probably from ὀπτάνομαι (through the idea of sharpness of vision); a snake, figuratively, (as a type of sly cunning) an artful malicious person, especially Satan:--serpent.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **óphis**, represented by `{{G3789}}`, refers to a **serpent** or snake. It appears **14 times** across **14 unique verses** in the Bible. The term is derived from the idea of sharpness of vision and is used both literally for a snake and figuratively to describe an artful, malicious person, especially Satan, as a type of sly cunning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G3789}}` is used in both literal and figurative ways. It is used literally to describe the animal, as when Jesus gives his followers power "to tread on **serpents** and scorpions" [[Luke 10:19]] or when the Israelites were "destroyed of **serpents**" in the wilderness [[1 Corinthians 10:9]]. It is also used in a common analogy, where a father would not give his son a **serpent** when asked for a fish [[Matthew 7:10]]. Figuratively, the word carries significant weight. Paul references how "the **serpent** beguiled Eve" [[2 Corinthians 11:3]], and Revelation explicitly identifies "that old **serpent**" as "the Devil, and Satan" ([[Revelation 12:9]], [[Revelation 20:2]]). In a different context, Jesus advises his disciples to be "wise as **serpents**," associating the creature with shrewdness [[Matthew 10:16]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify and expand upon the meaning of **óphis**:
* `{{G1404}}` **drákōn** (dragon): This word is used interchangeably with **óphis** in Revelation to describe the same entity, "that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan" [[Revelation 20:2]].
* `{{G1228}}` **diábolos** (devil): Defined as a traducer or Satan, this term is directly equated with the "old serpent" in Revelation, emphasizing the serpent's role as an accuser and deceiver [[Revelation 12:9]].
* `{{G4567}}` **Satanâs** (Satan): Meaning "the accuser," this name is used alongside **óphis** and **diábolos** to fully identify the adversary mentioned in Revelation ([[Revelation 12:9]], [[Revelation 20:2]]).
* `{{G2191}}` **échidna** (viper): Used in conjunction with **serpents** to denounce the Pharisees, highlighting their venomous and dangerous nature [[Matthew 23:33]].
* `{{G4651}}` **skorpíos** (scorpion): Paired with **serpents** to represent dangerous forces over which believers are given authority [[Luke 10:19]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3789}}` is primarily tied to its role as a symbol of evil and deception.
* **Adversary of God:** The serpent is explicitly identified as the ultimate spiritual enemy. It is the form that "beguiled Eve" [[2 Corinthians 11:3]] and is equated with "the great dragon," "the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world" [[Revelation 12:9]].
* **Symbol of Malice and Judgment:** Jesus uses the term "**serpents**" as a sharp rebuke for the hypocritical religious leaders, linking them with the "damnation of hell" [[Matthew 23:33]]. The destruction of the Israelites by **serpents** also serves as a historical example of judgment [[1 Corinthians 10:9]].
* **A Type of Salvation:** In a profound typological reference, the **serpent** lifted up by Moses in the wilderness is used as a parallel for the Son of Man being lifted up, connecting an instrument of death to the promise of life [[John 3:14]].
* **Representation of Cunning:** In a unique positive application, believers are told to be "wise as **serpents**" [[Matthew 10:16]], suggesting that the serpent's cunning can be seen as a form of practical wisdom needed to navigate a dangerous world.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3789}}` **óphis** is a word with deep biblical resonance. While it can refer to a literal snake, its primary significance is figurative. It is most frequently used as a symbol for Satan, embodying deception, malice, and opposition to God [[Revelation 12:9]]. The term is versatile, used as a damning insult [[Matthew 23:33]], an example of worldly wisdom [[Matthew 10:16]], a dangerous force to be overcome [[Luke 10:19]], and even as a type foreshadowing Christ's crucifixion [[John 3:14]]. Its usage reveals a complex symbol for understanding evil, judgment, and salvation in scripture.
TRV