Lexical Summary tsepha': Viper, serpent Original Word: צֶפַע From an unused root meaning to extrude; a viper (as thrusting out the tongue, i.e. Hissing) -- adder, cockatrice. II. צפע (√ of following; compare Arabic צֶפַע (tsephaʿ) designates a small but deadly venomous serpent, commonly rendered “viper” or “adder.” Native to the arid and semiarid zones of the Near East, such snakes are characterized by their swift strike, concealed fangs, and lethal poison. Ancient Israelites would have been well acquainted with the threat they posed while herding, harvesting, or traveling through rocky terrain. Their elusive nature and sudden attack supplied the perfect metaphor for hidden sin, treachery, and divine judgment. Occurrences in Scripture 1. Proverbs 23:32 – The viper illustrates the deceptive pleasures of wine, which “in the end…bites like a snake and stings like a viper.” Symbolic Significance Venomous serpents in Scripture consistently convey stealth, danger, and inevitable consequence. The tsephaʿ, with its hidden fangs and sudden strike, becomes a vivid image of: Conversely, its pacification in Isaiah 11:8 anticipates the comprehensive peace Messiah will secure, reversing the curse that began with the serpent in Genesis 3. Historical and Cultural Context Near Eastern texts outside the Bible also associate vipers with fate, curses, and sorcery, mirroring Israel’s fear of venomous threats in wilderness travel and settled agriculture. Snake charmers attempted to control such dangers (cf. Psalms 58:5), but the Lord’s pledge in Jeremiah 8:17 that these vipers “cannot be charmed” underscores the futility of human defenses once divine judgment is unleashed. Theological Themes 1. Sin’s Hidden End: Alcohol’s initial allure (Proverbs 23) and national apostasy (Isaiah 59) both appear harmless until the lethal “bite” is felt. Practical Ministry Applications • Spiritual Discernment: Leaders should heed Proverbs 23:32 when counseling on substance abuse—highlighting the concealed “fangs” behind temporary pleasure. Christological Insights The tsephaʿ imagery reaches fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. On the cross He absorbed the fatal “bite” of sin and death (John 3:14-15 echoes the bronze serpent episode), ensuring that all who look to Him live. His resurrection guarantees the coming day when even the viper’s nest poses no threat (Isaiah 11), encapsulating the gospel’s promise that the dominion of the serpent is temporary and doomed. Summary צֶפַע serves Scripture as a multifaceted symbol—of deceptive pleasure, unchecked evil, divine retribution, and, ultimately, the messianic triumph over all enmity. Its five appearances trace a theological arc from the poison of sin to the peace of the new creation, calling God’s people to vigilance now and confident hope in the consummated reign of Christ. Englishman's Concordance Proverbs 23:32 HEB: כְּנָחָ֣שׁ יִשָּׁ֑ךְ וּֽכְצִפְעֹנִ֥י יַפְרִֽשׁ׃ NAS: And stings like a viper. KJV: and stingeth like an adder. INT: A serpent bites A viper and stings Isaiah 11:8 Isaiah 14:29 Isaiah 59:5 Jeremiah 8:17 5 Occurrences |
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cacavit, 
, Ethiopic 
excrement.).