Understanding ἀσπίς (aspis) Strong’s G785: The Deadly Serpent’s Venom that Reveals the Human Heart

Pronunciation Guide: as-PEES

Basic Definition

Strong’s G785: ἀσπίς refers to a particularly venomous asp or viper, known for its deadly poison and swift strike. In biblical usage, it metaphorically represents the destructive power of evil speech and malicious intent. The word carries strong associations with treachery and hidden danger, much like the serpent’s concealed threat.

Etymology and Morphology

• Noun (feminine)
• Classical Greek origin
• Primary usage in metaphorical contexts
• Frequently used in poetic and wisdom literature
• Found in both literal and figurative contexts in ancient texts

ἀσπίς Morphology:

• ἀσπίς (nominative singular) – asp/viper
• ἀσπίδος (genitive singular) – of the asp
• ἀσπίδι (dative singular) – to/with the asp
• ἀσπίδα (accusative singular) – the asp (direct object)

Origin & History

The term ἀσπίς has deep roots in classical Greek literature, where it originally referred to the Egyptian cobra (Naja haje), known for its deadly venom and distinctive hood. Herodotus, in his “Histories” (Book 2.74), describes these serpents as sacred in ancient Egyptian culture, particularly in Thebes. The Septuagint translators chose this word to render the Hebrew פֶּתֶן (peten) in several passages, emphasizing its association with deadly poison and treachery.

In Hellenistic literature, Plutarch uses ἀσπίς in his “Moralia” to describe the swift and fatal nature of the asp’s bite, noting how Cleopatra chose this creature for her suicide precisely because its venom brought quick and relatively painless death. This historical connection added layers of meaning to the word’s later biblical usage.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A venomous snake species, specifically the Egyptian cobra
• A symbol of hidden danger and treachery
• A metaphor for destructive speech and evil intent
• An emblem of swift and deadly harm

ἀσπίς Translation Options:

• “asp” – emphasizes the specific species identity
• “viper” – focuses on the venomous nature
• “cobra” – specifies the Egyptian variety
• “deadly serpent” – captures both literal and metaphorical meanings
• “poisonous snake” – emphasizes the lethal aspect

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀσπίς appears most notably in Romans 3:13, where Paul quotes from Psalm 140:3 (LXX 139:4) to describe the destructive nature of human speech. The apostle uses this powerful image as part of his indictment of human sinfulness, demonstrating how the tongue can be as deadly as serpent’s venom.

The Septuagint employs ἀσπίς in several significant passages, particularly in the Psalms and wisdom literature, where it often serves as a metaphor for the deadly nature of wickedness and the dangers posed by the ungodly.

• “The poison of asps is under their lips” Romans 3:13
• “They sharpen their tongues like a serpent; asp’s poison is under their lips” Psalm 140:3
• “Their wine is the poison of asps” Deuteronomy 32:33
• “He will suck the poison of asps” Job 20:16

Cultural Insights

In ancient Near Eastern culture, the asp held a particularly fearsome reputation. Egyptian royalty, particularly the Ptolemaic dynasty, used the asp’s image in their royal regalia, seeing it as a symbol of sovereign power and divine protection. This cultural background adds depth to the biblical usage, as readers would have immediately recognized both the literal danger and the metaphorical implications of the term.

The asp was known for striking without warning, often from concealed positions, making it a perfect metaphor for those who speak destructively while hiding their true intentions. This characteristic was well-known in the ancient world, where snake charmers would often demonstrate their skill with these dangerous creatures in public displays.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀσπίς in biblical texts serves as a powerful reminder of humanity’s fallen nature, particularly in relation to speech and intention. When Paul quotes the Psalmist’s use of this term in Romans 3, he’s drawing on a rich tradition that connects poisonous speech with the original serpent in the Garden of Eden, whose deadly words brought sin and death into the world.

This connection reveals a profound theological truth: human speech, when divorced from God’s righteousness, becomes as deadly as serpent’s venom. Yet this stark reality serves to highlight the transformative power of the Messiah’s redemption. Through Him, the same tongue that once held deadly poison can be transformed to speak words of life and truth.

The metaphor of the asp also points to the broader biblical theme of divine protection. Just as יהוה (Yahweh) promises to protect His people from the “cobra and viper” in Psalm 91:13, He provides spiritual protection against the poisonous effects of evil speech and malicious intent.

Personal Application

Understanding the significance of ἀσπίς challenges us to examine our own speech patterns and heart intentions. Just as an asp’s venom works swiftly and secretly, our words can carry hidden destruction that we might not immediately recognize. This calls for regular self-examination and submission to the Holy Spirit’s conviction regarding our speech.

Moreover, this word study reminds us of our need for divine protection against the “asps” in our own lives – those hidden sources of poison that can wound both ourselves and others. Through conscious dependence on God’s Spirit and regular meditation on His Word, we can develop discernment to recognize and resist both speaking and receiving poisonous words.

Related Words

• ὄφις (ophis) [oh-fis] – general term for snake, often used in reference to the serpent in Eden – See G3789
• ἰός (ios) [ee-OS] – poison, venom, rust; specifically used with ἀσπίς in Romans 3:13 – See G2447
• θηρίον (therion) [thay-REE-on] – wild beast, often used for dangerous creatures – See G2342
• δράκων (drakon) [DRAH-kohn] – dragon, serpent, often used symbolically – See G1404

Did you Know?

• The Egyptian cobra, which the term ἀσπίς originally referred to, can raise the front third of its body off the ground and spread its hood when threatened, making it one of the most recognizable and feared serpents in the ancient world.
• Ancient Egyptian pharaohs wore the uraeus, an image of the raised cobra, on their crowns as a symbol of sovereignty and divine protection, making Paul’s use of this image particularly powerful for readers familiar with Egyptian cultural symbols.
• The asp’s venom is primarily neurotoxic, causing swift paralysis and death, which made it the chosen method of suicide for Cleopatra VII, the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt. This historical connection would have added additional weight to the metaphorical use of ἀσπίς in biblical texts.

Remember This

The ἀσπίς serves as a sobering reminder that our words, like a serpent’s venom, have the power to bring either death or life – choosing which is our daily spiritual responsibility.