The Serpent in the Bible
Sin, Satan, and unexpected healing.
The serpent represents Satan and the entrance of sin, but also — lifted up on a pole — pictures the healing power of Christ's cross.
Key KJV Verses
"Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made..."
"And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole...if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived."
"And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:"
The tempter in Eden
The serpent deceives Eve in Genesis 3 and is cursed with a promise: the seed of the woman will crush his head (Genesis 3:15) — the first whisper of the gospel.
The serpent lifted up
In Numbers 21, all who looked at the bronze serpent on a pole were healed. Jesus applies this to His own crucifixion in John 3:14 — the cure for sin is to look in faith at the One lifted up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the serpent symbolize in the Bible?
Sin and Satan in Genesis 3, yet also healing through Christ when lifted up on the cross (John 3:14).
Related Bible Symbols
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Biblical Meaning of Snakes in a Dream (KJV)
Deception, hidden enemies, and spiritual attack.
What Is the Bronze Serpent?
Miracles & Supernatural
What Was the Bronze Serpent of Moses?
Miracles & Supernatural
The Bronze Serpent
Bitten Israelites were healed by looking at a serpent of brass lifted up on a po
The Fiery Serpent
Numbers 21:4–9 • salvation
Lamb (שֶׂה (Seh) / ἀμνός (Amnos))
A sacrificial animal symbolizing Christ's innocent, atoning death