Bible Dictionary
Viper
A viper is a poisonous snake. Biblical terms translated “viper” may refer to particular poisonous serpents in the Old Testament or more generally to venomous snakes in the New Testament.
Definition
A viper is a poisonous snake. The Hebrew term translated “viper” may refer to a particular poisonous serpent, while the New Testament term can denote a poisonous snake generally.
Biblical Usage
John the Baptist and Jesus used the expression “brood of vipers” for people whose character was condemned. The viper in Acts 28 fastened on Paul’s hand without harming him.
Historical Background
Several vipers occur in Palestine, but the identification of the Old Testament term is uncertain. The viper in Acts was probably the Mediterranean viper, while some Old Testament passages may refer to kites or other birds where English versions differ.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
In Job 20:16, Isa. 30:6; 59:5, the Heb. word eph’eh is thus rendered. The Hebrew word, however, probably denotes a species of poisonous serpents known by the Arabic name of ‘el ephah. Tristram has identified it with the sand viper, a species of small size common in sandy regions, and frequently found under stones by the shores of the Dead Sea. It is rapid in its movements, and highly poisonous. In the New Testament echidne is used (Matt. 3:7; 12:34; 23:33) for any poisonous snake. The viper mentioned in Acts 28:3 was probably the vipera aspis, or the Mediterranean viper. (See ADDER.)
Smith's Bible Dictionary
[Serpent]
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>vi'-per ('eph`eh (Job 20:16; Isa 30:6; 59:5); echidna (Mt 3:7 = Lu 3:7; Mt 12:34; 23:33; Ac 28:3)): Several vipers are found in Palestine, but it is not certain that 'eph`eh referred definitely to any of them.</p><p>See SERPENT.</p>