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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Numbers 21:6 So the LORD sent venomous snakes among the people, and many of the Israelites were bitten and died.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/21-6.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/04_Num_21_06.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 21:6 - The Bronze Serpent" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="So the LORD sent venomous snakes among the people, and many of the Israelites were bitten and died." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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they bit the people and many Israelites died.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/numbers/21.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />So the LORD sent poisonous snakes among the people, and many were bitten and died.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/numbers/21.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Then the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many people of Israel died.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/numbers/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />So the LORD sent venomous snakes among the people, and many of the Israelites were bitten and died.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/numbers/21.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/numbers/21.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and many of the people of Israel died.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/numbers/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people and they bit the people, so that many people of Israel died.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/numbers/21.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The LORD sent fiery serpents among the people and they bit the people, so that many people of Israel died.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/numbers/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people and they bit the people, so that many people of Israel died.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/numbers/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So Yahweh sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people so that many people of Israel died.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/numbers/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then the LORD sent fiery (burning) serpents among the people; and they bit the people, and many Israelites died.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/numbers/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the LORD sent poisonous snakes among the people, and they bit them so that many Israelites died.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/numbers/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the LORD sent poisonous snakes among the people, and they bit them so that many Israelites died. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/numbers/21.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Jehovah sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/numbers/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Then the LORD sent poisonous snakes that bit and killed many of them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/numbers/21.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/numbers/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />So the LORD sent poisonous snakes among the people. They bit the people, and many of the Israelites died.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/numbers/21.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Then the LORD sent poisonous snakes among the people, and many Israelites were bitten and died. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/numbers/21.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />In response, the LORD sent poisonous serpents among the people to bite them. As a result, many people of Israel died. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/numbers/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />So the LORD sent venomous snakes among the people, and many of the Israelites were bitten and died.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/numbers/21.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So the LORD sent poisonous snakes among the people, and they bit the people; many people of Israel died.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/numbers/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and many people of Israel died.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/numbers/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and many people of Israel died.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/numbers/21.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Yahweh sent venomous snakes among the people, and they bit the people. Many people of Israel died. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/numbers/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And YHWH sends the burning serpents among the people, and they bite the people, and many people of Israel die;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/numbers/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Jehovah sendeth among the people the burning serpents, and they bite the people, and much people of Israel die;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/numbers/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Jehovah will send upon the people deadly serpents, and they will bite the people; and much people will die from Israel.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/numbers/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Wherefore the Lord sent among the people fiery serpents, which bit them and killed many of them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/numbers/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />For this reason, the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, which wounded or killed many of them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/numbers/21.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />So the LORD sent among the people seraph serpents, which bit the people so that many of the Israelites died.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/numbers/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then the LORD sent poisonous serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many Israelites died.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/numbers/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And the LORD sent fiery serpents against the people, and they bit the people, so that many people of Israel died.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/numbers/21.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And LORD JEHOVAH sent destructive snakes against the people and they bit the people and many of the people of Israel died.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/numbers/21.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/numbers/21.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the Lord sent among the people deadly serpents, and they bit the people, and much people of the children of Israel died.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/numbers/21-6.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yauBFvKLNNo?start=6555" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/numbers/21.htm">The Bronze Serpent</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">5</span>and spoke against God and against Moses: “Why have you led us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? There is no bread or water, and we detest this wretched food!” <span class="reftext">6</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">So the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: way·šal·laḥ (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">sent</a> <a href="/hebrew/8314.htm" title="8314: haś·śə·rā·p̄îm (Art:: N-mp) -- From saraph; burning, i.e. poisonous; specifically, a saraph or symbolical creature.">venomous</a> <a href="/hebrew/5175.htm" title="5175: han·nə·ḥā·šîm (Art:: N-mp) -- A serpent. From nachash; a snake.">snakes</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: bā·‘ām (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">among the people,</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’êṯ (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7227.htm" title="7227: rāḇ (Adj-ms) -- Much, many, great. By contracted from rabab; abundant.">and many</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: ‘am- (N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: mî·yiś·rā·’êl (Prep-m:: N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">of the Israelites</a> <a href="/hebrew/5391.htm" title="5391: way·naš·šə·ḵū (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- A primitive root; to strike with a sting; figuratively, to oppress with interest on a loan.">were bitten</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘ām (Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: way·yā·māṯ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">and died.</a> </span><span class="reftext">7</span>Then the people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned by speaking against the LORD and against you. Intercede with the LORD so He will take the snakes away from us.” So Moses interceded for the people.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/8-15.htm">Deuteronomy 8:15</a></span><br />He led you through the vast and terrifying wilderness with its venomous snakes and scorpions, a thirsty and waterless land. He brought you water from the rock of flint.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-9.htm">1 Corinthians 10:9</a></span><br />We should not test Christ, as some of them did, and were killed by snakes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/78-21.htm">Psalm 78:21-22</a></span><br />Therefore the LORD heard and was filled with wrath; so a fire was kindled against Jacob, and His anger flared against Israel, / because they did not believe God or rely on His salvation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/14-29.htm">Isaiah 14:29</a></span><br />Do not rejoice, all you Philistines, that the rod that struck you is broken. For a viper will spring from the root of the snake, and a flying serpent from its egg.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/3-14.htm">John 3:14-15</a></span><br />Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, / that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/32-24.htm">Deuteronomy 32:24</a></span><br />They will be wasted from hunger and ravaged by pestilence and bitter plague; I will send the fangs of wild beasts against them, with the venom of vipers that slither in the dust.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/140-3.htm">Psalm 140:3</a></span><br />They sharpen their tongues like snakes; the venom of vipers is on their lips. Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/9-19.htm">Revelation 9:19</a></span><br />For the power of the horses was in their mouths and in their tails; indeed, their tails were like snakes, having heads with which to inflict harm.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/8-17.htm">Jeremiah 8:17</a></span><br />“For behold, I will send snakes among you, vipers that cannot be charmed, and they will bite you,” declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/10-19.htm">Luke 10:19</a></span><br />Behold, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. Nothing will harm you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/30-6.htm">Isaiah 30:6</a></span><br />This is the burden against the beasts of the Negev: Through a land of hardship and distress, of lioness and lion, of viper and flying serpent, they carry their wealth on the backs of donkeys and their treasures on the humps of camels, to a people of no profit to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/18-4.htm">2 Kings 18:4</a></span><br />He removed the high places, shattered the sacred pillars, and cut down the Asherah poles. He also demolished the bronze snake called Nehushtan that Moses had made, for up to that time the Israelites had burned incense to it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/16-18.htm">Mark 16:18</a></span><br />they will pick up snakes with their hands, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not harm them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will be made well.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/58-4.htm">Psalm 58:4</a></span><br />Their venom is like the venom of a snake, like a cobra that shuts its ears,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/3-13.htm">Romans 3:13</a></span><br />“Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit.” “The venom of vipers is on their lips.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/3-14.htm">Genesis 3:14,15</a></b></br> And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou <i>art</i> cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/8-15.htm">Deuteronomy 8:15</a></b></br> Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, <i>wherein were</i> fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where <i>there was</i> no water; who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/14-29.htm">Isaiah 14:29</a></b></br> Rejoice not thou, whole Palestina, because the rod of him that smote thee is broken: for out of the serpent's root shall come forth a cockatrice, and his fruit <i>shall be</i> a fiery flying serpent.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/37-7.htm">Bit</a> <a href="/galatians/5-15.htm">Bite</a> <a href="/genesis/49-17.htm">Bites</a> <a href="/numbers/19-17.htm">Burning</a> <a href="/numbers/20-25.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/numbers/20-26.htm">Death</a> <a href="/numbers/21-5.htm">Die</a> <a href="/numbers/20-29.htm">Died</a> <a href="/numbers/21-3.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/numbers/21-1.htm">Israelites</a> <a href="/numbers/2-30.htm">Numbers</a> <a href="/jeremiah/8-17.htm">Poison-Snakes</a> <a href="/exodus/7-12.htm">Serpents</a> <a href="/exodus/7-12.htm">Snakes</a> <a href="/acts/28-4.htm">Venomous</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/21-9.htm">Bit</a> <a href="/psalms/73-21.htm">Bite</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-32.htm">Bites</a> <a href="/numbers/21-8.htm">Burning</a> <a href="/numbers/27-5.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/numbers/22-29.htm">Death</a> <a href="/numbers/23-10.htm">Die</a> <a href="/numbers/25-9.htm">Died</a> <a href="/numbers/21-10.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/numbers/21-10.htm">Israelites</a> <a href="/numbers/22-3.htm">Numbers</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/8-15.htm">Poison-Snakes</a> <a href="/numbers/21-7.htm">Serpents</a> <a href="/numbers/21-7.htm">Snakes</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/8-15.htm">Venomous</a><div class="vheading2">Numbers 21</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/21-1.htm">Israel destroys the Canaanites at Hormah</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/21-4.htm">The people murmuring are plagued with fiery serpents</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/21-7.htm">They repenting are healed by a bronze serpent</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/21-10.htm">Various journeys of the Israelites</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/21-21.htm">Sihon is overcome</a></span><br><span class="reftext">33. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/21-33.htm">And Og</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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The sending of venomous snakes, or "fiery serpents," is a direct act of God, demonstrating His sovereignty and justice. The term "fiery" may refer to the burning sensation of the bites or the appearance of the snakes. This event occurs during the Israelites' wilderness journey, a period marked by repeated instances of rebellion and divine discipline. The wilderness itself, likely the region of the Negev or the Arabah, was known for its harsh conditions and dangerous wildlife, including snakes. This incident is a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the seriousness of sin. It also foreshadows the need for a savior, as the Israelites later seek deliverance from the consequences of their actions.<p><b>and many of the Israelites were bitten and died</b><br>The severity of the punishment is highlighted by the fact that many Israelites suffered and perished. This underscores the gravity of their sin and the holiness of God, who cannot tolerate rebellion. The death of many serves as a stark warning to the community about the cost of disobedience. This event is later referenced in the New Testament, specifically in <a href="/john/3-14.htm">John 3:14-15</a>, where Jesus compares His crucifixion to the lifting up of the bronze serpent by Moses, providing a means of salvation for those who believe. The physical death caused by the snake bites symbolizes the spiritual death that results from sin, pointing to the need for redemption and the ultimate sacrifice of Christ for humanity's salvation.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The covenant God of Israel, who is both just and merciful. In this passage, He acts in response to the Israelites' rebellion.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a></b><br>The chosen people of God, who are journeying through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. They are often characterized by their complaints and lack of faith.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/v/venomous_snakes.htm">Venomous Snakes (Seraphim)</a></b><br>The Hebrew word used here is "seraphim," which can mean "fiery" or "burning," indicating the painful and deadly nature of the snake bites.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wilderness.htm">The Wilderness</a></b><br>The setting of the Israelites' journey, a place of testing and reliance on God.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_event_of_judgment.htm">The Event of Judgment</a></b><br>This event is a direct consequence of the Israelites' grumbling and lack of trust in God, leading to divine discipline.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_disobedience.htm">The Consequences of Disobedience</a></b><br>Disobedience and lack of faith in God can lead to severe consequences. The Israelites' grumbling led to a tangible and painful judgment.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_justice_and_mercy.htm">God's Justice and Mercy</a></b><br>While God is just and disciplines His people, His actions are also a call to repentance and restoration. The subsequent verses show God's provision of a remedy.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_faith.htm">The Importance of Faith</a></b><br>This passage foreshadows the necessity of faith for salvation, as later illustrated by Jesus' reference to the bronze serpent.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_repentance.htm">The Role of Repentance</a></b><br>The Israelites' acknowledgment of their sin and plea for Moses' intercession is a model for repentance and seeking God's mercy.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/symbolism_of_the_serpent.htm">Symbolism of the Serpent</a></b><br>The serpent, often a symbol of sin and judgment, becomes a symbol of healing when lifted up, pointing to Christ's redemptive work.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_numbers_21.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Numbers 21</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_the_bronze_serpent_story.htm">What is the story of the Bronze Serpent?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_of_psalm_91_10_immunity.htm">Is there any historical or archaeological evidence supporting Psalm 91:10 that faithful individuals experienced literal immunity from disasters? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/origin_of_ancient_serpent_myth.htm">What is the origin of the Ancient Serpent myth?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_god_command_a_bronze_serpent.htm">Numbers 21:8-9 – Why would God command Moses to create a bronze serpent, seemingly at odds with prohibitions against idol-making in Exodus 20? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/numbers/21.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(6) <span class= "bld">And the Lord sent fiery serpents . . . --</span>Hebrew, <span class= "ital">the serpents, the seraphim </span>(<span class= "ital">i.e., </span>the burning ones). (See <a href="/deuteronomy/8-15.htm" title="Who led you through that great and terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water; who brought you forth water out of the rock of flint;">Deuteronomy 8:15</a>; <a href="/isaiah/14-29.htm" title="Rejoice not you, whole Palestina, because the rod of him that smote you is broken: for out of the serpent's root shall come forth a cockatrice, and his fruit shall be a fiery flying serpent.">Isaiah 14:29</a>; <a href="/isaiah/30-6.htm" title="The burden of the beasts of the south: into the land of trouble and anguish, from where come the young and old lion, the viper and fiery flying serpent, they will carry their riches on the shoulders of young asses, and their treasures on the bunches of camels, to a people that shall not profit them.">Isaiah 30:6</a>.) The word appears to denote a particular kind of serpent, as in the following verse. Some think that they were so called because of the bright fiery red upon their heads; others because of the blazing sunbeams on their scales; and others because of their inflammatory and poisonous bite. Venomous snakes are said to abound still in the Arabah.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/numbers/21.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 6.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Fiery serpents,</span> <span class="hebrew">גְחָשִׁים שְׂרָפִים</span>. <span class="accented">Nachash</span> is the ordinary word for serpent. The word <span class="accented">saraph</span> which seems to mean "burning one," stands (by itself) for a serpent in verse 8, and also in <a href="/isaiah/14-29.htm">Isaiah 14:29</a>; <a href="/isaiah/30-6.htm">Isaiah 30:6</a>. In <a href="/isaiah/6-2.htm">Isaiah 6:2, 6</a> it stands for one of the symbolic beings (seraphim) of the prophet's vision. The only idea common to the two meanings (otherwise so distinct) must be that of brilliance and metallic luster. It is commonly assumed that the "fiery" serpents were so called because of the burning pain and inflammation caused by the bite, after the analogy of the <span class="greek">πρηστῆρες</span> and <span class="greek">καύσωνες</span> of Dioscorus and AElian. But is hardly possible that Isaiah should have used the same word in such wholly dissimilar senses, and it is clear from comparison with Ezekiel's vision of the cherubim (<a href="/ezekiel/1-7.htm">Ezekiel 1:7</a>) that the <span class="accented">saraph</span> of <a href="/isaiah/6-2.htm">Isaiah 6:2</a> was so called from the burnished luster of his appearance. Even our Lord himself is described in the Apocalypse as having in the highest degree this appearance of glowing brass (<a href="/revelation/1-15.htm">Revelation 1:15</a>; <a href="/revelation/2-18.htm">Revelation 2:18</a>). It is further clear that the <span class="accented">saraph</span> was so named from his colour, not his venom, because when Moses was ordered to make a <span class="accented">saraph</span> he made a serpent of brass (or rather copper), with the evident intent of imitating as closely as possible the appearance of the venomous reptile. We may conclude then with some confidence that these serpents were of a fiery red colour, resembling in this respect certain very deadly snakes in Australia, which are known as "copper snakes." Travelers speak of some such pests as still abounding in the region of the Arabah, but it is quite uncertain whether the fiery serpents of that special visitation can be identified with any existing species. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/numbers/21-6.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">So the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֜ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">sent</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיְשַׁלַּ֨ח</span> <span class="translit">(way·šal·laḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7971.htm">Strong's 7971: </a> </span><span class="str2">To send away, for, out</span><br /><br /><span class="word">poisonous snakes</span><br /><span class="heb">הַנְּחָשִׁ֣ים</span> <span class="translit">(han·nə·ḥā·šîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5175.htm">Strong's 5175: </a> </span><span class="str2">A serpent</span><br /><br /><span class="word">among the people,</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּעָ֗ם</span> <span class="translit">(bā·‘ām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> </span><span class="str2">A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and many</span><br /><span class="heb">רָ֖ב</span> <span class="translit">(rāḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7227.htm">Strong's 7227: </a> </span><span class="str2">Much, many, great</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the Israelites</span><br /><span class="heb">מִיִּשְׂרָאֵֽל׃</span> <span class="translit">(mî·yiś·rā·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> </span><span class="str2">Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">were bitten</span><br /><span class="heb">וַֽיְנַשְּׁכ֖וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·naš·šə·ḵū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5391.htm">Strong's 5391: </a> </span><span class="str2">To strike with a, sting, to oppress with usury</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and died.</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּ֥מָת</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·māṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> </span><span class="str2">To die, to kill</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/21-6.htm">Numbers 21:6 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/numbers/21-6.htm">Numbers 21:6 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/numbers/21-6.htm">Numbers 21:6 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/numbers/21-6.htm">Numbers 21:6 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/numbers/21-6.htm">Numbers 21:6 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/21-6.htm">Numbers 21:6 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/21-6.htm">Numbers 21:6 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/21-6.htm">Numbers 21:6 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/21-6.htm">Numbers 21:6 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/numbers/21-6.htm">Numbers 21:6 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/numbers/21-6.htm">OT Law: Numbers 21:6 Yahweh sent fiery serpents among the people (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/21-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 21:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 21:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/21-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 21:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 21:7" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>