Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible (1898)
VI'PER. This word in the O.T. possibly designates some particular species of hissing and venomous serpent, but its exact application cannot be determined. In the N.T. the Greek word thus rendered was used for any poisonous snake. The viper which fastened on Paul's hand, Acts 28:1-6, was doubtless the snake of that name (Vipera aspis), still common in the Mediterranean islands. It has now disappeared from Malta with the woods to which it is
partial. The viper is an emblem of whatever is deceitful and destructive. Matt 3:7; Matt 12:34; Acts 23:33; Luke 3:7. See Cockatrice and Asp.