Topics

Reptiles

Reptiles in Scripture symbolize both the created order of God's design and spiritual dangers, particularly sin and deception. The Bible references serpents, snakes, and other creeping things to illustrate moral warnings and God's protective power.

Overview

Scripture mentions reptiles throughout God's Word, from the creation account where God made "every creeping thing that creeps on the earth" (Genesis 1:25, ESV) to their use as symbols of spiritual danger. Serpents particularly feature as warnings against deception and evil, while also representing God's dominion over all creation.

Key Scriptures

"Their poison is like the poison of a serpent; they are like the deaf cobra that stops its ear" (Psalm 58:4, ESV). "You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot" (Psalm 91:13, ESV). "At the last it bites like a serpent and stings like an adder" (Proverbs 23:32, ESV).

Application

Recognize that just as God gave believers authority over serpents (Luke 10:19), we have spiritual protection against deception when we remain grounded in God's Word and submit to His authority.

Scripture References 40
Full Topical Reference List 40 total — Nave's Topical Bible

Cockatrice or basilisk

Horseleech

Jews condemned for worshipping

Made for praise and glory of God

No image of similitude of, to be made for worshipping

Placed under the dominion of man

Solomon wrote a history of

Worshipped by Gentiles