of uncertain origin; an adder or other poisonous snake (literally or figuratively):--viper.
Transliteration:échidna
Pronunciation:ekh'-id-nah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun ἔχιδνα (échidna, `{{G2191}}`) refers literally to a poisonous snake, specifically an adder or viper. Its etymological origin is noted as uncertain, yet its semantic range in the New Testament is clearly established. Beyond its literal zoological designation, ἔχιδνα carries a potent figurative meaning. It is employed metaphorically to characterize individuals or groups whose nature is inherently malicious, treacherous, and spiritually corrupt, akin to the deadly venom of a viper. This metaphorical usage highlights a deep-seated wickedness and a deceptive, destructive influence. The term thus conveys not merely a physical threat but a profound spiritual danger.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word ἔχιδνα (échidna, `{{G2191}}`) appears four times in the New Testament, with distinct literal and figurative applications:
* **Figurative Usage (3 occurrences):**
* [[Matthew 3:7]]: John the Baptist confronts the Pharisees and Sadducees who come to his baptism, addressing them as "brood of vipers" (γεννήματα ἐχιδνῶν). This scathing rebuke questions the authenticity of their repentance and warns them of impending divine judgment. The imagery suggests that their inherent nature is venomous and hostile to God's truth, producing no fruit worthy of repentance.
* [[Luke 3:7]]: This passage parallels Matthew 3:7, with John the Baptist issuing the same stern warning to the crowds, including the religious leaders. The collective "brood" emphasizes a shared, corrupt spiritual lineage or disposition.
* [[Matthew 12:34]]: Jesus himself uses the identical phrase, "brood of vipers," when addressing the Pharisees who accuse Him of casting out demons by Beelzebul. Here, the accusation stems from their malicious hearts, which are incapable of speaking good because they are full of evil. The viper serves as a metaphor for the internal corruption that manifests in their words and actions.
* **Literal Usage (1 occurrence):**
* [[Acts 28:3]]: During Paul's shipwreck on Malta, a viper (ἔχιδνα) fastens onto his hand while he is gathering wood for a fire. This is the sole literal occurrence of the word in the New Testament. The islanders initially interpret the viper's attack as divine retribution for a crime, but Paul's miraculous survival, unharmed by the venom, leads them to conclude he is a god. This event underscores divine protection and serves as a sign of God's power working through His apostle.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of a serpent or snake features prominently in biblical literature, often carrying symbolic weight. While ἔχιδνα (échidna, `{{G2191}}`) specifically denotes a viper, it relates to broader terms and concepts:
* **ὄφις (ophis, `{{G3789}}`):** This is the more general Greek term for a snake or serpent, famously used for the serpent in the Garden of Eden ([[Genesis 3:1]]) and frequently applied to Satan in the New Testament ([[Revelation 12:9]]). While ἔχιδνα emphasizes the *poisonous* nature, ὄφις encompasses the broader idea of deception and temptation.
* **δράκων (drakōn, `{{G1404}}`):** Meaning "dragon," this term is primarily found in the Book of Revelation, consistently referring to Satan, the ancient serpent ([[Revelation 12:3, 9]]).
* **Concepts:** The use of ἔχιδνα evokes concepts of:
* **Hypocrisy and Deceit:** The hidden danger of a viper mirrors the deceptive nature of those who appear outwardly righteous but harbor inner malice.
* **Spiritual Corruption:** The venom symbolizes the destructive power of sin and unrepentant evil emanating from the heart.
* **Divine Judgment:** John the Baptist and Jesus's use of the term serves as a stark warning of impending wrath for those who refuse genuine repentance.
* **Divine Protection:** The incident in Acts demonstrates God's sovereignty over natural dangers and His providential care for His servants.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἔχιδνα (échidna, `{{G2191}}`) is multifaceted:
* **Indictment of Spiritual Deadness:** In the Gospels, the term serves as a powerful and direct indictment of the spiritual blindness and moral corruption of the religious leaders. It cuts through their external piety to reveal a heart utterly devoid of true repentance and righteousness. This highlights a core theological truth: outward religious observance without inward transformation is an abomination before God.
* **Urgency of Genuine Repentance:** John the Baptist's use of "brood of vipers" is intrinsically linked to his call for "fruit worthy of repentance" ([[Matthew 3:8]]). It underscores the absolute necessity of a radical change of heart and life, warning that mere ritualistic participation or lineage will not avert divine judgment.
* **Nature of Sin and Evil:** The viper's venomous nature vividly illustrates the destructive, life-threatening power of sin and malice. It portrays evil not merely as a mistake, but as an active, corrupting force that originates from a depraved heart ([[Matthew 12:34]]).
* **Divine Sovereignty and Protection:** The literal occurrence in [[Acts 28:3]] demonstrates God's power over creation and His special protection over His chosen instruments. It affirms the theological principle that God can deliver His people from all harm, even in seemingly fatal circumstances, for the furtherance of His redemptive purposes.
* **Prophetic Warning:** Both John the Baptist and Jesus employ the term as a prophetic warning of impending judgment on those who resist God's kingdom and remain unrepentant. It underscores the severity of God's wrath against unrighteousness.
### Summary
The Greek word ἔχιδνα (échidna, `{{G2191}}`), meaning "viper" or "adder," functions both literally and figuratively in the New Testament. Its literal use in [[Acts 28:3]] highlights divine protection and Paul's miraculous preservation. However, its more prominent and theologically significant usage is figurative, where it serves as a scathing denunciation by John the Baptist and Jesus. Addressing the religious leaders as a "brood of vipers" ([[Matthew 3:7]], [[Luke 3:7]], [[Matthew 12:34]]), the term powerfully conveys their inherent malice, hypocrisy, and spiritual corruption. This imagery underscores the urgent call for genuine repentance, the destructive nature of unrepentant sin, and the certainty of divine judgment for those who outwardly profess faith but inwardly harbor evil. It remains a potent biblical metaphor for profound spiritual danger and the condemnation of unrighteousness.
TRV