שְׁפִיפֹן
a kind of serpent (as snapping), probably the cerastes or horned adder
Definition
The Hebrew word שְׁפִיפֹן refers to a specific type of venomous snake, likely a horned viper or adder. In its single biblical occurrence, it is depicted as a dangerous creature that strikes at a horse's heels, causing the rider to fall backward (Genesis 49:17). This imagery emphasizes its stealth and the sudden, debilitating nature of its attack. The exact species is uncertain, but it is often identified with the cerastes, a desert viper known for the horn-like scales above its eyes.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in Jacob's blessing of Dan in Genesis 49:17. The context is prophetic poetry, where the tribe of Dan is metaphorically described as a 'שְׁפִיפֹן' lying in wait on the path. The usage is symbolic, portraying Dan as a cunning and lethal force against Israel's enemies, striking unexpectedly from a concealed position.
Etymology
The noun שְׁפִיפֹן derives from an unused Hebrew root meaning 'to snap' or 'to strike,' closely related to the verb שׁוּף (shûph, H7779), which means 'to bruise' or 'to crush.' This etymological connection highlights the snake's characteristic striking action. The word's form suggests it is a descriptive term for a creature defined by its sudden, snapping bite.
Semantic Range
In Genesis 49:17, the שְׁפִיפֹן is a powerful metaphor within Jacob's prophetic oracle. It portrays the tribe of Dan not as a conventional military power, but as a shrewd and effective force in defending the community, albeit through ambush and cunning. This imagery contributes to the complex portrait of the tribes in the Blessing of Jacob, showing how God can use unexpected means and characteristics to achieve His purposes for Israel.
In the ancient Near East, snakes were common symbols of danger, chaos, and cunning. A horned viper, likely inhabiting the wilderness regions, would have been a well-known and feared threat to travelers and livestock. The specific detail of striking a horse's heel reflects a realistic danger of desert travel, making the metaphor in Genesis 49:17 immediately vivid and understandable to the original audience.
פֶּתֶן (pethen, H6620) — a general term for a venomous serpent, often a cobra. נָחָשׁ (nāḥāsh, H5175) — the most common generic word for 'snake' or 'serpent,' used for both ordinary and symbolic/magical contexts (e.g., Genesis 3:1, Exodus 4:3).
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.
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