Bible Dictionary
Basilisk
Basilisk is a biblical term for a venomous serpent. Although later tradition described a fabulous “king serpent,” the biblical passages most likely refer generally to a dangerous snake.
Definition
Basilisk is a biblical term for a venomous serpent, though the name originally referred to a legendary “king serpent.” The exact species intended in the biblical passages cannot be determined; the term may refer generally to a dangerous snake.
Biblical Usage
The basilisk appears in passages describing poisonous serpents and their danger. Isaiah also pictures idols being cast to creatures of dark places, including the animals associated with the basilisk tradition.
Historical Background
The name comes from a word meaning “kinglet” and was connected in ancient lore with a crown-like mark, deadly breath, and a fatal gaze. The supplied material notes that the myth may have arisen from harmless snakes with crownlike markings.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
(in R.V., Isa. 11:8; 14:29; 59:5; Jer. 8:17), the “king serpent,” as the name imports; a fabulous serpent said to be three spans long, with a spot on its head like a crown. Probably the yellow snake is intended. (See COCKATRICE.)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>baz'-i-lisk (tsepha`, tsiph`oni, from obsolete root tsapha`, "to hiss": Isa 11:8; 14:29; 59:5; Jer 8:17; Pr 23:32 m. In Pr 23:32, the King James Version has "adder," margin "cockatrice"; in the other passages cited the King James Version has "cockatrice," margin "adder" (except Jer 8:17, no margin)): The word is from basiliskos, "kinglet," from basileus, "king," and signifies a mythical reptile hatched by a serpent from a cock's egg. Its hissing drove away other serpents. Its look, and especially its breath, was fatal. According to Pliny, it was named from a crown-like spot on its head. It has been identified with the equally mythical COCKATRICE (which see). In all the passages cited, it denotes a venomous serpent (see ADDER; SERPENT), but it is impossible to tell what, if any, particular species is referred to. It must be borne in mind that while there are poisonous snakes in Palestine, there are more which are not poisonous, and most of the latter, as well as some harmless lizards, are commonly regarded as deadly. Several of the harmless snakes have crownlike markings on their heads, and it is quite conceivable that the basilisk myth may have been founded upon one of these.</p><p>Alfred Ely Day</p>