Topical Encyclopedia
Biblical References and SymbolismScorpions are mentioned several times in the Bible, often symbolizing danger, judgment, and suffering. In the ancient Near East, scorpions were well-known for their painful and potentially deadly sting, making them a fitting metaphor for various forms of spiritual and physical adversity.
Old TestamentIn the Old Testament, scorpions are first mentioned in the context of the wilderness journey of the Israelites.
Deuteronomy 8:15 describes the wilderness as a "vast and dreadful desert, a thirsty and waterless land, with its venomous snakes and scorpions." Here, scorpions are part of the harsh and dangerous environment that the Israelites had to endure, highlighting God's provision and protection during their journey.
In
1 Kings 12:11 and
2 Chronicles 10:11, scorpions are used metaphorically to describe harsh treatment. Rehoboam, Solomon's son, uses the imagery of scorpions to convey the severity of his intended rule over the people of Israel: "My father scourged you with whips, but I will scourge you with scorpions." This metaphor emphasizes the increased oppression and suffering that Rehoboam's reign would bring.
New TestamentIn the New Testament, scorpions appear in the context of spiritual authority and protection. In
Luke 10:19, Jesus tells His disciples, "Behold, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you." Here, scorpions symbolize demonic forces and spiritual adversaries, and Jesus assures His followers of their power over such threats through His authority.
The Book of Revelation also references scorpions in a vision of judgment.
Revelation 9:3-5 describes a plague of locusts with the power of scorpions, sent to torment those who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. The torment is described as being like the sting of a scorpion, emphasizing the severity and inescapability of divine judgment on the unrepentant.
Cultural and Historical ContextIn the biblical lands, scorpions were a common sight, especially in desert regions. Their presence in the Scriptures reflects the everyday realities faced by the people of the time. The scorpion's sting, known for its intense pain, made it a powerful symbol of suffering and danger. This imagery would have been readily understood by the original audience of the biblical texts.
Theological ImplicationsScorpions in the Bible often represent the trials and tribulations faced by God's people, whether in the form of physical dangers or spiritual battles. They serve as a reminder of the reality of evil and suffering in the world, as well as the need for divine protection and deliverance. The authority given by Christ to His followers over scorpions and other threats underscores the victory believers have through faith and the power of God.
ConclusionWhile scorpions are literal creatures, their biblical usage extends beyond the physical to encompass spiritual truths. They remind believers of the challenges they may face but also of the assurance of God's protection and the ultimate triumph over evil through Jesus Christ.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Mentioned along with serpents (
Deuteronomy 8:15). Used also figuratively to denote wicked persons (
Ezek. 2:6;
Luke 10:19); also a particular kind of scourge or whip (
1 Kings 12:11). Scorpions were a species of spider. They abounded in the Jordan valley.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
SCORPIONS, CHASTISING WITHskor'-pi-unz.
SeePUNISHMENTS 3, (17);SCORPION.
Greek
4651. skorpios -- a scorpion... scorpion. Word Origin of uncertain origin Definition a scorpion NASB Word
Usage scorpion (2),
scorpions (3). scorpion. Probably
...Strong's Hebrew
4610. Maaleh Aqrabbim -- "ascent ofscorpions," a place on the S....... "ascent of
scorpions," a place on the S. border of Isr.
... Word Origin from maaleh and
aqrab Definition "ascent of
scorpions," a place on the S. border of Isr.
...6137. aqrab -- scorpion
... 6136b, 6137. aqrab. 6138 . scorpion. Transliteration: aqrab Phonetic Spelling:
(ak-rawb') Short Definition:scorpions. Word Origin...
Library
On the Mission of the Seventy Disciples, and Christ's Charge to...
... Old Testament. Absurdity of Supposing that Marcion's Christ Could Have
Given the Power of Treading on Serpents andScorpions. He...
Moreover, --To Touch Briefly Some of the More Recondite Topics...
... which was taken from them, as also Himself saith to His disciples in the Gospel,
"Behold I have given you power to tread upon serpents andscorpions, and upon...
The Earth Brings Forth, as if by Suppuration...
... many as are also the colours of it. Nicander writes on the subject of
scorpions, and depicts them. And yet to smite with the tail...
As He is Going to Reply to the Slanders of his Opponents He...
... of this new serpent, and its neck that swells with deadly poison, O Thou who makest
the feet of believers to tread unharmed on serpents andscorpions, and to...
He Tries by Stronger and Weightier Arguments to Destroy that...
... But what is still added? "Behold," He says, "I have given you power to tread upon
serpents andscorpions and upon all the power of the enemy." [2650] He...
How to Split a Kingdom
... whereas my father did lade you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father
hath chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you withscorpions.12....
Mission and Return of the Seventy.
... The overthrow of Satan was then in progress" John 16:11; xii.31.] 19 Behold, I have
given you authority to tread upon serpents andscorpions, and over all...
The Elf
... and this is never omitted"a fervently expressed desire for safe preservation for
herself and her friends from "the bites of snakes andscorpions, and all...
Ephesians vi. 14
... than that wilderness. Why was that desert so terrible? Was it not because
it hadscorpions in it, and adders? (Deuteronomy 8:15.) "A...
Letter xxii. To Eustochium.
... To us men this life is a race-course: we contend here, we are crowned elsewhere.
No man can lay aside fear while serpents andscorpions beset his path....
Thesaurus
Scorpions (9 Occurrences)... 2:6; Luke 10:19); also a particular kind of scourge or whip (1 Kings 12:11).
Scorpions were a species of spider.
...SCORPIONS, CHASTISING WITH. skor'-pi-unz.
...Scorpion (6 Occurrences)
... 8:15, we have, "who led thee through the great and terrible wilderness, wherein
were fiery serpents (nachash saraph) andscorpions (`aqrabh)." Rehoboam (1...
Whips (6 Occurrences)
... my father burdened you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father chastised
you with whips, but I will chastise you withscorpions.'" (WEB KJV JPS...
Disciplined (18 Occurrences)
... my father burdened you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father chastised
you with whips, but I will chastise you withscorpions.'" (See NAS)....
Chastise (21 Occurrences)
... my father burdened you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father chastised
you with whips, but I will chastise you withscorpions.'" (Root in WEB...
Chastised (11 Occurrences)
... my father burdened you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father chastised
you with whips, but I will chastise you withscorpions.'" (WEB KJV JPS...
Akrabbim (3 Occurrences)
...Scorpions, probably the general name given to the ridge containing the pass between
the south of the Dead Sea and Zin, es-Sufah, by which there is an ascent to...
Scourged (13 Occurrences)
... my father did burden you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke; my father
chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you withscorpions.' (See NIV)....
Heavier (13 Occurrences)
... my father did burden you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke; my father
chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you withscorpions.' (See NIV)....
Discipline (63 Occurrences)
... my father burdened you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father chastised
you with whips, but I will chastise you withscorpions.'" (See NAS)....
Resources
What are the seven trumpets of Revelation? | GotQuestions.orgAre any mythological creatures mentioned in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the seal of God? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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