Brief Overview of ἔχιδνα (Strong’s G2191: echidna)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is essential for uncovering the depth and nuances of the original texts. The Greek word ἔχιδνα (echidna, Strong’s G2191) is a fascinating term that appears several times in the New Testament, often in metaphorical contexts. This word, meaning “viper” or “serpent,” is used to denote a venomous snake, but it also carries a deeper symbolic meaning when used in reference to deceit, malice, and danger. Studying ἔχιδνα provides insight into its use in New Testament teachings, particularly those of Jesus, where it serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual and moral corruption.

Key Information

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• The Greek Word: ἔχιδνα (echidna) [EH-kheed-nah]
• Etymology: Derived from the root word ἔχις (echis), meaning “viper” or “serpent.”
• Part of Speech: Noun; feminine; first declension.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Viper: A type of venomous snake known for its deadly bite.
• Serpent: A broader term for any snake, often with connotations of danger or deceit.
• Symbol of Evil or Malice: Used metaphorically to describe a person or group characterized by deceit, hypocrisy, or malevolence.

Similar Words: ὄφις (ophis) [OH-fis], which also means “snake” or “serpent.” While ὄφις is a general term for any snake, ἔχιδνα specifically refers to a viper or a poisonous snake, emphasizing its deadly nature and the danger it represents.

Further Insights: ἔχιδνα is a first declension feminine noun. The use of this word in Biblical texts often carries symbolic weight, especially in the teachings of Jesus and John the Baptist, where it represents moral corruption or hypocrisy. Below is a declension chart for the word:

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: Defines ἔχιδνα as “a type of venomous snake,” often used metaphorically in the New Testament to represent evil or deceitful individuals, such as the Pharisees whom John the Baptist and Jesus criticized for their hypocrisy (Matthew 3:7, 12:34).
• Thayer’s: Notes that ἔχιδνα is specifically a viper, a small but highly venomous snake. It emphasizes the metaphorical use of the word in the New Testament, where it signifies cunning, deceit, and moral corruption.
• Vine’s: Discusses ἔχιδνα as a term used to describe malicious individuals who spread spiritual venom. The term is notably employed in Jesus’ denunciations of the Pharisees and Sadducees, where it characterizes their harmful influence.
• LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): Provides examples of ἔχιδνα in classical Greek literature, indicating its common usage to describe deadly serpents, often with connotations of danger and treachery.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Lists ἔχιδνα as “viper,” derived from the root ἔχις, meaning “a serpent.” It emphasizes its frequent usage in a metaphorical sense to illustrate the nature of an enemy who is deceitful or malicious.

Related Scripture References

• Matthew 3:7 – “But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, ‘You brood of vipers [ἔχιδναι], who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?'”
• Matthew 12:34 – “You brood of vipers [ἔχιδναι], how can you, being evil, speak what is good? For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart.”
• Matthew 23:33 – “You serpents, you brood of vipers [ἔχιδναι], how will you escape the sentence of hell?”
• Luke 3:7 – “So he began saying to the crowds who were going out to be baptized by him, ‘You brood of vipers [ἔχιδναι], who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?'”
• Acts 28:3 – “But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper [ἔχιδνα] came out because of the heat and fastened itself on his hand.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἔχιδνα (G2191: echidna)

The Greek word ἔχιδνα (echidna, Strong’s G2191) holds significant weight in Biblical literature as a term that means “viper” or “serpent.” It is used both literally to refer to a venomous snake and metaphorically to characterize deceitful and morally corrupt individuals, especially in the teachings of Jesus and John the Baptist. The word carries the connotation of danger, treachery, and spiritual venom, underscoring its potent symbolism in New Testament discourse. In classical Greek literature, it also appears with similar meanings, highlighting the universal themes of danger and deceit associated with vipers.

Did You Know?

Did you know that in ancient Greek culture, the viper, or ἔχιδνα, was not only considered dangerous because of its venomous bite but also became a powerful symbol of treachery and deceit? This cultural understanding made the New Testament usage of ἔχιδνα even more striking when Jesus and John the Baptist used it to describe religious leaders who were leading people astray, underscoring their harmful influence.