King James Bible Dictionary

In Job 20:16, Isaiah 30:6; 59:5, the Heb. word eph'eh is thus rendered. The Hebrew word, however, probably denotes a species of poisonous serpents known by the Arabic name of el ephah. Tristram has identified it with the sand viper, a species of small size common in sandy regions, and frequently found under stones by the shores of the Dead Sea. It is rapid in its movements, and highly poisonous. In the New Testament echidne is used (Matthew 3:7; 12:34; 23:33) for any poisonous snake. The viper mentioned in Acts 28:3 was probably the vipera aspis, or the Mediterranean viper. (See ADDER.)

A serpent
Job 20:16; Isaiah 30:6; Isaiah 59:5

Fastens on Paul's hand
Acts 28:3
Serpent

Figurative
Matthew 3:7; Matthew 23:33; Luke 3:7

[SERPENT]

VI'PER, noun [Latin vipera.]

1. A serpent, a species of coluber, whose bite is remarkably venomous.

A viper came out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. Acts 28:3.

2. A person or thing mischievous or malignant.

VI'PERINE, adjective [Latin viperinus.] Pertaining to a viper or to vipers.

VI'PEROUS, adjective [Latin viperus.] Having the qualities of a viper; malignant; venomous; as a viperous tongue.

VIPER'S BUGLOSS, noun A plant of the genus Echium.

VIPER'S GRASS, noun A plant of the genus Scorzonera.