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.
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.
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.
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.
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