Mark 16:18

KJV

They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

KJV (with Strong's)

They shall take up {G142} serpents {G3789}; and if {G2579} they drink {G4095} any {G5100} deadly {G2286} thing {G5100}, it shall not {G3364} hurt {G984} them {G846}; they shall lay {G2007} hands {G5495} on {G1909} the sick {G732}, and {G2532} they shall {G2192} recover {G2573}.

Complete Jewish Bible

not be injured if they handle snakes or drink poison, and heal the sick by laying hands on them."

Berean Standard Bible

they will pick up snakes with their hands, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not harm them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will be made well.”

American Standard Version

they shall take up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall in no wise hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 16:18, part of the longer ending of Mark's Gospel, presents extraordinary signs that Jesus promises will accompany believers who proclaim the Gospel. These signs include divine protection from physical harm, such as handling serpents or ingesting deadly substances, and the supernatural ability to heal the sick through the laying on of hands. This verse serves as a powerful affirmation of the divine authority and empowerment granted to those commissioned to spread the message of salvation, demonstrating God's active presence and power validating their mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the "longer ending" of the Gospel of Mark (Mark 16:9-20), a section whose textual authenticity has been historically debated among scholars but has been widely accepted and included in most Bible translations for centuries. Immediately preceding this verse, Jesus issues the Great Commission to His disciples, instructing them to "[Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature](/mark/16-15 "Mark 16:15 - The Great Commission")" and promising that "[He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned](/mark/16-16 "Mark 16:16 - Salvation and Condemnation")." Mark 16:17 then introduces a series of miraculous signs that will follow those who believe, specifically mentioning casting out demons and speaking in new tongues. Mark 16:18 continues this list of signs, providing further evidence of divine enablement for the arduous task of global evangelism, before culminating in Jesus' ascension and the disciples' subsequent preaching accompanied by these confirming signs (Mark 16:19-20).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world of the first century, miraculous signs and wonders were often associated with divine power and authority, serving as validation for a messenger or a message. Both Jewish and pagan traditions recognized the significance of such phenomena. The mention of "serpents" could evoke not only literal dangerous creatures but also symbolic representations of evil or demonic forces, echoing the serpent in Eden (Genesis 3) and the defeat of spiritual adversaries. Protection from poison was also a recognized sign of divine favor or supernatural power in various ancient narratives. The practice of laying hands on the sick for healing was a common method of prayer and spiritual intervention, seen in both Jewish tradition and the ministry of Jesus and His apostles, signifying the transmission of divine power or blessing. These specific signs would have resonated deeply within a culture that understood and sought after tangible demonstrations of divine presence.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 16:18 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Gospel of Mark and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Empowerment for Mission**, highlighting that the Great Commission is not to be undertaken in human strength but with supernatural enablement. The signs are not ends in themselves but serve as powerful attestations to the truth of the Gospel message, thus reinforcing the theme of **Confirmation of the Gospel**. They validate the divine origin of the disciples' mission and the authority of their proclamation. Furthermore, the promise of protection from harm and the ability to heal the sick emphasize God's **Sovereignty and Compassion**, demonstrating His care for His messengers and His desire for restoration and wholeness for humanity. These signs are presented as direct manifestations of God's power working through believers, echoing the miraculous ministry of Jesus Himself throughout Mark's Gospel, such as His authority over unclean spirits (e.g., [Mark 1:27](/mark/1-27 "Mark 1:27 - Jesus' Authority")) and His numerous healings (e.g., [Mark 1:34](/mark/1-34 "Mark 1:34 - Jesus Heals Many")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **take up (Greek, _aírō'_):** This verb primarily means "to lift up" or "to take up," and by implication, "to take away." In the context of "taking up serpents," it suggests handling them, perhaps even picking them up, without suffering harm. The term implies an active engagement with the danger, not merely avoiding it, and points to a supernatural immunity.
* **deadly (Greek, _thanásimos'_):** Derived from the word for "death" (thanatos), this adjective literally means "fatal" or "death-bringing." When applied to "thing," it unequivocally refers to a poisonous or lethal substance. The promise is that even if such a substance is ingested, it will not cause injury or death.
* **recover (Greek, _kalōs'_):** While primarily an adverb meaning "well" or "rightly" (often morally), in this specific context, when paired with the verb "to have" (echō, G2192), it forms the idiom "to be well" or "to be in good health." Thus, "they shall recover" signifies a complete restoration to health, indicating an effective and successful healing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They shall take up serpents;":** This clause describes a miraculous immunity to the danger posed by venomous snakes. It implies a direct, unharmful interaction with serpents, serving as a visible sign of divine protection and authority over natural dangers, or even symbolic spiritual adversaries.
* **"and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them;":** This expands on the theme of supernatural protection, extending it to the ingestion of lethal substances. The promise is that even if a believer inadvertently or intentionally (in a context of testing or persecution) consumes poison, it will not cause them injury or death, further underscoring God's safeguarding power.
* **"they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.":** This final clause highlights the active, positive manifestation of divine power through believers for healing. The laying on of hands is a physical act symbolizing the transfer of spiritual power or blessing, resulting in the restoration of health to those who are ill. This demonstrates God's compassion and His desire to bring wholeness.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 16:18 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, particularly in the promises of handling serpents and drinking deadly things without harm. While these events are presented as literal possibilities (and indeed, there are biblical examples like Paul's experience), their inclusion emphasizes the extraordinary, almost boundless nature of the divine protection promised to believers. This hyperbole serves to underscore the absolute authority and power God grants to His messengers. **Symbolism** is also at play, especially with "serpents," which can represent not only literal dangers but also the forces of evil and spiritual opposition that believers would encounter in their mission. Overcoming these literal or symbolic threats without harm signifies victory over the powers of darkness. The verse also uses **Parallelism** in its structure, listing distinct but related miraculous actions (taking up serpents, drinking deadly things, laying hands on the sick) that all point to the same underlying theme of divine empowerment and protection.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 16:18, despite its debated textual history, powerfully articulates a core New Testament theological principle: God's active involvement and supernatural empowerment of His people for the advancement of His Kingdom. The signs described are not merely for show, but are intrinsically linked to the proclamation of the Gospel, serving as divine authentication of the message and the messengers. They demonstrate God's sovereignty over creation, evil, and disease, providing comfort and assurance to those undertaking the challenging mission of evangelism. This divine backing underscores the truth that the Gospel is not merely human words but the power of God unto salvation, accompanied by tangible manifestations of His presence.

* [Acts 28:3-6](/acts/28-3-6 "Acts 28:3-6 - Paul and the Viper on Malta")
* [Psalm 91:13](/psalms/91-13 "Psalm 91:13 - Trampling on Serpents and Lions")
* [James 5:14-15](/james/5-14-15 "James 5:14-15 - Prayer for the Sick")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific literal manifestations of these signs may vary across different eras and contexts, the underlying principles of Mark 16:18 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This verse calls us to a deep trust in God's sovereign protection and empowering presence as we engage in His work. It reminds us that our mission is not undertaken in our own strength but through the power of the Holy Spirit. We may not literally pick up venomous snakes, but we are called to confront spiritual "serpents"—the deceptive influences, harmful doctrines, and spiritual attacks that oppose the truth of the Gospel. We are to be fearless in the face of "deadly things"—the poisons of cultural compromise, fear, and doubt that threaten to undermine our faith and witness. Moreover, the promise of healing the sick through the laying on of hands encourages us to pray boldly for physical and spiritual restoration, recognizing that God's compassion and power to heal are still active. This passage ultimately inspires boldness in evangelism and confidence in God's supernatural enablement for every aspect of our Christian walk and ministry.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might we encounter "serpents" or "deadly things" in our modern context, and how can we rely on God's protection in those situations?**
* **How does the promise of healing the sick encourage your prayer life and your approach to ministry for others?**
* **Beyond literal miracles, what "signs" does God use today to confirm the truth of the Gospel through believers?**
* **How can we cultivate a faith that trusts in God's empowering presence for our daily lives and our participation in the Great Commission?**

### FAQ
**Does Mark 16:18 mean Christians should intentionally handle snakes or drink poison to prove their faith?**

Answer: No, the verse does not command or encourage believers to intentionally seek out dangerous situations like handling venomous snakes or ingesting poison. Such actions would be a reckless testing of God, which Jesus Himself refused to do when tempted by Satan to jump from the temple (see [Matthew 4:7](/matthew/4-7 "Matthew 4:7 - Do Not Test the Lord")). The context of Mark 16:18 is about divine protection *in the course of* fulfilling the Great Commission, not about gratuitous displays of power. The example of [Paul on Malta](/acts/28-3-6 "Acts 28:3-6 - Paul and the Viper") illustrates this: he was accidentally bitten by a viper, not intentionally handling it, and God supernaturally protected him. The promise is for preservation *from* harm, not an invitation *to* harm.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 16:18 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The authority and power promised to believers in this verse are not inherent to them but are derivative of Christ's own victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness. Jesus Himself demonstrated absolute authority over evil spirits (e.g., [Mark 1:27](/mark/1-27 "Mark 1:27 - Jesus' Authority Over Demons")), disease (e.g., [Mark 2:10-12](/mark/2-10-12 "Mark 2:10-12 - Jesus Heals a Paralytic")), and even the forces of nature (e.g., [Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")). He is the one who ultimately "crushed the head of the serpent" (cf. [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium")), signifying His triumph over Satan and all evil. The ability of believers to "take up serpents" and be unharmed by "deadly things" is a participation in Christ's victory and authority, reflecting His triumph over every spiritual and physical threat. Furthermore, the power to heal the sick is a continuation of Christ's compassionate ministry, as He is the Great Physician who came to bring wholeness and restoration (e.g., [Matthew 8:16-17](/matthew/8-16-17 "Matthew 8:16-17 - Jesus Heals Many")). Thus, Mark 16:18 points to the ongoing work of the ascended Christ through His Spirit in His Church, empowering His followers to carry forward His mission with the same divine authority and compassion that He perfectly embodied, until the day when all things are made new in Him (cf. [Revelation 21:5](/revelation/21-5 "Revelation 21:5 - God Makes All Things New")).

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

Luke 10:19

Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

James 5:14

Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:

James 5:15

And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

Acts 28:3

And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid [them] on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.

Acts 28:6

Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.

Acts 19:12

So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.

Acts 4:30

By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.