This is true J. As you know this subject of fallen angels is a raw nerve and it causes people no end of confusion when they hold such error in their hearts. Aunty Jane is often spruiking this error and not one person can show a single verse in the Bible that states this being imitated a serpent in the Garden. I've asked many times and while they try they no they come up short every time.
I just hate seeing people deceived.
Irritates me no end!
Thanks for your council J.
F2F
This was clever F2F-I gave you no council except to respond, never react.
Look up Nachash-
The nachash (נָחָשׁ) in Genesis 3 is traditionally understood to be the serpent that tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden, leading to the fall of humanity. The Hebrew word "nachash" has been the subject of various interpretations and theological discussions over the centuries, giving rise to different perspectives on its meaning, symbolism, and identity.
1. Literal Interpretation: The Serpent
In the most straightforward reading of Genesis 3, the nachash is simply a serpent. This is reflected in most Bible translations:
Genesis 3:1 (Lexham Bible Translation): "Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made."
The narrative describes how the serpent approached Eve, tempted her to eat the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, and subsequently led both her and Adam to disobey God’s command (Genesis 3:1-7).
2. Symbolic Interpretation: Satan or a Fallen Angel
In Christian tradition, the nachash is often associated with Satan. This interpretation is not explicitly stated in Genesis 3, but it is developed in later biblical texts and Christian theology.
Revelation 12:9
refers to Satan as "that ancient serpent" (ὁ ὄφις ὁ ἀρχαῖος), drawing a connection between the serpent in the Garden and the figure of Satan as a deceiver.
2 Corinthians 11:3 and John 8:44 also emphasize Satan's role as a liar and deceiver, implying a connection with the nachash of Genesis.
From this viewpoint, the serpent in the garden is more than just a literal animal; it is a manifestation of Satan or a fallen angel using the serpent as a vessel to carry out the deception.
3. The Word "Nachash" and Its Possible Meanings
In Hebrew, the word nachash can be interpreted in a few different ways, and
some scholars believe that the word may hold deeper layers of meaning that go beyond just a serpent:
Serpent: The most basic and common meaning of nachash is "serpent" or "snake." This is how it is understood in the Genesis account, where the creature is described as a being that could communicate and deceive Eve.
Shining One: Some scholars suggest that nachash is connected to the Hebrew root meaning "to shine" or "to glisten," which could imply that the nachash was originally a radiant, shining being—perhaps even related to the angelic realm. This interpretation might align with the description of Satan as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14).
Diviner/Enchanter: Another possibility is that nachash could be related to the Hebrew verb נָחַשׁ (nachash), which means "to practice divination" or "to use enchantments." This might suggest that the nachash in Genesis 3 was associated with occult wisdom or forbidden knowledge, which could tie into the serpent’s role in leading Eve to seek knowledge apart from God.
4. The Nachash as a Rebel or Agent of Chaos
In some interpretations, particularly those informed by ancient Near Eastern thought, the nachash can be seen as a symbol of chaos or a rebel against divine order. In many ancient cultures, serpents were symbols of wisdom, power, but also chaos and death. The serpent's role in Genesis could symbolize the introduction of chaos and disorder into God's creation through disobedience.
Additionally, in later Jewish tradition, the nachash is sometimes associated with
Samael, an angelic figure who is considered a seducer or accuser, further linking the serpent with rebellious spiritual beings.
5. Rabbinical Interpretations
In early Jewish exegesis, the serpent is sometimes viewed as a symbol of humanity's lower nature or desires. Some rabbis interpret the serpent as a representation of the
yetzer hara (the evil inclination), the part of human nature that leads to sin.
Others speculate that the serpent had originally been an upright and intelligent creature, but after the fall, it was cursed to crawl on its belly and lose its original status (Genesis 3:14).
6. Conclusion: Nachash as a Complex Figure
The identity of the nachash in Genesis 3 is complex and layered with symbolic meaning:
At a literal level, it is a serpent that tempts Eve.
In Christian theology, it is often associated with Satan, symbolizing the deception and rebellion against God.
Linguistic studies suggest that the word nachash could carry connotations of shining or divination, hinting at a more exalted or supernatural nature for the being.
It could also be understood as a symbol of chaos or rebellion against God's created order.
The serpent’s role in the fall of humanity sets the stage for the redemptive narrative that culminates in Jesus Christ, who is said to crush the serpent’s head (Genesis 3:15; Romans 16:20), defeating sin and death.
J.
