invasion and the suffering it would inflict upon Judah.

**What does it mean that these serpents "will not be charmed"?**

Answer: The phrase "will not be charmed" means that no human effort, magical incantation, or persuasive technique will be able to neutralize, control, or avert the impending judgment. In ancient cultures, snake charmers were believed to have the ability to pacify or manipulate venomous snakes. By stating that these particular "serpents" are uncharmable, God emphasizes that His decreed judgment is absolute and unavoidable. It signifies the futility of Judah's reliance on their own wisdom, military might, political alliances, or even false religious practices to escape the consequences of their unfaithfulness. This judgment is entirely beyond human manipulation or appeasement, highlighting God's supreme authority and the unyielding nature of His word.

**How does a verse about God sending destructive "serpents" reconcile with His character as a loving God?**

Answer: This verse, while stark, reveals aspects of God's character that are essential for a complete understanding of His nature. Firstly, it demonstrates His **holiness and justice**. A truly loving God must also be just, and His justice requires that sin and rebellion be addressed. Secondly, it underscores His **sovereignty**; He is in control of all things, even using nations as instruments of His will. Thirdly, it highlights His **faithfulness to His covenant**. God had repeatedly warned Israel of the consequences of disobedience, as outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Curses for Disobedience"). The judgment, therefore, is not arbitrary but a fulfillment of His righteous warnings, intended to bring His people to repentance and restore them to covenant faithfulness. While painful, such discipline is ultimately an act of love, aiming for their ultimate good, even if they fail to recognize it at the time (cf. [Hebrews 12:5-11](/hebrews/12-5 "Hebrews 12:5-11 - God's Discipline for His Children")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 8:17, with its terrifying imagery of uncharmable, deadly serpents, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament. While the immediate context speaks of God's judgment against unrepentant Judah, the ultimate "serpent" in biblical narrative is Satan, the deceiver, whose bite brought sin and death into the world (cf. [Genesis 3:1-15](/genesis/3-1 "Genesis 3:1-15 - The Fall and the Curse")). Humanity, bitten by the serpent of sin, was under an inescapable curse. However, God, in His sovereign plan, sent not judgment, but His Son, Jesus Christ, to deal with the ultimate "bite." Just as Moses lifted up the bronze serpent in the wilderness so that those bitten might look and live ([Numbers 21:8-9](/numbers/21-8 "Numbers 21:8-9 - The Bronze Serpent")), so too was the Son of Man lifted up on the cross, becoming sin for us, that we might not perish but have eternal life ([John 3:14-15](/john/3-14 "John 3:14-15 - The Bronze Serpent and the Son of Man") and [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Christ Himself bore the curse and the judgment that humanity deserved, becoming "a curse for us" ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")). Through His death and resurrection, Jesus triumphed over the serpent, Satan, destroying "him who has the power of death, that is, the devil" ([Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Christ Destroyed the Devil")). Thus, for those who are "in Christ Jesus," there is now "no condemnation" ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")), for the ultimate, uncharmable judgment of God against sin was fully satisfied in Him, offering a way of escape and life where there was once only the bite of death.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ecclesiastes 10:11

Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better.

Deuteronomy 32:24

[They shall be] burnt with hunger, and devoured with burning heat, and with bitter destruction: I will also send the teeth of beasts upon them, with the poison of serpents of the dust.

Psalms 58:4

Their poison [is] like the poison of a serpent: [they are] like the deaf adder [that] stoppeth her ear;

Psalms 58:5

Which will not hearken to the voice of charmers, charming never so wisely.

Numbers 21:6

And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died.

Isaiah 14:29

Rejoice not thou, whole Palestina, because the rod of him that smote thee is broken: for out of the serpent's root shall come forth a cockatrice, and his fruit [shall be] a fiery flying serpent.

Revelation 9:19

For their power is in their mouth, and in their tails: for their tails [were] like unto serpents, and had heads, and with them they do hurt.