Lexical Summary akshub: Spider Original Word: עַכְשׁוּב Strong's Exhaustive Concordance adder Probably from an unused root meaning to coil; an asp (from lurking coiled up) -- adder. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition asp, viper NASB Translation viper (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs עַכְשׁוּב noun masculine usually asp, viper (so ᵐ5 ᵑ9; perhaps conject. from sense and "" נָחָשׁ), but perhaps = (? corrupt for) עַכָּבִישׁ spider (q. v.; compare ᵑ7on the passage); — ׳חֲמַת ע Psalm 140:4 a viper's (? spider's) venom is under their lips (see especially Che and references). עַל see עלה עֹל see III. עלל. Topical Lexicon Achshub (Strong’s Hebrew 5919)Natural History and Identification The achshub belongs to the family of small, highly venomous vipers that inhabit the rocky hills and arid valleys of the Levant. Modern herpetologists usually associate it with the Palestinian viper (Daboia palaestinae) or a closely related species. Such snakes are short-fanged but inject a potent hemotoxin that rapidly destroys tissue and blood. In David’s day these reptiles hid beneath stones, in stone fences, and along footpaths—terrain familiar to shepherds and soldiers alike. Biblical Occurrence and Literary Function Psalm 140:3 is the sole biblical occurrence: “They sharpen their tongues like snakes; the venom of vipers is on their lips.” Here the poet likens slanderous words to a viper’s venom. The image serves two purposes. First, it exposes the lethal power of deceitful speech. Second, by evoking an unseen snake striking from cover, it conveys the treachery of those who attack the righteous while feigning innocence. The metaphor heightens the psalm’s plea for divine protection by portraying malicious talk as a mortal threat, not a mere social irritation. Symbolism of Venomous Speech Throughout Scripture, serpents personify cunning destruction (Genesis 3:1; Revelation 12:9). Venom, therefore, becomes a vivid emblem of sin that works inwardly, corrupting heart and community. The Psalmist’s coupling of sharpened tongues and viper poison anticipates later biblical teaching: • Psalm 58:4–5 compares wicked people to cobras that “stop their ears.” Together these passages present a unified theology: speech is never neutral; it either blesses or kills (Proverbs 18:21). Historical and Cultural Insights Ancient Near Eastern texts often describe sorcerers, traitors, and false prophets as serpents. People feared both literal bites and figurative curses, believing harmful words could invoke spiritual or physical ruin. David’s imagery taps that cultural perception, allowing every hearer—urban or rural—to feel the urgency of his prayer. Canonical Connections Achshub’s venom motif bridges Old and New Testaments. Psalm 140 portrays the righteous sufferer; Romans 3 universalizes the charge; the Gospels reveal Christ confronting “a brood of vipers” (Matthew 12:34) and fulfilling the role of the sinless sufferer. By bearing humanity’s venomous sin on the cross, Jesus neutralizes its power (2 Corinthians 5:21). Consequently, believers are exhorted to “keep your tongue from evil” (1 Peter 3:10) and to speak “only what is helpful for building up” (Ephesians 4:29). Ministry Implications 1. Guarded Speech: Churches and families must treat gossip and slander as spiritual toxins, subject to discipline and repentance. Conclusion Achshub appears only once, yet its bite reverberates through Scripture. The single image of viper venom crystallizes the deadly seriousness of sinful speech and magnifies the grace of the One who alone has power to cleanse lips and hearts alike (Isaiah 6:7; Hebrews 10:22). Forms and Transliterations עַכְשׁ֑וּב עכשוב ‘aḵ·šūḇ ‘aḵšūḇ achShuvLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Psalm 140:3 HEB: נָ֫חָ֥שׁ חֲמַ֥ת עַכְשׁ֑וּב תַּ֖חַת שְׂפָתֵ֣ימוֹ NAS: Poison of a viper is under KJV: like a serpent; adders' poison INT: A serpent Poison of a viper is under their lips 1 Occurrence |
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