Bible Dictionary
Asp
The asp was a poisonous serpent mentioned in Scripture, probably referring generally to a venomous snake and possibly to the Egyptian cobra. It is used both literally and as an image of danger and deceit.
Definition
The asp is a poisonous serpent mentioned in Scripture. The term may refer generally to a venomous snake; many have identified it with the Egyptian cobra, though this identification is uncertain.
Biblical Usage
The asp appears literally in passages concerning poison and serpents and figuratively in descriptions of danger and deceit. The peace of Messiah’s reign is portrayed by a child playing near the asp’s hole.
Historical Background
The serpent was found in desert and field regions and in holes of walls, and serpent-charmers practiced their art upon it. Egyptians worshiped the cobra as the uraeus. Other poisonous snakes of Palestine could also satisfy the biblical contexts.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
(Heb. pethen), Deut. 32:33; Job 20:14, 16; Isa. 11:8. It was probably the Egyptian cobra (Naja haje), which was very poisonous (Rom. 3:13; Gr. aspis). The Egyptians worshipped it as the uraeus, and it was found in the desert and in the fields. The peace and security of Messiah’s reign is represented by the figure of a child playing on the hole of the asp. (See ADDER.)
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(Heb. pethen), translated (adder in) (Psalms 58:4; 91:13) Probably the Egyptian cobra, a small and very poisonous serpent, a dweller in the holes of walls, (Isaiah 11:8) and a snake upon which the serpent-charmers practiced their art.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>(pethen (De 32:33; Job 20:14,16; Isa 11:8); aspis (Ro 3:13)); Any poisonous snake, or even poisonous snakes in general, would satisfy the context in all the passages cited. Pethen is also translated ADDER (which see) in Ps 58:4; 91:13. Most authors have supposed the Egyptian cobra (Naia haje, L.) to be the snake meant, but while this is widely distributed throughout Africa, its occurrence in Southern Palestine seems to rest solely on the authority of Canon Tristram, who did not collect it.</p><p>There are Other poisonous snakes in Palestine, any one of which would satisfy the requirements of these passages. See SERPENT. While the aspis of classical Greek literature may well have been the Egyptian cobra, it is to be noted that Vipera aspis, L., is confined to central and western Europe.</p><p>Alfred Ely Day</p>