probably from an unused root meaning to coil; an asp (from lurking coiled up); adder.
Transliteration:ʻakshûwb
Pronunciation:ak-shoob'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H5919 (ʻakshûwb) is understood to denote a venomous serpent, specifically an asp or adder. Its etymology is proposed to derive from an unused root signifying the act of "coiling" or "lurking coiled up." This etymological insight is crucial, as it points to a key characteristic of such snakes: their tendency to lie hidden, coiled, before striking. The semantic range is therefore narrow, focusing on a dangerous, often camouflaged, and lethally venomous reptile. The primary emphasis is on the inherent danger and the insidious nature of its attack.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H5919 (ʻakshûwb) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[Psalm 140:3]]. The verse reads: "They sharpen their tongues like a serpent; the poison of *adders* is under their lips. Selah."
In this solitary occurrence, ʻakshûwb is not used to describe a literal snake but functions as a powerful metaphor. King David, the psalmist, is lamenting the malicious words and intentions of his enemies. He compares their sharpened tongues to a serpent, and their deceitful, destructive speech to the "poison of adders" hidden "under their lips."
The imagery evokes the sudden, deadly strike of a venomous snake. Just as the adder's venom is concealed within its fangs and delivered with a swift, often unseen, attack, so too are the wicked's words imbued with a hidden, lethal intent. This contextual analysis reveals ʻakshûwb as a symbol of insidious evil, treachery, and the profound destructiveness of slander and falsehood. The placement "under their lips" further emphasizes the deceptive and covert nature of their verbal assault.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of snakes and their venom is a recurring motif in biblical literature, often employed to symbolize evil, deception, and danger. ʻakshûwb relates to other Hebrew terms for serpents, each with nuanced connotations:
* `{{H5175}}` (nāḥāš): The general term for serpent, famously associated with the deceiver in [[Genesis 3:1]].
* `{{H6620}}` (p̄eṯen): Often translated as cobra or asp, known for its deadly venom, as seen in [[Psalm 58:4]] and [[Isaiah 11:8]]. It shares the characteristic of venomousness with ʻakshûwb.
* `{{H6848}}` (ṣip̄ʿônî): A viper or basilisk, also linked to venomousness and danger (e.g., [[Proverbs 23:32]], [[Isaiah 11:8]]).
* `{{H8314}}` (šārāf): "Fiery serpent," often referring to the venomous snakes that afflicted Israel in the wilderness ([[Numbers 21:6]]).
The core concept connecting ʻakshûwb to these terms is the inherent danger, often hidden, and the destructive power of venom. Beyond literal snakes, these terms collectively contribute to the biblical understanding of evil's insidious nature, the destructive potential of the tongue, and the need for divine protection from spiritual and verbal assaults.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of ʻakshûwb in [[Psalm 140:3]] carries profound theological weight, primarily serving as a powerful metaphor for the destructive power of malicious speech. The "poison of adders" under the lips of the wicked vividly illustrates the spiritual and social devastation wrought by slander, deceit, and false witness. This imagery underscores the biblical emphasis on the tongue's capacity for both blessing and cursing, life and death ([[Proverbs 18:21]]).
Theologically, this verse highlights:
1. **The Nature of Evil:** It portrays evil as insidious and venomous, often operating covertly, much like a coiled adder waiting to strike. The "poison" represents the corrupting and destructive essence of sin manifested through human words.
2. **The Vulnerability of the Righteous:** The psalmist's plea for deliverance reveals the real threat posed by such verbal attacks, which can inflict deep wounds, destroy reputations, and undermine faith.
3. **The Need for Divine Protection:** The invocation of God for deliverance from such "poisonous" tongues implicitly acknowledges that only divine intervention can truly safeguard against the pervasive and destructive nature of human wickedness.
This metaphor resonates with New Testament teachings, such as [[James 3:8]], which describes the tongue as "a restless evil, full of deadly poison," reinforcing the timeless biblical concern with the ethical use of speech.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H5919 (ʻakshûwb) denotes a venomous serpent, specifically an asp or adder, characterized by its coiled, lurking posture and potent venom. Its sole biblical appearance in [[Psalm 140:3]] functions as a vivid metaphor, comparing the destructive and insidious words of the wicked to the "poison of adders" hidden "under their lips." This imagery underscores the profound danger and hidden lethality of slander and deceit. ʻakshûwb thus contributes to the broader biblical lexicon of terms for serpents, alluding to concepts of hidden danger, treachery, and the pervasive nature of evil. Theologically, its use in the Psalms emphasizes the destructive power of malicious speech, the vulnerability of the righteous to such attacks, and the ultimate necessity of divine protection against the "poison" of human wickedness.
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