The talking snake is one of the most difficult issues Christians face when responding to liberal criticism. One of the most common claims we hear is that “in those days, snakes used to speak.” This may sound like an easy answer, but for today’s educated audience, it does not work.
They quickly turn to AI and ask, “Hey ChatGPT, did animals speak in ancient times?” The answer they receive is usually something like this:
“No, animals have never spoken human language the way we do — not in ancient times or now — at least based on all scientific evidence.”
Then comes the reply we often struggle with: “See, based on scientific evidence, there is no such proof.” So what should a Christian answer?
Don’t worry. You are reading this paper for a reason. Let us reflect on this topic: The Talking Snake of the Bible?
Could God Make a Snake Speak?
We believe that God created the entire universe. There is no doubt that He could make a snake speak if He wished. Altering biological or physical abilities would not be impossible for Him.
But is that what actually happened in Genesis?
No.
Serpent, Not Snake
Most English translations use the word serpent rather than snake. This distinction matters because the issue lies in the Hebrew word used in Genesis: nachash.
Translators have done sincere and careful work, but some Hebrew words carry meanings that cannot be fully captured in English. Nachash is one such word. The Genesis narrative also gives us very little detail about the creature’s identity, leaving room for interpretation.
Many connect this figure with the serpent in the book of Revelation, identified as Satan or the devil. I admit openly that I am weaker in New Testament studies and weakest in Revelation, so readers are free to interpret those connections for themselves.
That said, I do affirm that the Old and New Testaments are deeply interconnected. For New Testament authors, the Old Testament was the Word of God, and their writings often reflect that foundation. For the purpose of this paper, I accept this continuity.
The Triple Meaning of Nachash
Many Hebrew scholars, including Michael Heiser, argue that nachash functions as a triple entendre, a word with three layers of meaning that cannot be translated cleanly into English.
A triple entendre is an expression that can be understood in three different ways simultaneously. While double entendres are common, triple ones are rare due to their complexity.
This discovery personally struck me during my second year of theological studies.
In Genesis, the author appears to be deliberately using wordplay:
- Noun: Nachash means “serpent.”
- Verb: It means “to divine,” making the nachash a “diviner.”
- Adjective: It means “shining,” referring to “the shining one.”
What the Author May Be Communicating
Through this wordplay, the author may be suggesting that a shining, rebellious divine being approached Adam and Eve, inviting them to join in rebellion against God.
Another interpretation is that after Lucifer was cast out of heaven, he became enraged that humanity — formed from dust — was now placed in a position of divine purpose and worship. This resentment may have driven him to corrupt humanity, essentially declaring, “Only I am worthy to worship You.”
Notably, Scripture does not state that this being’s speaking ability was removed. However, Genesis later describes the serpent as crawling on its belly and eating dust.
Symbolic Language, Not Biology
This language is symbolic. Snakes do not literally survive by eating dust. Instead, God is using imagery to describe humiliation, degradation, and defeat.
The serpent — understood here as a divine being who successfully led humanity away from God — is shown as disgraced and brought low. The focus of the passage is not zoology, but theology.
Paul Ashishdeep
24/09/2025
