In addition to the general term, the Bible also uses a number of words for more specific types of snakes. Since these are not scientific names, the attempt to identify them with specific species is an uncertain enterprise; that different translations translate them differently is proof of this. Additionally, as the table below indicates, translators are not always consistent in their translations, translating the same Hebrew word with different English words according to the stylistic taste of the editorial boards.
| Translations | Adders | Cobras | Vipers | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NIB | 3x | 4x | 19x | 26x |
| RSV | 7x | 0x | 11x | 18x |
| NRS | 7x | 0x | 12x | 19x |
| NKJ | 0x | 6x | 13x | 19x |
| KJV | 5x | 0x | 7x | 12x |
At least three different specific types are mentioned in the various translations: the adders, cobras and the vipers. While we provide here a general description of what each of these snakes are, you should be careful not to insist too strongly about them in the details of your exegesis or exposition.
All species of adders, cobras and vipers are venomous; though not all will kill you, their bite can still be nasty. While we cannot identify any of the Hebrew words with any one of these with certainly, the cobra is probably to be identified with peten because it is the one used by the snake charmern, and cobras are the choise of snakes for this purpose (Psm 58:4-5; though even here NRS translates the word as an "adder").
Low C. H.
©Alberith, 2017