The term "asp" refers to a venomous serpent mentioned in the Bible, often associated with danger and deceit. The asp is believed to be a type of snake native to the Nile region, possibly the Egyptian cobra (Naja haje), known for its potent venom. In biblical literature, the asp is used symbolically to represent evil, sin, and the destructive power of wickedness.

Biblical References:

1. Psalm 91:13 : "You will tread on the lion and cobra; you will trample the young lion and serpent." In this verse, the asp is translated as "cobra," symbolizing the protection and deliverance God provides to those who trust in Him. The imagery of trampling the serpent signifies victory over evil and harm.

2. Isaiah 11:8 : "The infant will play by the cobra’s den, and the toddler will reach into the viper’s nest." Here, the asp is again translated as "cobra," illustrating the peace and harmony of God's future kingdom, where even the most dangerous creatures pose no threat to the innocent.

3. Job 20:14-16 : "Yet his food will sour in his stomach; it will become the venom of cobras within him. He will vomit the wealth he swallowed; God will expel it from his belly. He will suck the poison of cobras; the fangs of a viper will kill him." In this passage, the asp's venom symbolizes the destructive consequences of wickedness and greed. The imagery of consuming cobra venom highlights the self-destructive nature of sin.

4. Romans 3:13 : "Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit. The venom of vipers is on their lips." The apostle Paul uses the metaphor of the asp's venom to describe the sinful nature of humanity. The reference to "vipers" underscores the deadly and corrupting power of deceitful speech.

Symbolism and Interpretation:

In biblical symbolism, the asp represents the cunning and lethal nature of sin. Its venom is often used metaphorically to describe the harmful effects of evil actions and words. The asp's presence in Scripture serves as a warning against the dangers of sin and the importance of seeking God's protection and righteousness.

The asp's role in biblical narratives also highlights the theme of divine deliverance. Believers are assured of God's power to protect them from the spiritual and physical dangers represented by the serpent. The imagery of overcoming the asp is a testament to the victory of good over evil through faith and obedience to God.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Egypt, the asp was a symbol of royalty and divine authority, often associated with the goddess Wadjet. The serpent was believed to offer protection and was depicted on the crowns of pharaohs. This cultural background adds depth to the biblical use of the asp as a symbol of both danger and protection, depending on the context.

The asp's presence in the Bible reflects the broader ancient Near Eastern understanding of serpents as creatures of both reverence and fear. The biblical authors used the asp to convey spiritual truths about the nature of sin, the need for divine protection, and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom.Deuteronomy 32:33
Their wine is the poison of dragons, and the cruel venom of asps.
Nave's Topical Index

Job 20:14,16
Yet his meat in his bowels is turned, it is the gall of asps within him.
Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 11:8
And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den.
Nave's Topical Index

Romans 3:13
Their throat is an open sepulcher; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:
Nave's Topical Index

6620. pethen -- (a venomous serpent) perhaps cobra
... unused word Definition (a venomous serpent) perhaps cobra NASB Word Usage cobra
(3), cobras (3). adder. From an unused root meaning to twist; an asp (from its ...
/hebrew/6620.htm - 6k

660. epheh -- (a kind of) viper
... viper. From epha' (in the sense of hissing); an asp or other venomous serpent --
viper. see HEBREW epha'. 659, 660. epheh. 661 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/660.htm - 6k

Fences and Serpents
... put your hand on the hole of the asp.' Take care ... the pole was in the likeness of
the serpent whose poison ... last dart at Him, and, like some venomous insect that ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/fences and serpents.htm

The Creation of Terrestrial Animals.
... the form and the flexibility of a serpent, takes its ... accuse the Creator of having
produced venomous animals, destroyers ... "Thou shalt walk upon the asp and the ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/homily ix the creation of.htm

The Nile and Egypt
... harmless, like the colubers; others are venomous, such as ... The asp was worshipped
by the Egyptians under the ... were once several kinds of gigantic serpent in Egypt ...
/.../chapter i the nile and egypt.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm

Asp: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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