The term "arrow-snake" does not appear explicitly in the Bible; however, the imagery of snakes and arrows is prevalent throughout the Scriptures, often symbolizing danger, deceit, and judgment. In biblical literature, snakes are frequently associated with cunning and evil, beginning with the serpent in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:1-5). Arrows, on the other hand, are often depicted as instruments of warfare and divine retribution.

Symbolism of Snakes in the Bible

Snakes are first introduced in the Bible in Genesis 3, where the serpent tempts Eve to eat the forbidden fruit. This act of deception leads to the fall of man, and the serpent is subsequently cursed by God: "The LORD God said to the serpent, 'Because you have done this, cursed are you above all livestock and every beast of the field; on your belly you will go, and dust you will eat all the days of your life'" (Genesis 3:14). This passage establishes the snake as a symbol of sin and rebellion against God.

Throughout the Old Testament, snakes continue to represent danger and evil. In Numbers 21:6, the LORD sends fiery serpents among the Israelites as a punishment for their complaints, leading to many deaths. However, God also provides a means of salvation through the bronze serpent, which Moses lifts up on a pole, foreshadowing Christ's crucifixion (John 3:14-15).

Arrows in Biblical Context

Arrows are frequently mentioned in the Bible as tools of warfare and divine judgment. In Psalm 7:13, God is depicted as a warrior who "has prepared His deadly weapons; He ordains His arrows with fire" . This imagery underscores the power and precision of God's judgment against the wicked.

In the context of spiritual warfare, arrows can also symbolize the attacks of the enemy. Ephesians 6:16 advises believers to take up "the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one" . This metaphor highlights the need for spiritual vigilance and reliance on God's protection.

Possible Interpretations of "Arrow-Snake"

While "arrow-snake" is not a direct biblical term, the combination of these two symbols could suggest a creature or force that embodies both the cunning of a serpent and the lethal precision of an arrow. Such imagery might be used to describe a particularly insidious form of evil or a swift and deadly judgment.

In a broader theological context, the concept of an "arrow-snake" could serve as a reminder of the dual nature of sin and judgment. Just as the serpent in Eden led humanity into sin, so too do the arrows of divine judgment pursue the unrepentant. Yet, through Christ, believers are offered redemption and protection from both the serpent's deceit and the arrows of wrath.

Conclusion

While the term "arrow-snake" does not appear in the biblical text, the rich symbolism of snakes and arrows provides a framework for understanding the nature of sin, judgment, and redemption. Through the lens of Scripture, believers are called to recognize the dangers of sin, the reality of divine judgment, and the hope of salvation through Jesus Christ.7091. qippoz -- perhaps arrow snake
... 7090, 7091. qippoz. 7092 . perhaps arrow snake. Transliteration: qippoz
Phonetic Spelling: (kip-poze') Short Definition: snake. ...
/hebrew/7091.htm - 6k

Isaiah's Discourse
... There shall the arrowsnake make her nest, and lay, and hatch, and gather under her
shadow: yea, there shall the kites be gathered, every one with her mate. ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/v isaiahs discourse.htm

Arrowsnake (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ARROWSNAKE. ar'-o ... is meant. See OWL; SERPENT.
Multi-Version Concordance Arrowsnake (1 Occurrence). ...
/a/arrowsnake.htm - 7k

Arrow-snake (1 Occurrence)
Arrow-snake. Arrowsnake, Arrow-snake. Arsaces . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(DBY). Arrowsnake, Arrow-snake. Arsaces . Reference Bible.
/a/arrow-snake.htm - 6k

Owl (11 Occurrences)
... kippoz, the "great owl" (Isaiah 34:15); Revised Version, "arrow-snake;" LXX. ... Version)
it is changed to "dart-snake" (the English Revised Version "arrowsnake"). ...
/o/owl.htm - 18k

Arsaces

/a/arsaces.htm - 8k

Serpent (40 Occurrences)
... (11) qippoz, the American Standard Revised Version "dart-snake," the English Revised
Version "arrowsnake," the King James Version "great owl," only in Isaiah 34 ...
/s/serpent.htm - 46k

Kites (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Kites (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 34:15 The arrowsnake will
make her nest there, and lay, hatch, and gather under her shade. ...
/k/kites.htm - 6k

Falcons (1 Occurrence)
... Isaiah 34:15 The arrowsnake will make her hole and put her eggs there, and get her
young together under her shade: there the hawks will come together by twos. ...
/f/falcons.htm - 6k

Twos (7 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 34:15 The arrowsnake will make her hole and put her eggs there, and get her
young together under her shade: there the hawks will come together by twos. ...
/t/twos.htm - 8k

Eggs (7 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 34:15 The arrowsnake will make her hole and put her eggs there, and get her
young together under her shade: there the hawks will come together by twos. ...
/e/eggs.htm - 8k

Mate (9 Occurrences)
... upon them. (See NAS). Isaiah 34:15 The arrowsnake will make her nest there,
and lay, hatch, and gather under her shade. Yes, the ...
/m/mate.htm - 10k

What does the Bible say about snake handling? Should we be handling snakes in church? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about snakes? Are snakes evil? | GotQuestions.org

Why didn't Adam and Eve find it strange that a serpent was talking to them? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus