ἀσπίς

an asp

Definition

ἀσπίς (aspis) refers specifically to a venomous snake, most likely the Egyptian cobra or a similar hooded viper. In the ancient world, it was known for its deadly, fast-acting venom and its association with the Egyptian region. In the Bible, it is used metaphorically to describe the destructive power of evil speech. Its only New Testament occurrence is in Romans 3:13, where it is quoted from Psalm 140:3 (LXX 139:4) to illustrate the poison of human deceit.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Romans 3:13, within a chain of Old Testament quotations (Romans 3:10-18) that Paul employs to demonstrate the universal sinfulness of humanity. The specific phrase, 'the poison of asps is under their lips,' uses the asp as a vivid metaphor for the lethal and corrupting nature of sinful speech. This usage is directly drawn from the Greek translation of the Old Testament (the Septuagint).

Etymology

The word ἀσπίς is of uncertain origin but is a native Greek term for a specific type of snake. It is not derived from the prefix ἀ- (meaning 'not') as sometimes suggested in older sources. The word was used in classical Greek literature (e.g., by Herodotus) to describe the deadly Egyptian asp, and this meaning carried directly into the biblical Greek of the Septuagint and New Testament.

Semantic Range

Theologically, this word is significant as part of Paul's argument in Romans 3 for the total depravity of humanity. By quoting Psalm 140:3 and using the potent image of an asp's venom, Paul emphasizes that sin corrupts even our speech, making it spiritually deadly. Understanding this metaphor enriches the reading by showing that sin is not merely external action but an internal poison that manifests in our words, separating us from God and others.

In the ancient Mediterranean world, particularly in Egypt, the asp (Egyptian cobra) was a well-known symbol of swift and deadly danger. It was famously associated with Cleopatra's suicide. This cultural understanding makes the biblical metaphor immediately powerful—human speech, when used for deceit and malice, is as quick and fatal as the bite of this feared snake. The modern reader might miss the specific lethality and regional association this word carried.

ὄφις (ophis, G3789) — a general term for 'snake' or 'serpent,' used more broadly (e.g., the serpent in Genesis 3:1, the bronze serpent). ἔχιδνα (echidna, G2191) — a 'viper,' another poisonous snake, used literally (Acts 28:3) and metaphorically for evil people (Matthew 3:7).

Word Details

Scripture References