Their wine is the venom of serpentsThis phrase uses metaphorical language to describe the corrupt and harmful nature of the actions and teachings of Israel's enemies. In biblical times, wine was often a symbol of joy and blessing (
Psalm 104:15), but here it is contrasted with venom, indicating something that appears pleasant but is ultimately destructive. The imagery of serpents is significant, as serpents are often associated with deceit and danger in the Bible, beginning with the serpent in the Garden of Eden (
Genesis 3:1-5). This suggests that the influence of these enemies is both enticing and deadly, leading people away from God's truth.
the deadly poison of cobras
The mention of cobras emphasizes the lethal nature of the threat. Cobras, known for their potent venom, symbolize a danger that is not only deceptive but also fatal. This reflects the serious consequences of turning away from God and following false teachings or corrupt practices. In the broader context ofDeuteronomy 32, Moses is warning Israel about the consequences of forsaking God and turning to idolatry, which can lead to spiritual death. The imagery of deadly poison serves as a stark warning of the ultimate outcome of such rebellion. This can be connected to the New Testament warnings against false prophets and teachings (2 Peter 2:1), highlighting the need for discernment and faithfulness to God's Word.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesThe author of Deuteronomy, delivering his final song to the Israelites before his death. This song serves as a warning and a reminder of God's faithfulness and the consequences of turning away from Him.
2.
IsraelitesThe primary audience of Moses' song, who are on the brink of entering the Promised Land. They are reminded of their covenant with God and the dangers of idolatry and disobedience.
3.
The Promised LandThe land of Canaan, which the Israelites are about to enter. It represents God's promise and blessing but also a place where they will face temptations and challenges.
4.
Serpents and CobrasSymbolic of danger, deceit, and death. In the context of this verse, they represent the corrupting influence of idolatry and sin.
5.
The Song of MosesA poetic and prophetic message that serves as both a historical recount and a future warning for the Israelites.
Teaching Points
The Deceptive Nature of SinSin often appears enticing, like wine, but its true nature is deadly, like venom. Believers must be vigilant against the allure of sin and its destructive consequences.
The Importance of Spiritual DiscernmentJust as the Israelites were warned, Christians today must discern between what is spiritually nourishing and what is poisonous. This requires a deep understanding of God's Word and reliance on the Holy Spirit.
The Consequences of IdolatryIdolatry leads to spiritual death, much like the venom of serpents. Believers are called to worship God alone and avoid placing anything above Him in their lives.
The Faithfulness of GodDespite the warnings of judgment, God's faithfulness remains. He provides a way of redemption and restoration through Jesus Christ, offering hope beyond the consequences of sin.
Living in Covenant RelationshipJust as the Israelites were called to live in covenant with God, Christians are called to live in a committed relationship with Him, marked by obedience and love.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 32:33?
2.How does Deuteronomy 32:33 describe the consequences of turning from God's ways?
3.What do "venom of serpents" and "cruel venom of cobras" symbolize spiritually?
4.How can we guard against influences described in Deuteronomy 32:33 today?
5.What other scriptures warn against the dangers of straying from God's path?
6.How can believers apply the warnings in Deuteronomy 32:33 to daily life?
7.What is the significance of "venom of serpents" in Deuteronomy 32:33?
8.How does Deuteronomy 32:33 relate to the theme of divine judgment?
9.What historical context influenced the imagery in Deuteronomy 32:33?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 32?
11.What does 'gall' mean in the Bible?
12.What are the names and meanings of Israel's twelve tribes?
13.What does "gall" mean in the Bible?
14.Psalm 75:8 depicts God forcing the wicked to drink a cup of wrath; how does this harmonize with notions of a loving and merciful God in the New Testament?What Does Deuteronomy 32:33 Mean
Their wine• In Scripture, “wine” regularly pictures the fruit or outflow of a person’s life—what they produce and share with others (cf.Proverbs 9:2;Isaiah 5:22).
• The previous verse says, “Their vine is from the vine of Sodom and from the fields of Gomorrah” (Deuteronomy 32:32). If the vine itself is corrupt, the wine will be corrupt.
• Here, the “wine” of the rebellious nation is not a blessing but a curse. Like the bad fruit Jesus warns of—“every bad tree bears bad fruit” (Matthew 7:17)—their influence is spiritually spoiled.
• The picture invites us to check our own “vine” and fruit (John 15:4–5). When God is not the source, what we offer others will inevitably harm rather than heal.
is the venom of serpents• The Song of Moses shifts from corrupted wine to outright poison: “venom of serpents.” Scripture often links serpents with deception and deadly harm (Genesis 3:1;2 Corinthians 11:3;Revelation 12:9).
•Psalm 58:4–5 echoes the idea: “Their venom is like the venom of a serpent….” Paul cites the same imagery inRomans 3:13 to describe sin-filled speech that destroys.
• Venom works subtly—once inside, it spreads. In the same way, false teaching or godless influence can appear appealing yet inject spiritual death (2 Peter 2:1).
• The phrase underlines culpability: the people are not merely misguided; they are actively toxic, passing on what kills.
the deadly poison of cobras• The verse intensifies: from generic snakes to “the deadly poison of cobras.” Cobras were feared in the ancient Near East for their swift, fatal strike (Job 20:16).
•James 3:8 warns that “the tongue is a restless evil, full of deadly poison,” mirroring this cobra image.
• The double description—“venom” and “deadly poison”—shows there is no antidote apart from God’s intervention. Left unchecked, the effect is eternal death (Romans 6:23).
• By depicting the enemy’s product as cobra poison, Moses stresses the urgency of rejecting their influence and returning to the Lord who alone “heals” (Deuteronomy 32:39).
summaryDeuteronomy 32:33 teaches that the output of a corrupt, God-rejecting people is spiritually lethal. What they present as pleasant “wine” is in reality snake venom—deceptive, spreading, and ultimately deadly. The verse calls believers to discern the source of all influence, cling to the true Vine, and avoid the poisonous fruit of rebellion that leads to destruction.
Verse 33. - The wine of these grapes is poison and venom.
Dragons;
tannin (cf.
Exodus 7:9, 10).
Cruel [deadly]
venom of asps. The
pethen, one of the most poisonous of snakes, the bite of which was immediately fatal (Kitto, 'Bibl. Cycl.,' 3:494; Smith's 'Dict.,' 1:21). These figures express the thought that Israel had utterly corrupted their way and become abominable; probably also it is intimated that, as they had imitated the impiety of the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah, they deserved to perish as they did (J.H. Michaelis).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Their wineיֵינָ֑ם(yê·nām)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 3196:Wine, intoxicationis the venomחֲמַ֥ת(ḥă·maṯ)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 2534:Heat, anger, poisonof serpents,תַּנִּינִ֖ם(tan·nî·nim)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8577:A marine, land monster, sea-serpent, jackalthe deadlyאַכְזָֽר׃(’aḵ·zār)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 393:Violent, deadly, bravepoisonוְרֹ֥אשׁ(wə·rōš)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7219:A poisonous plant, the poppy, poisonof cobras.פְּתָנִ֖ים(pə·ṯā·nîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 6620:(a venomous serpent) perhaps cobra
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OT Law: Deuteronomy 32:33 Their wine is the poison of serpents (Deut. De Du) 
