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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: Called Crooked</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/ttt/s/serpents--called_crooked.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/job/26-13.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--all_kinds_of,_can_be_tamed.htm" title="Serpents: All Kinds of, Can be Tamed">◄</a> Serpents: Called Crooked <a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents--characterised_as_subtle.htm" title="Serpents: Characterised As Subtle">►</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 biblical literature, serpents are often depicted as symbols of deceit, danger, and evil. The term "crooked" is used metaphorically to describe the nature and character of serpents, emphasizing their association with sin and moral corruption. This imagery is rooted in the ancient Near Eastern context, where serpents were commonly seen as creatures of cunning and treachery.<br><br>The Bible frequently uses the serpent as a symbol of Satan and his deceptive ways. In the book of Genesis, the serpent is the creature that tempts Eve in the Garden of Eden, leading to the fall of humanity (<a href="/genesis/3.htm">Genesis 3:1-5</a>). This foundational narrative sets the stage for the serpent's association with sin and rebellion against God.<br><br>The term "crooked" is specifically used in the book of Isaiah to describe the serpent. <a href="/isaiah/27.htm">Isaiah 27:1</a> states: "In that day the LORD will take His sharp, great, and mighty sword, and bring judgment on Leviathan, the fleeing serpent—Leviathan, the coiling serpent—and He will slay the dragon of the sea." Here, the "coiling serpent" is a reference to Leviathan, a creature often associated with chaos and opposition to God's order. The imagery of a "coiling" or "crooked" serpent underscores its twisted and perverse nature, symbolizing the distortion of truth and righteousness.<br><br>In the New Testament, serpents continue to represent evil and opposition to God's kingdom. Jesus Himself uses the imagery of serpents to describe the Pharisees and their hypocrisy. In <a href="/matthew/23-33.htm">Matthew 23:33</a> , He declares, "You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape the sentence of hell?" This harsh rebuke highlights the deceptive and dangerous nature of those who oppose the truth of the Gospel.<br><br>The crooked nature of serpents is also reflected in the broader biblical theme of the struggle between good and evil. Throughout Scripture, serpents are depicted as adversaries to God's people, often requiring divine intervention to overcome. This is evident in the account of Moses and the bronze serpent in the wilderness (<a href="/numbers/21-4.htm">Numbers 21:4-9</a>), where God provides a means of salvation from the deadly bites of fiery serpents.<br><br>In summary, the biblical depiction of serpents as "crooked" serves as a powerful metaphor for the deceitful and corrupt nature of sin. This imagery reinforces the need for vigilance and reliance on God's truth to overcome the wiles of the serpent, who seeks to lead humanity astray from the path of righteousness.<a name="ttt" id="ttt"></a><div class="vheading2">Torrey's Topical Textbook</div><span class="rtext"><a href="/job/26-13.htm">Job 26:13</a></span><br>By his spirit he has garnished the heavens; his hand has formed the crooked serpent.<br><span class="source">Torrey's Topical Textbook</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/isaiah/27-1.htm">Isaiah 27:1</a></span><br>In that day the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that is in the sea.<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/unknown/the_acts_of_philip/addition_to_acts_of_philip.htm"><span class="l">Addition to Acts of Philip.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> And <b>crooked</b> is his going, since he is the son of the <b>...</b> is ready, and blessed is he<br> who is <b>called</b> by the <b>...</b> Thy name, and the dragons and the <b>serpents</b> withered away <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../unknown/the acts of philip/addition to acts of philip.htm</font><p><a href="/library/maclaren/expositions_of_holy_scripture_b/the_widened_mission_its_perils.htm"><span class="l">The Widened Mission, Its Perils and Defences</span></a> <br><b>...</b> If they have <b>called</b> the master of the house Beelzebub <b>...</b> But 'be ye wise as <b>serpents</b>'<br> is equally imperative with <b>...</b> long as it does not stoop to <b>crooked</b> policy, and <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the widened mission its perils.htm</font><p><a href="/library/unknown/the_acts_of_philip/the_acts_of_philip.htm"><span class="l">The Acts of Philip.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> For his path is <b>crooked</b>, since he is the son of the <b>...</b> together to worship as in old<br> times the <b>serpents</b> and the <b>...</b> Wherefore also they <b>called</b> Hierapolis Ophioryma. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the acts of philip/the acts of philip.htm</font><p><a href="/library/clement/the_instructor_paedagogus/chapter_ix_that_it_is_the.htm"><span class="l">That it is the Prerogative of the Same Power to be Beneficent and <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> in the Gospel by John He says, "<b>Serpents</b>, brood of <b>...</b> Lord of hosts;" [1260] meaning<br> by the <b>crooked</b> ways the <b>...</b> have believed at hearing: "When I <b>called</b>, ye obeyed <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter ix that it is the.htm</font><p><a href="/library/arnot/the_parables_of_our_lord/xxv_the_prudent_steward.htm"><span class="l">The Prudent Steward.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> So he <b>called</b> every one of his lord's debtors <b>...</b> as <b>serpents</b>, and harmless as doves."<br> <b>Serpents</b> are proposed to <b>...</b> his unrighteous object except by a <b>crooked</b> path; but <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../arnot/the parables of our lord/xxv the prudent steward.htm</font><p><a href="/library/chrysostom/homilies_on_gal_eph_phi_col_thess_tim_titus_and_philemon/homily_vi_philippians_ii_8-may.htm"><span class="l">Philippians ii. 8-May</span></a> <br><b>...</b> This virtue is <b>called</b> humble-mindedness, because it is <b>...</b> a scorpion; "For tread," saith<br> He, "upon <b>serpents</b> and scorpions <b>...</b> him a dragon, and a <b>crooked</b> serpent, and <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../homily vi philippians ii 8-may.htm</font><p><a href="/library/newcomb/a_practical_directory_for_young_christian_females/letter_xi_mental_cultivation_reading.htm"><span class="l">Letter xi. Mental Cultivation. Reading.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> The most <b>crooked</b> and unpromising twig may, by proper care <b>...</b> of men have any right to<br> be <b>called</b> the church <b>...</b> their contests with wild beasts and <b>serpents</b>, and all <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../letter xi mental cultivation reading.htm</font><p><a href="/library/augustine/exposition_on_the_book_of_psalms/psalm_lxxviii.htm"><span class="l">Psalm LXXVIII.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> 3542] Moreover, if that death by <b>serpents</b>, and that <b>...</b> able of himself to return, except<br> when <b>called</b> back by <b>...</b> I say then of these <b>crooked</b> and embittering persons <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxviii.htm</font><p><a href="/library/jerome/the_principal_works_of_st_jerome/letter_cxxiv_to_avitus.htm"><span class="l">Letter cxxiv. To Avitus.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> says, you will have to walk among scorpions and <b>serpents</b>. <b>...</b> which in the apocalypse<br> of John is <b>called</b> everlasting to <b>...</b> jaws of the serpent and the <b>crooked</b> jaws of <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxxiv to avitus.htm</font><p><a href="/library/orr/the_gospel_day_/chapter_i_christianity_a_light.htm"><span class="l">Christianity a Light.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> with new tongues; they shall take up <b>serpents</b>; and if <b>...</b> rebuke, in the midst of a <b>crooked</b><br> higher than <b>...</b> meekness, produce pleasant feelings and are <b>called</b> beautiful <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter i christianity a light.htm</font><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Satan-serpent.html">Was Satan the serpent in Genesis chapter 3? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-chain-letters.html">How should a Christian respond to chain letters? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/ultimate-reconciliation.html">What is ultimate reconciliation? | 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--all_kinds_of,_can_be_tamed.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Serpents: All Kinds of, Can be Tamed"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Serpents: All Kinds of, Can be Tamed" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents--characterised_as_subtle.htm" 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