נָחָשׁ
a snake (from its hiss)
Definition
The Hebrew word נָחָשׁ (nâchâsh) primarily means 'serpent' or 'snake,' referring to a literal reptile, as seen when Moses' staff becomes a serpent in Exodus 4:3. It also denotes a dangerous or venomous creature, as in Jacob's blessing describing Dan as a viper on the path (Genesis 49:17). Most significantly, the word is used for the cunning creature in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:1-14), which later biblical interpretation associates with Satan or evil. In a few instances, it may refer to mythical or symbolic serpents, like the bronze serpent (Nehushtan) made by Moses in Numbers 21:9.
Biblical Usage
נָחָשׁ appears 28 times across the Old Testament, predominantly in narrative and poetic books. It is used literally for snakes in contexts like the plagues of Egypt (Exodus 7:15) and wilderness encounters. Theologically, it features prominently in the fall narrative (Genesis 3) and in prophetic or wisdom literature for metaphors of danger or craftiness, as in Psalm 58:4. Its usage spans Genesis, Exodus, Numbers, Proverbs, and the Prophets, often highlighting themes of deception, judgment, or healing.
Etymology
Derived from the root נָחַשׁ (nâchash, H5172), meaning 'to practice divination' or 'to hiss.' The connection likely arises from the serpent's hissing sound or from ancient Near Eastern associations of serpents with omens and magical practices. Cognates in other Semitic languages also refer to snakes or divination, suggesting a shared cultural understanding of the serpent as an enigmatic or mystical creature.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically profound as it introduces the serpent in Genesis 3, a figure representing temptation, sin, and the fall of humanity, later interpreted in the New Testament as Satan (Revelation 12:9). It also connects to themes of judgment and salvation, as seen in the bronze serpent (Numbers 21:9), which Jesus references as a symbol of his crucifixion (John 3:14). Understanding נָחָשׁ enriches reading by highlighting the serpent's role in biblical narrative as a multifaceted symbol of evil, danger, and, paradoxically, God's provision for healing.
In the ancient Near East, serpents were often viewed ambivalently—as symbols of chaos, evil, or death, but also of fertility, healing, and divine protection (e.g., the Egyptian uraeus). The biblical usage reflects this, portraying the serpent as both a literal threat and a spiritual adversary. Unlike modern views that may see snakes merely as animals, ancient cultures frequently associated them with supernatural power, magic, or wisdom, influencing how original audiences would have perceived the serpent in stories like Eden.
שָׂרָף (sârâph, H8314) — a 'fiery serpent' or 'seraph,' often implying a burning or venomous quality, used in Numbers 21:6 and Isaiah 6:2. תַּנִּין (tannîyn, H8577) — a 'dragon,' 'sea monster,' or large serpent, typically more monstrous or mythical, as in Exodus 7:9 or Psalm 74:13.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
Full methodology & sources →