Sim Chen Xing

Chinese New Year is just around the corner, and this year, Chinese communities around the World will welcome the Year of the Snake. In Chinese culture, the snake is a deeply symbolic creature, representing qualities like wisdom, intuition, and transformation. As the sixth sign in the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle, the snake is celebrated for its ability to navigate complexity with grace and shrewdness. Ancient Chinese stories and traditions often portray the snake as a symbol of both mystery and resourcefulness, a creature that knows how to adapt and thrive.

While the snake holds significant cultural value in the Chinese zodiac, it also carries profound symbolism in the Christian context. The Bible offers a dual perspective on the snake, associating it with danger and evil but also with wisdom, healing, and authority. By examining these biblical themes, we can uncover deeper spiritual truths and lessons for believers today.

Wisdom

The Bible first introduces the snake in Genesis 3, where it is described as “crafty” and tempts Eve in the Garden of Eden. This portrayal highlights the snake’s cunning and strategic nature, qualities that often inspire both awe and caution. Similarly, Proverbs 30:18-19 marvels at “the way of a snake on a rock,” emphasizing its ability to navigate seemingly impossible situations with precision.

This wisdom, however, is not always aligned with righteousness. In the Gospels, Jesus refers to the Pharisees as a “brood of vipers” (Matthew 12:34), underscoring their deceptive cunning and self-serving agendas. Yet, Jesus also commands His followers to emulate the serpent’s wisdom: “Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16). For Christians, this wisdom is not about advancing personal goals but about discerning God’s will and pursuing His purpose with wisdom and integrity.

Danger

Throughout Scripture, the snake is frequently associated with danger and judgment. In the wilderness, when the Israelites rebelled against God, He sent venomous snakes among them as a form of discipline (See Numbers 21:6). Isaiah 30:6 warns of the dangers of venomous serpents in the wilderness, while Ecclesiastes 10:11 observes that “If the serpent bites before it is charmed, there is no advantage to the charmer.” These verses reinforce the idea that the snake’s poison is both literal and symbolic, representing sin, judgment, and the consequences of turning away from God.

Snakes remind us of the inherent dangers in life, particularly when we stray from God’s protection. Their venom serves as a metaphor for the spiritual harm that can come from disobedience and the need for vigilance in avoiding sin’s bite.

Healing

Despite its association with danger, the snake also carries profound symbolism of healing in Scripture. When the Israelites were afflicted by venomous snakes in the wilderness, God instructed Moses to create a bronze serpent and lift it on a pole. Anyone who looked at the bronze serpent was healed (Numbers 21:8-9). This moment foreshadows Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, as Jesus Himself declared: “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in Him” (John 3:14-15).

In this context, the snake—ordinarily a symbol of harm—becomes a symbol of healing through divine intervention. This transformation highlights God’s power to redeem even the most feared and cursed symbols, bringing life and restoration where there was only death.

Authority

The snake is also depicted as a symbol of authority under God’s sovereignty. In Exodus 7:10-12, Aaron’s staff was transformed into a serpent before Pharaoh, demonstrating God’s power over Egypt’s magicians. When Aaron’s staff-serpent swallowed the magicians’ serpents, it symbolizes God’s ultimate authority and supremacy.

This authority is further emphasized in the New Testament, where Jesus promises His followers divine protection: “They will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all” (Mark 16:18). In Acts 28:3-5, Paul survives a viper’s bite on the island of Malta, showcasing God’s ability to nullify the poison of snakes through His power. Additionally, Jesus assures His disciples of their authority to “trample on snakes and scorpions” as a sign of victory over spiritual evil (Luke 10:19).

The Snake in relation to God’s calling

Despite its association with danger and evil, the snake also serves as a powerful symbol of transformation in the Bible. God consistently demonstrates His ability to turn what is harmful into something redemptive. In the Old Testament, the bronze serpent brought healing, and in the New Testament, the cross—once a symbol of shame and death—became the ultimate symbol of salvation.

For Christians, this transformation reflects the power of a life aligned with God. Just as God turned the symbol of the snake into a sign of healing and authority, He can transform our lives, enabling us to overcome sin and fear. By His power, believers can turn challenges into opportunities for growth and darkness into light.

Concluding Thoughts

As the Year of the Snake begins, its rich symbolism in Chinese culture reminds us of wisdom, transformation, and adaptability. From a Christian perspective, the snake carries an even deeper significance, embodying themes of wisdom, danger, healing, and authority—all of which point to God’s redemptive power. While the snake is often associated with evil, its role in Scripture demonstrates that through God, even symbols of evil can be transformed into symbols of hope and salvation. This year, let us be fearless in embracing God’s calling, trusting Him to transform our lives and empower us to advance His kingdom with wisdom and grace.