Lectionary Calendar
Saturday, November 23rd, 2024
the Week of Proper 28 / Ordinary 33
Bible Encyclopedias
Adder
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Search for…
or
ad´er ( עכשׁוּב , ‛akhshūbh (Psalm 140:3 ); פּתן , pethen (Psalm 58:4 ); צפעוני , ciph‛ōnı̄ (Proverbs 23:32 ); שׁפיפן , shephı̄phōn (Genesis 49:17 ); צפע , cepha‛ (King James Version margin; Isaiah 14:29 )): This word is used for several Hebrew originals. In each case a poisonous serpent is clearly indicated by the context. It is impossible to tell in any case just what species is meant, but it must be remembered that the English word adder is used very ambiguously. It is from the Anglo-Saxon noedre, a snake or serpent, and is the common English name for Vipera berus , L, the common viper, which is found throughout Europe and northern Asia, though not in Bible lands; but the word "adder" is also used for various snakes, both poisonous and non-poisonous, found in different parts of the world. In America, for instance, both the poisonous moccasin (Ancistrodon ) and the harmless hog-nosed snakes (Heterodon ) are called adders. See SERPENT .
Copyright Statement
These files are public domain and were generously provided by the folks at WordSearch Software.
Bibliography Information
Orr, James, M.A., D.D. General Editor. Entry for 'Adder'. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. https://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/eng/isb/a/adder.html. 1915.
