Original Word: צֶפַע
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: tsepha`
Pronunciation: tseh-fah'
Phonetic Spelling: (tseh'-fah; or tsiphDefinition: Viper, serpent
Meaning: a viper

Word Origin: From an unused root meaning to extrude

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: - G2191 (ἔχιδνα, echidna) - Often translated as "viper" in the New Testament, used in passages like Matthew 3:7 and Acts 28:3.

Usage: The Hebrew word "tsepha'" refers to a type of venomous snake, often translated as "viper" or "serpent" in English. It is used in the Bible to describe a dangerous and deadly creature, symbolizing treachery, danger, and the consequences of sin.

Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, snakes were often seen as symbols of both danger and healing. The viper, in particular, was feared for its venomous bite, which could be fatal. In the biblical context, serpents are frequently associated with deception and evil, most notably in the account of the Fall in Genesis. The imagery of a viper would have been a powerful symbol of hidden danger and the need for vigilance.

צִפְעוֺנִי noun masculine id.; — absolute ׳צ Isaiah 11:8 ("" מָּ֑תֶן), ׳בֵּיצֵי צ Isaiah 59:5; כְּצִפְעֹנִי Proverbs 23:32 (simile; "" נָתָשׁ); plural צִפְעֹנִים Jeremiah 8:17 (app. נְחָשִׁים); identification dubious; Tristr^{NHB 275} ('possibly') daboia xanthina, a venomous viper, but vipers do not lay eggs Furrer^{Bi HWB 2, 1423}; Furrer proposes ailurophis vivex.

II. צפע (√ of following; compare Arabic cacavit, , Ethiopic excrement.).

adder, cockatrice

From an unused root meaning to extrude; a viper (as thrusting out the tongue, i.e. Hissing) -- adder, cockatrice.

וּֽכְצִפְעֹנִ֥י וכצפעני צִפְעֹנִ֔ים צִפְעוֹנִ֔י צִפְעוֹנִי֙ צֶ֔פַע צפע צפעוני צפענים ṣe·p̄a‘ ṣep̄a‘ ṣip̄‘ōnîm ṣip̄‘ōwnî ṣip̄·‘ō·nîm ṣip̄·‘ō·w·nî Tzefa tzifoNi tzifoNim ū·ḵə·ṣip̄·‘ō·nî uchetzifoNi ūḵəṣip̄‘ōnîInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts