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Matthew 3:7

Footnote:

9

See Logeion LSJ on the metaphorical usage of ἔχιδνα, "viper":

  • Aeschylus (A. Ch. 249), Sophocles (S. Ant. 531): Here, "viper" is used metaphorically to describe a treacherous or deceitful wife or friend. It implies the idea of someone who is cunning, venomous, or dangerous, similar to the behavior of a viper.
  • Secundus (Secund. Sent. 8): This reference suggests the metaphorical use of "viper" to describe a deceitful or malicious woman, emphasizing negative traits associated with the snake.
  • Gospel of Matthew (Ev. Matt. 3.7): In the New Testament, John the Baptist uses the phrase "brood of vipers" as a term of reproach when addressing the Pharisees and Sadducees who came to him for baptism. It symbolizes their hypocrisy, deceitfulness, and moral corruption.

This metaphor of "viper" for a treacherous woman was in use for centuries prior to the NT.