"a viper, poisonous serpent, Acts 28:3; used also fig. of persons, Mt. 3:7; 12:34; 23:33; Lk. 3:7*"
Definition and meaning
a viper, poisonous serpent, Acts 28:3; used also fig. of persons, Mt. 3:7; 12:34; 23:33; Lk. 3:7*
In the original Greek the word is written: ἔχιδνα
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of echidna (G2191) across the King James Bible.
But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?
Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.
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Common questions
Strong's G2191 (echidna) is a Greek word that means: a viper, poisonous serpent, Acts 28:3; used also fig. of persons, Mt. 3:7; 12:34; 23:33; Lk. 3:7* It appears 5 times in the King James Bible.
The word echidna (G2191) appears 5 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G2191 is echidna, a Greek word defined as: a viper, poisonous serpent, Acts 28:3; used also fig. of persons, Mt. 3:7; 12:34; 23:33; Lk. 3:7*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
echidna is a Greek word found in the New Testament.