ἔχιδνα
échidna
G2191 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A venomous snake, specifically a viper; used metaphorically for a treacherous or malicious person. In its primary sense, denotes a small but dangerous snake; in extended usage, signifies those seen as deceitful or malicious, especially adversaries or opponents in polemic discourse.
Semantic Range
viper, venomous snake (literal); treacherous or malicious person (metaphorical); source of danger or harm
Root / Etymology
etymology uncertain. The term is attested in classical Greek (e.g., Homer, Hesiod) as ἔχιδνα for 'viper' or 'adder,' but its ultimate origins are not securely established; possibly of pre-Greek or non-Indo-European origin.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical and Hellenistic Greek, ἔχιδνα typically refers to a venomous snake, such as a viper, and occurs in literary, medical, and mythological contexts (e.g., Hesiod's Theogony names Echidna as a mythical monster with the characteristics of a serpent). In the LXX and New Testament, the term appears in both literal and metaphorical contexts. In the Gospel traditions, it is famously used by John the Baptist and Jesus in phrases like 'brood of vipers,' which carries the figurative sense of those seen as dangerously crafty or malicious adversaries. English translations often use 'viper,' but this can obscure the strong connotations of harm, danger, and treachery in both literal and figurative uses. Unlike ὄφις (snake, serpent), ἔχιδνα specifically stresses venomous threat. The metaphorical extension in polemical address (e.g., 'offspring of vipers') is present in other Koine sources as a term of sharp invective. In medical writing, it denotes species of venomous snakes known for their potent danger. The figurative sense is not universal in all Greek sources but is frequent in post-classical and biblical contexts and continues in Byzantine usage.
Translation Consistency
ἔχιδνα specifically denotes a viper/venomous snake and is commonly used metaphorically for a treacherous or malicious person. "Viper" is the natural, single-word English equivalent that covers both literal and figurative senses and will read naturally and consistently across all forms.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
of uncertain origin; an adder or other poisonous snake (literally or figuratively):--viper.
Root Family
ἔχιδνα (echidna) — venomous snake, viper
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2191-02 |
ἐχιδνῶν | echidnon | N GEN F PL |
of vipers | of vipers | of vipers | 4 |
G2191-01 |
ἔχιδνα | echidna | N NOM F SG |
a viper | venomous viper | venomous viper | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
5 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2191-02 |
Matthew 3:7 | ἐχιδνῶν | echidnon | N GEN F PL |
of-vipers | of vipers | of vipers |
G2191-02 |
Matthew 12:34 | ἐχιδνῶν | echidnon | N GEN F PL |
of vipers | of vipers | of vipers |
G2191-02 |
Matthew 23:33 | ἐχιδνῶν | echidnon | N GEN F PL |
of vipers | of vipers | of vipers |
G2191-02 |
Luke 3:7 | ἐχιδνῶν | echidnon | N GEN F PL |
of vipers | of vipers | of vipers |
G2191-01 |
Acts 28:3 | ἔχιδνα | echidna | N NOM F SG |
a viper | venomous viper | venomous viper |