Adder
NatureWhat is the meaning of Adder in the Bible?
The English term 'adder' designates a venomous snake, corresponding to several Hebrew words in biblical texts such as pethen and seraph, which denote various dangerous serpents native to the ancient Near East.
SIGNIFICANCE
Accurate identification of the adder clarifies the nature of the threats described in biblical narratives, grounding the text in the specific zoological realities of the region rather than abstract symbolism.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Adder were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Adder in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Adder clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Adder." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/adder/