Are snakes evil? Does the Bible say anything about snakes?

TL;DR:

Although snakes themselves are not evil creatures, they almost always carry a crafty and evil connotation in the Bible.

The Bible mentions snakes multiple times. We see snakes in Pharaoh's court (Exodus 7:12), in the wilderness (Numbers 21:7), on the island of Malta (Acts 28:3), in the garden of Eden (Genesis 3:1). Snakes are also used in metaphors, such as when John the Baptist and Jesus called the religious leaders a "brood of vipers" (Matthew 3:7; 12:34; 23:33).

from the old testament

The first time the Bible mentions snakes is in the garden of Eden. "Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made" (Genesis 3:1). Satan used the serpent to lie to Eve and deceive her into man's original sin in the garden. God consequently cursed the snake. "The LORD God said to the serpent, 'Because you have done this, cursed are you above all livestock and above all beasts of the field; on your belly you shall go, and dust you shall eat all the days of your life" (Genesis 3:14). The snake's physical lack of limbs is a reminder to us of the effects of sin on this world.
Snakes have continued to be associated with sin since this story of origination. The Old Testament is full of similes and metaphors for evil that presents itself like a serpent. The wicked are compared to those who "hatch the eggs of vipers" (Isaiah 59:5, NIV) and to those who "shall lick the dust like a serpent" (Micah 7:17). Psalm 140:3 also warns of evil men who "make their tongue sharp as a serpent's, and under their lips is the venom of asps." The Psalms also hold warnings of the wicked speaking lies and having "venom like the venom of a serpent, like the deaf adder that stops its ear, so that it does not hear the voice of charmers or of the cunning enchanter" (Psalm 58:4–5).
In Genesis 3:15 we hear God's first promise to save us from the Devil's schemes. God promises that the Seed of woman will crush the snake's head. This is a prophecy for the Son of Man to save us from the serpent's bite (Numbers 21:6–9; John 3:14–18).
The prophet Isaiah depicted the hope we have for Jesus to restore the earth and every part of creation, including snakes: "The nursing child shall play over the hole of the cobra, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the adder's den. They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea." (Isaiah 11:8–9).

from the new testament

In the New Testament, Jesus and John the Baptist call the Pharisees a "brood of vipers" and "serpents" because of their dangerous hypocrisy (Matthew 3:7; 12:34; 23:33).
The promise for the Messiah to save us from the serpent’s bite was fulfilled in Jesus. "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life." (John 3:14–15; cf. Numbers 21:6–9). We can rejoice, because the association of the evil serpent does not have power over us. Jesus arrived and crushed the serpent's head (Genesis 3:15).
Serpents and dragons are often used to represent Satan, including in Revelation. Whereas in Genesis, the serpent led man to fall, in Revelation, the "ancient serpent" is "thrown down to the earth" (Revelation 12:9) so he no longer has access to heaven. This is referring to his punishment at the end of time, not his initial fall. Again in Revelation 20:2, “that ancient serpent” is bound for a thousand years during the millennial kingdom before he is ultimately cast into the lake of fire.

implications for today

The biblical depiction of snakes as symbols of evil, yet ultimately conquerable through Christ, offers a powerful analogy for our personal lives. Just as snakes are portrayed as agents of deception and sin in Scripture, we often encounter challenges and temptations that test our faith and integrity. However, through faith in Christ, we have the assurance that evil and sin can be overcome. Just as Jesus conquered Satan and sin through His death and resurrection, we await His return when all evil will be fully eradicated and we will experience the fullness of God's kingdom. This understanding encourages us to live with confidence and hope, knowing that despite the trials we face, our ultimate victory is assured in Christ. It motivates us to persevere in faith and righteousness, eagerly anticipating the day when we will see the complete fulfillment of God's promise of redemption and restoration.

understand

Snakes are often used metaphorically to represent sin and deceit, notably in the story of the serpent deceiving Eve in the garden of Eden.
In Genesis 3:15, God promised that the Seed of woman (Jesus Christ) will crush the serpent's head, symbolizing victory over sin and Satan.
In Revelation, the "ancient serpent," identified as Satan, is defeated, illustrating the ultimate triumph of good over evil and the establishment of God's kingdom.

reflect

How does the biblical symbolism of snakes challenge your perspective on the nature of evil and sin today?
What does the promise of Jesus crushing the serpent's head in Genesis 3:15 mean for your faith as well as your personal struggles with temptation?
How does the imagery of the serpent's ultimate defeat in Revelation give you hope and assurance in God's ultimate victory over evil?

engage

How do various Old Testament passages portray snakes as symbols of evil and deceit? What lessons can we draw from these depictions about the nature of sin?
What is the significance of Jesus being compared to the bronze serpent lifted up in the wilderness (John 3:14–15). How does this imagery relate to Christ's role in redemption?
What are the implications of Revelation 12 and Revelation 20 for our understanding of spiritual warfare and the fulfillment of God's promises. How do these passage inform our hope in Christ's return?