### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **échidna**, represented by `{{G2191}}`, refers to **an adder or other poisonous snake**. It appears 5 times across 5 unique verses in the Bible. The term is used both literally to describe a venomous reptile and figuratively as a harsh rebuke for people considered to be dangerous and malicious in nature.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G2191}}` is most often used figuratively. John the Baptist directs the term at the Pharisees and Sadducees, calling them a "generation of **vipers**" and questioning who warned them to flee from the coming wrath [[Matthew 3:7]]. A similar account appears in [[Luke 3:7]]. Jesus also uses this language to condemn his opponents, linking their status as a "generation of **vipers**" to their evil hearts which produce corrupt speech [[Matthew 12:34]]. He intensifies this condemnation by calling them "serpents, ye generation of **vipers**" who cannot escape damnation [[Matthew 23:33]]. The sole literal usage occurs when a **viper**, driven by heat from a fire, fastens onto the Apostle Paul's hand [[Acts 28:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the meaning and context of `{{G2191}}`:
* `{{G1081}}` **génnēma** (offspring; by analogy, produce (literally or figuratively):--fruit, generation): This word is paired with `{{G2191}}` to form the severe accusation, "generation of **vipers**," which implies a shared, corrupt origin [[Matthew 12:34]].
* `{{G3789}}` **óphis** (a snake, figuratively, (as a type of sly cunning) an artful malicious person, especially Satan:--serpent): This term is used in parallel with `{{G2191}}` to intensify a denunciation, as when Jesus says, "Ye **serpents**, ye generation of vipers" [[Matthew 23:33]].
* `{{G4190}}` **ponērós** (hurtful, i.e. evil...morally culpable, i.e. derelict, vicious, facinorous): This word defines the inner character of those called vipers, as when Jesus asks how they, "being **evil**," can speak good things [[Matthew 12:34]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2191}}` is significant, highlighting several key themes:
* **Spiritual Danger and Deceit:** The term is a potent metaphor for religious leaders whose influence is poisonous. By labeling them a "generation of **vipers**," both John the Baptist and Jesus identify them as a dangerous and corrupting force ([[Matthew 3:7]], [[Matthew 12:34]]).
* **Inherent Evil Nature:** Jesus explicitly connects the label of **viper** to an inherently evil `{{G4190}}` nature. The words spoken are seen as the overflow of a corrupt heart, exposing their hypocrisy [[Matthew 12:34]].
* **Warning of Judgment:** The figurative use of `{{G2191}}` is consistently tied to divine judgment. Those identified as **vipers** are warned to "flee from the **wrath** `{{G3709}}` to come" and questioned on how they will escape the "damnation of hell" ([[Matthew 3:7]], [[Matthew 23:33]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2191}}` is far more than a simple biological term. It functions as a powerful dual-purpose word, describing both a literal, venomous snake that poses a physical threat [[Acts 28:3]] and, more frequently, a person or group characterized by a deceptive, malicious, and spiritually poisonous nature. Its use as a figurative condemnation is among the harshest in the New Testament, serving as a stark warning of divine judgment against hypocrisy and inherent evil.
TRV