Have you been dreaming about snakes? Like some others, it's a common dream, but snake dreams should not be taken lightly as they can be potential warnings from The Lord concerning your life and relationships. Today we're going to look at the biblical meaning of a snake dream.
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Biblical Meaning of Snake Dreams
1. Deception and Temptation
Symbolism: The serpent in Eden is the first deceiver. In dreams, snakes often symbolize a spirit of deception, temptation, or misleading voices.
Biblical Basis:
“Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made.” — Genesis 3:1
“That ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world.” — Revelation 12:9
Dream Meaning:
A snake appearing, speaking, or luring may indicate false counsel, spiritual deception, or temptation attempting to draw someone off God’s path.
Do not take these dreams lightly: pray for the truth to be revealed. The Truth destroys deception!
2. Spiritual Attack and Demonic Influence
Symbolism: Snakes often represent hostile spiritual forces. In Scripture they symbolize danger, harm, or satanic activity.
Biblical Basis:
“You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.” — Psalm 91:13
“They will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them.” — Mark 16:18
Dream Meaning:
A snake chasing, biting, or surrounding you can reflect spiritual warfare, opposition, or a demonic assault. Crushing or killing it can signify spiritual victory.
3. Hidden Sin or Poisonous Influence
Symbolism: A serpent can dwell in dark places, striking suddenly. In biblical imagery, it often points to hidden wickedness or corruption.
Biblical Basis:
“Their poison is like the poison of a serpent: they are like the deaf adder that stoppeth her ear.” — Psalm 58:4
“You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil?” — Matthew 12:34
Dream Meaning:
A snake in a bed, house, or personal space can reveal hidden sin, negative influences, or something that must be spiritually exposed and removed.
4. Deceitful People or Betrayal
Symbolism: Jesus often associated serpents with hypocrites and deceivers.
Biblical Basis:
“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; therefore be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” — Matthew 10:16
“You serpents, you brood of vipers, how are you to escape being sentenced to hell?” — Matthew 23:33
Dream Meaning:
Snakes can represent betrayal, false friends, or individuals with hidden malice.
5. Victory, Deliverance, and Authority
Symbolism: God grants His people power over serpents, symbolizing the triumph of divine authority over the enemy.
Biblical Basis:
“I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.” — Luke 10:19
“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” — Romans 16:20
Dream Meaning:
Crushing or overcoming the snake signifies deliverance, divine authority, and spiritual breakthrough.
Biblical Meaning of Rattlesnakes in Dreams — Extended Table
Let's look at rattlesnake symbolism and the biblical meaning of those dreams.
| Dream Context | Interpretation with Biblical Basis |
|---|---|
| Hearing the rattle but not seeing the snake | Symbolizes a spiritual warning — an unseen enemy, hidden sin, or rising discernment. The rattle acts as a divine alert to pray and guard your heart. Scripture:“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” — 1 Peter 5:8 |
| A rattlesnake striking or biting | Represents a direct demonic attack, spiritual warfare, or betrayal from a source you were cautioned about. May show ignored warnings or spiritual vulnerability. Scripture:“You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.” — Psalm 91:13 |
| Killing or crushing the rattlesnake | Signifies victory, deliverance, and authority over the enemy. Indicates that prayer and obedience have defeated a demonic threat or temptation. Scripture:“I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.” — Luke 10:19 |
| Seeing a rattlesnake guarding or blocking a path | Indicates a spiritual obstacle or intimidation tactic of the enemy to prevent your progress in faith or calling. The rattle warns but also tests your courage. Scripture:“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind.” — 2 Timothy 1:7 |
| Multiple rattlesnakes surrounding or circling | Reflects intense spiritual opposition, multiple adversaries, or a hostile environment. Calls for vigilance and warfare prayer. Scripture:“No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue that rises against you in judgment you shall condemn.” — Isaiah 54:17 |
| Rattlesnake in the home or bed | Represents hidden sin, spiritual infiltration, or toxic influence within your personal life or household. A call to purification and renewed prayer life. Scripture:“Their poison is like the poison of a serpent: they are like the deaf adder that stoppeth her ear.” — Psalm 58:4 |
| A rattlesnake speaking or showing intelligence | Symbolizes satanic deception or false counsel — recalling the serpent’s deceit in Eden. May warn of manipulation or misleading advice. Scripture:“That ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world.” — Revelation 12:9 |
Church Fathers on Snake Symbolism — Extended Table
| Church Father | Quote / Teaching | Context / Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 130–202) | “The devil spoke through the serpent to bring death, but Christ crushed the serpent to bring life.” (Against Heresies 5.21.1) | Irenaeus identifies the serpent with Satan, the origin of deception. Snake imagery represents the enemy’s craftiness, but also Christ’s victory over him. |
| Tertullian (c. 155–240) | “The serpent, most subtle of beasts, symbolizes the devil’s cunning which must be resisted by the simplicity of faith.” (On the Resurrection of the Flesh 25) | The snake is Satan’s craft, and the believer must respond with pure faith, not cunning. |
| Origen (c. 184–253) | “The serpent deceived Eve not by strength but by guile. Thus the devil works through deception.” (Commentary on Genesis 3.1) | Origen emphasizes that the snake’s power lies in deception, not force. Dreams of serpents reflect subtle spiritual attacks. |
| John Chrysostom (c. 349–407) | “The devil is called a serpent because he works in darkness and poisons secretly.” (Homilies on Matthew 23) | Chrysostom associates serpents with hidden evil and spiritual poison. |
| Augustine of Hippo (354–430) | “The serpent signifies the devil, and the crushing of its head signifies the defeat of pride and deceit through Christ.” (City of God 13.21) | Augustine interprets the serpent as Satan and human pride, ultimately overcome in Christ. |
| Ambrose of Milan (c. 340–397) | “The serpent’s venom is deceit; Christ gives the antidote in truth.” (On the Mysteries 7) | Ambrose sees the snake as falsehood and Christ as truth’s conqueror. |
| Jerome (c. 347–420) | “The ancient serpent, the devil, always seeks to strike the heel, but the faithful crush his head.” (Commentary on Genesis 3:15) | Jerome reflects on Genesis 3:15, portraying snake imagery as ongoing spiritual conflict between believers and Satan. |
| Gregory the Great (c. 540–604) | “The serpent glides in silence, and so does the tempter creep into the heart without noise.” (Moralia in Job 33.21) | Gregory uses the serpent as a figure of silent temptation and the subtlety of sin. |
| Cyril of Jerusalem (c. 313–386) | “The devil is the serpent who seduced Eve and still lays snares for souls.” (Catechetical Lectures 2.4) | Cyril identifies the serpent with Satan’s continuous work to trap the unwary. |
| Basil the Great (c. 330–379) | “As the serpent creeps low to the ground, so too sin seeks the low and earthly heart.” (Homily on the Beginning of Proverbs) | Basil interprets the serpent as a symbol of base desires and earthly temptation. |
And more biblical scholars on snakes:
| Scholar | Interpretation of Snakes |
|---|---|
| Origen (c. 184–253) Contra Celsum | Snakes symbolize evil, temptation, and the devil, especially in Genesis 3. |
| Clement of Alexandria (c. 150–215) Stromata | Snakes represent cunning and deceit, warning believers against subtle sin. |
| Tertullian (c. 155–240) Apologeticus | Snakes indicate the presence of evil and spiritual danger, often tied to Satanic activity. |
| Augustine of Hippo (354–430) City of God | The serpent in Eden symbolizes Satan, sin, and human susceptibility to temptation. |
| Jerome (c. 347–420) Vulgate commentaries | Snakes represent craftiness, treachery, and evil, with literal serpents as a natural reminder of spiritual danger. |
| Ambrose (c. 340–397) Expositiones | Snakes symbolize deception and hidden threats, contrasting with God’s protection. |
| Bede (672–735) Commentaries on Psalms | Snakes are emblems of danger, deceit, and enemies, both literal and allegorical. |
| John Chrysostom (c. 347–407) Homilies | Snakes represent evil, treachery, and spiritual trials, teaching vigilance. |
| Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274) Summa Theologica | Snakes signify evil, sin, and the devil, while literal snakes illustrate God’s ordered creation. |
| John Wycliffe (c. 1320–1384) Bible commentaries | Snakes symbolize deception and sin, warning believers of moral danger. |
| Nicholas de Lyra (1270–1349) Postillae | Snakes represent treachery, danger, and the devil, both in literal and symbolic contexts. |
| Martin Luther (1483–1546) Lectures on Genesis | Snakes embody Satan’s craftiness, temptation, and spiritual danger; literal serpents also acknowledged. |
| John Calvin (1509–1564) Commentaries on Genesis | The serpent represents Satan, sin, and the origin of human temptation. |
| Matthew Henry (1662–1714) Exposition of the Old and New Testament | Snakes symbolize deceit, danger, and evil, while also representing God’s testing of mankind. |
| Richard Simon (1638–1712) Histoire critique du Vieux Testament | Snakes carry symbolic meaning of treachery and spiritual threat, alongside literal references. |
| John Gill (1697–1771) Exposition of the Old Testament | Snakes represent evil, danger, and Satanic activity, with literal serpents sometimes used as a warning. |
| Albert Barnes (1798–1870) Notes on the Bible | Snakes signify craft, sin, and the presence of evil, often metaphorical for human deceit. |
| Samuel Prideaux Tregelles (1813–1875) Biblical lexicons | Snakes denote literal reptiles, danger, and allegorical evil, including Satan’s role in Eden. |
| Heinrich Ewald (1803–1875) Die Propheten des Alten Bundes | Snakes symbolize oppression, treachery, and spiritual threat, particularly in prophetic imagery. |
| Franz Delitzsch (1813–1890) Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament | Snakes signify evil, craftiness, and human sin, often associated with divine testing or judgment. |
| Charles H. H. Wright (1827–1900) Biblical imagery studies | Snakes are metaphors for danger, cunning, and spiritual challenges. |
| Adam Clarke (1762–1832) Clarke's Commentary on the Bible | Snakes represent enemies, deception, and sin, with literal snakes reinforcing moral lessons. |
| Joseph Benson (1748–1821) Commentary on the Old and New Testament | Snakes signify treachery, danger, and the subtlety of evil, often allegorical. |
| Alexander Maclaren (1826–1910) Sermons | Snakes symbolize satanic craft and moral danger, cautioning believers. |
| Charles Spurgeon (1834–1892) Sermons | Snakes represent evil, sin, and temptation, urging vigilance and reliance on God. |
| John Trapp (1601–1669) Annotations on the Bible | Snakes are symbols of enemies, danger, and deception, illustrating spiritual lessons. |
| Matthew Poole (1624–1679) Annotations Upon the Holy Bible | Snakes signify deception, danger, and moral corruption; literal snakes also noted. |
| Joseph Mede (1586–1638) Clavis Apocalyptica | Snakes symbolize Satanic influence, danger, and spiritual conflict. |
| Johann Bengel (1687–1752) Gnomon Novi Testamenti | Snakes represent evil, craft, and opposition to God’s people. |
| William Henry Green (1825–1900) Old Testament Studies | Snakes denote literal reptiles, spiritual threat, and danger, including satanic symbolism. |
| Edward Robinson (1794–1863) Biblical Researches in Palestine | Snakes are both literal animals and symbols of danger, treachery, and sin. |
| Henry Alford (1810–1871) The Greek Testament | Snakes represent cunning, deception, and Satanic forces. |
| George Bush (1796–1859) Notes on the Hebrew Bible | Snakes symbolize danger, evil, and subtlety in opposition to God’s people. |
| Thomas Scott (1747–1821) Commentary on the Holy Bible | Snakes indicate spiritual enemies, moral danger, and the craftiness of evil. |
| John Lightfoot (1602–1675) Horae Hebraicae et Talmudicae | Snakes represent treachery, sin, and the presence of evil, both literal and allegorical. |
| Johann Peter Lange (1802–1884) Commentar über das Alte Testament | Snakes symbolize oppression, evil, and human sin, warning believers. |
| Philip Doddridge (1702–1751) Exposition of the Psalms | Snakes as symbols of danger, deceit, and satanic influence, teaching reliance on God. |
| William Kelly (1821–1906) Biblical Studies | Snakes indicate danger, deceit, and spiritual threats, alongside literal snakes. |
| John Kitto (1804–1854) Biblical Encyclopedia | Snakes are literal reptiles and symbols of craft, danger, and evil. |
| Jonathan Edwards (1703–1758) | Snakes represent sin, temptation, and spiritual danger, emphasizing vigilance. |
| Joseph Priestley (1733–1804) | Snakes symbolize both literal reptiles and moral/evil danger, including Satanic connotations. |
| Friedrich Delitzsch (1850–1922) | Snakes signify craft, pride, and sin, often illustrating divine testing or judgment. |
Summary Table — Snake Dreams
| Dream Context | Meaning | Key Scriptures |
|---|---|---|
| Snake speaking or circling | Deception and temptation | Genesis 3:1; Revelation 12:9 |
| Snake biting or chasing | Spiritual attack / demonic influence | Psalm 91:13; Mark 16:18 |
| Snake in house or bed | Hidden sin / poisonous influence | Psalm 58:4; Matthew 12:34 |
| Snake representing someone | Betrayal or deceit | Matthew 10:16; Matthew 23:33 |
| Killing or crushing the snake | Victory and deliverance | Luke 10:19; Romans 16:20 |
We hope that you've gained some meaning from our ultimate guide on snakes and their meaning in your dreams. It is our prayer that you stand against the wiles of the devil, rise up in your authority in Christ and cancel the attacks of such dreams; walking circumspectly, for we know that the enemy, the devil seeks whom he may devour, but greater is He(Christ) who is in you than he who is in the world!
