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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://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=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Serpents: Characterised As Subtle</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/ttt/s/serpents--characterised_as_subtle.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><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'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/genesis/3-1.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/s/serpents.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Serpents</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents--called_crooked.htm" title="Serpents: Called Crooked">◄</a> Serpents: Characterised As Subtle <a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents--created_by_god.htm" title="Serpents: Created by God">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#ttt" title="Torrey's Topical Index">Torrey's</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>In the biblical narrative, serpents are often depicted as creatures of cunning and subtlety. This characterization is most prominently introduced in the Book of Genesis, where the serpent plays a pivotal role in the account of the Fall of Man. The serpent's subtlety is emblematic of its ability to deceive and manipulate, traits that have theological implications throughout Scripture.<br><br><b><a href="/genesis/3.htm">Genesis 3:1</a></b> · The first and most significant mention of the serpent's subtlety is found in <a href="/genesis/3.htm">Genesis 3:1</a>: "Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field that the LORD God had made." . Here, the serpent's craftiness is highlighted as it engages Eve in conversation, leading to the temptation and eventual disobedience of Adam and Eve. The serpent's approach is marked by cunning questions and half-truths, which sow doubt and lead to the first sin.<br><br><b>Symbol of Deception</b> · The serpent's role in Genesis establishes it as a symbol of deception and temptation. This symbolism is echoed throughout the Bible, where serpents often represent forces that oppose God's truth and righteousness. The subtlety of the serpent is not merely a characteristic of the animal itself but is emblematic of the spiritual adversary, Satan, who is often associated with serpentine imagery.<br><br><b><a href="/2_corinthians/11-3.htm">2 Corinthians 11:3</a></b> · The Apostle Paul references the serpent's deception in his second letter to the Corinthians: "But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may be led astray from your simple and pure devotion to Christ." . Here, Paul warns the Corinthian church of the dangers of being led astray by false teachings, drawing a parallel to the serpent's original act of deception.<br><br><b><a href="/revelation/12-9.htm">Revelation 12:9</a></b> · In the apocalyptic vision of Revelation, the serpent is explicitly identified with Satan: "And the great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world." . This passage reinforces the association between the serpent and the ultimate deceiver, underscoring the theme of subtlety and craftiness as tools of spiritual warfare.<br><br><b><a href="/matthew/10-16.htm">Matthew 10:16</a></b> · Interestingly, Jesus Himself uses the imagery of serpents in a positive light when instructing His disciples: "Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves." . Here, the subtlety of the serpent is commended as a form of wisdom and discernment, suggesting that believers should be aware and prudent in their dealings with the world, while maintaining purity and innocence.<br><br>Throughout Scripture, the serpent's subtlety serves as a powerful metaphor for the challenges of discernment and the ever-present danger of deception. The biblical portrayal of serpents as subtle creatures invites believers to remain vigilant, discerning, and steadfast in their faith, recognizing the spiritual battles that are often waged through cunning and deceit.<a name="ttt" id="ttt"></a><div class="vheading2">Torrey's Topical Textbook</div><span class="rtext"><a href="/genesis/3-1.htm">Genesis 3:1</a></span><br>Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, Yes, has God said, You shall not eat of every tree of the garden?<br><span class="source">Torrey's Topical Textbook</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/matthew/10-16.htm">Matthew 10:16</a></span><br>Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the middle of wolves: be you therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.<br><span class="source">Torrey's Topical Textbook</span><p><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/young/youngs_night_thoughts/on_the_life_and_poetic.htm"><span class="l">On the Life and Poetic Genius of Edward Young.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> age in which Young's lot was cast was <b>characterised</b> by a <b>...</b> burning fire called<br> suns"its comets, those <b>serpents</b> of the <b>...</b> It was <b>subtle</b> as well as native and strong <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/young/youngs night thoughts/on the life and poetic.htm</font><p><a href="/library/bunyan/the_works_of_john_bunyan_volumes_1-3/the_pilgrims_progress.htm"><span class="l">The Pilgrim's Progress</span></a> <br><b>...</b> seek a world to come; That they have met with hardships in the way, That they do<br> meet with troubles night and day; That they have trod on <b>serpents</b>, fought with <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm</font><p><a href="/library/calvin/my_life_in_christ/part_ii.htm"><span class="l">part ii</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Sins are"secret <b>serpents</b>, gnawing at the heart of a man and all his being; they<br> do not let him rest, they continually suck his heart; sins are"prickly <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm</font><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/wise-serpents-harmless-doves.html">What does it mean to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves (Matthew 10:16)? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-snakes.html">What does the Bible say about snakes? Are snakes evil? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/brood-of-vipers.html">Why did John the Baptist refer to the Pharisees as a brood of vipers? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/s/serpents.htm">Serpents</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents_were_often_enchanted_or_fascinated.htm">Serpents were often Enchanted or Fascinated</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents--(poisonous_bite_of)_baneful_effects_of_wine.htm">Serpents: (Poisonous Bite of) Baneful Effects of Wine</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents--(sharp_tongue_of)_malice_of_the_wicked.htm">Serpents: (Sharp Tongue of) Malice of the Wicked</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents--all_kinds_of,_can_be_tamed.htm">Serpents: All Kinds of, Can be Tamed</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents--called_crooked.htm">Serpents: Called Crooked</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents--characterised_as_subtle.htm">Serpents: Characterised As Subtle</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents--created_by_god.htm">Serpents: Created by God</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents--cursed_above_all_creatures.htm">Serpents: Cursed Above all Creatures</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents--dangerous_to_travellers.htm">Serpents: Dangerous to Travellers</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents--doomed_to_creep_on_their_belly.htm">Serpents: Doomed to Creep on Their Belly</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents--doomed_to_eat_their_food_mingled_with_dust.htm">Serpents: Doomed to Eat Their Food Mingled With Dust</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents--infest--deserts.htm">Serpents: Infest: Deserts</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents--infest--hedges.htm">Serpents: Infest: Hedges</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents--infest--holes_in_walls.htm">Serpents: Infest: Holes in Walls</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents--man's_aversion_and_hatred_to.htm">Serpents: Man's Aversion and Hatred To</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents--many_kinds_of_poisonous.htm">Serpents: Many Kinds of Poisonous</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents--miracles_connected_with--israelites_cured_by_looking_at_one_of_brass.htm">Serpents: Miracles Connected With: Israelites Cured by Looking at One of Brass</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents--miracles_connected_with--moses'_rod_turned_into.htm">Serpents: Miracles Connected With: Moses' Rod Turned Into</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents--miracles_connected_with--power_over,_given_to_the_disciples.htm">Serpents: Miracles Connected With: Power Over, Given to the Disciples</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents--of_enemies_who_harass_and_destroy.htm">Serpents: of Enemies Who Harass and Destroy</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents--of_hypocrites.htm">Serpents: of Hypocrites</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents--of_the_devil.htm">Serpents: of the Devil</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents--of_the_tribe_of_dan.htm">Serpents: of the Tribe of Dan</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents--often_sent_as_a_punishment.htm">Serpents: Often Sent As a Punishment</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents--produced_from_eggs.htm">Serpents: Produced from Eggs</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents--unclean_and_unfit_for_food.htm">Serpents: Unclean and Unfit for Food</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/eve.htm">Eve (5 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/serpents.htm">Serpents (18 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/v/viper.htm">Viper (8 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zoheleth.htm">Zoheleth (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/worship.htm">Worship (332 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/woodcutters.htm">Woodcutters (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/flying.htm">Flying (22 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/emerge.htm">Emerge (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/philistia.htm">Philistia (12 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/palestina.htm">Palestina (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/birth.htm">Birth (357 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/basilisk.htm">Basilisk (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/cockatrice.htm">Cockatrice (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/adder.htm">Adder (9 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/seruch.htm">Seruch (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/wolf.htm">Wolf (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/fiery.htm">Fiery (47 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/straw.htm">Straw (21 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/head.htm">Head (4291 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/stone.htm">Stone (290 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/root.htm">Root (54 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/feed.htm">Feed (117 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/bullock.htm">Bullock (95 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/serpent.htm">Serpent (40 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/lion.htm">Lion (92 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/tabeel.htm">Tabeel (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/mouth.htm">Mouth (534 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/hurt.htm">Hurt (84 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/o/old.htm">Old (3966 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents--called_crooked.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Serpents: Called Crooked"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Serpents: Called Crooked" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents--created_by_god.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' 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