The term "cobra" is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible; however, serpents and snakes are frequently referenced throughout the Scriptures, often symbolizing danger, deceit, and evil. In the context of the Bible, the Hebrew word "pethen" is sometimes translated as "cobra" or "asp" in various English versions, including the Berean Standard Bible .

Biblical References:

1. Psalm 91:13 : "You will tread on the lion and cobra; you will trample the young lion and serpent." This verse is part of a psalm that speaks of God's protection over those who trust in Him. The imagery of treading on a cobra signifies triumph over deadly threats and evil forces, emphasizing the power and safety found in God's presence.

2. Isaiah 11:8 : "The infant will play by the cobra’s den, and the toddler will reach into the viper’s nest." This prophetic vision describes a future time of peace and harmony in God's kingdom, where natural enemies will coexist without harm. The cobra here symbolizes a dangerous creature that, in the Messianic age, will pose no threat to humanity.

3. Job 20:14-16 : "Yet his food will sour in his stomach; it will become the venom of cobras within him. He will suck the poison of cobras; the fangs of a viper will kill him." In this passage, Zophar speaks of the fate of the wicked, using the venom of cobras as a metaphor for the destructive consequences of sin and deceit.

Symbolism and Interpretation:

In biblical literature, serpents, including cobras, often represent sin, temptation, and the presence of evil. The serpent in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3) is a prime example, where it embodies Satan's deceit and the fall of humanity. The cobra, with its deadly venom, serves as a powerful symbol of the lethal nature of sin and the spiritual dangers that believers must overcome.

The imagery of cobras in the Bible also highlights God's sovereignty and protection. Believers are assured of victory over evil through divine intervention, as seen in Psalm 91:13. This assurance is a recurring theme, reinforcing the belief that faith in God provides safety from both physical and spiritual harm.

Cultural and Historical Context:

Cobras were well-known in the ancient Near East, particularly in Egypt, where they were associated with royalty and divine protection. The cobra, or "uraeus," was a symbol of sovereignty and was often depicted on the crowns of Pharaohs. This cultural backdrop may have influenced the biblical writers' use of the cobra as a symbol of both danger and protection.

In summary, while the specific term "cobra" may not appear frequently in the Bible, the broader symbolism of serpents, including cobras, plays a significant role in conveying themes of danger, sin, and divine protection. The biblical narrative uses these creatures to illustrate the spiritual battles faced by believers and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom.1. (n.) See Copra.

2. (n.) The cobra de capello.

785. aspis -- an asp
... an asp. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: aspis Phonetic Spelling:
(as-pece') Short Definition: an asp Definition: an asp (hooded-snake, cobra). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/785.htm - 6k6620. pethen -- (a venomous serpent) perhaps cobra
... 6619, 6620. pethen. 6621 . (a venomous serpent) perhaps cobra. Transliteration:
pethen Phonetic Spelling: (peh'-then) Short Definition: cobra. ...
/hebrew/6620.htm - 6k

Behind the Door
... One furious old dame called us "Child-snatchers and Powder-mongers," and white snakes
of the cobra species, and a particular genus of lizard, which when ...
/.../wilson-carmichael/things as they are/chapter xxii behind the door.htm

Where to Carry Troubles
... it. Whether the poison inflaming our blood be from a gnat's bite, or
a cobra's sting, the best antidote is"pray about it. How ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/where to carry troubles.htm

Shall we Go?
... That knife is like the deadly serpent's glittering eye. If the cobra's eye can get
your eye, you are held fast in that awful, deadly fascination. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on following the christ/shall we go.htm

A Supplementary Chapter to the Bible in Spain
... Aqui no se cobra el barato sino con un punal de Albacete"'You get no change here
except out of an Albacete knife.' If the defiance be accepted, vamos alla is ...
/.../a supplementary chapter to the.htm

Cobra (5 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) See Copra. 2. (n.) The cobra de capello. Multi-Version Concordance Cobra
(5 Occurrences). Job 20:14 yet his food in his bowels is turned. ...
/c/cobra.htm - 7k

Cobra's (1 Occurrence)
...Cobra's (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 11:8 The nursing child will play near a cobra's hole,
and the weaned child will put his hand on the viper's den. (WEB). ...
/c/cobra's.htm - 6k

Cobras (3 Occurrences)
... (See NAS NIV). Job 20:14 yet his food in his bowels is turned. It is cobra venom
within him. (See NAS). Job 20:16 He shall suck cobra venom. ...
/c/cobras.htm - 6k

Asp (3 Occurrences)
... (Hebrews pethen), Deuteronomy 32:33; Job 20:14, 16; Isaiah 11:8. It was probably
the Egyptian cobra (Naja haje), which was very poisonous (Romans 3:13; Gr. ...
/a/asp.htm - 9k

Viper's (3 Occurrences)
... Job 20:16 He shall suck cobra venom. ... Isaiah 11:8 The nursing child will play near
a cobra's hole, and the weaned child will put his hand on the viper's den. ...
/v/viper's.htm - 7k

Venom (8 Occurrences)
... Job 20:14 yet his food in his bowels is turned. It is cobra venom within
him. (WEB NAS NIV). Job 20:16 He shall suck cobra venom. ...
/v/venom.htm - 8k

Adder (9 Occurrences)
... (2.) Pethen ("twisting"), a viper or venomous serpent identified with the
cobra (Naja haje) (Psalm 58:4; 91:13); elsewhere "asp.". ...
/a/adder.htm - 11k

Serpents (18 Occurrences)
... (WEB JPS ASV NAS RSV NIV). Job 20:14 yet his food in his bowels is turned. It is
cobra venom within him. (See NIV). Job 20:16 He shall suck cobra venom. ...
/s/serpents.htm - 11k

Poison (17 Occurrences)
... the little horned vipers, are mentioned, and in Deuteronomy 32:33: "poison of serpents,
and the cruel venom of asps." The asp may be the cobra Naia haje, not ...
/p/poison.htm - 17k

Cock (12 Occurrences)

/c/cock.htm - 13k

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