The Lunar New Year in 2025 ushers in the Year of the Wood Snake (note 1). This period begins on January 29, 2025, and concludes on February 16, 2026. The Wood Snake is often associated with qualities such as intelligence, creativity, and a strategic mindset. The Wood element adds attributes like growth, flexibility, and a focus on planning and development. Snakes (or serpents) are mentioned positively in a few instances in the Bible, even though they are often associated with deception, as in the story of the serpent in Eden, who seduces Eve to eat the forbidden fruit (Genesis 3:1-6). Below, you will find examples of positive references to snakes by Jesus and throughout the Bible, where they are linked to wisdom, strategy, healing, redemption, and goodness.
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1. Wisdom and Strategy
"Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves." (Matthew 10:16)
Here, Jesus uses the serpent as a symbol of wisdom and strategic thinking. While serpents are often regarded with suspicion, their craftiness and caution are commended in this context.
"The way of a snake on a rock, the way of a ship on the high seas, and the way of a man with a maiden." (Proverbs 30:19)
Here, the way of a serpent is described as one of the mysteries of nature. This reference conveys admiration for the snake's agility and enigmatic movement.
2. Healing and Redemption
"And the LORD said to Moses, 'Make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole, and everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live.'" (Numbers 21:8)
During the Israelites' journey in the wilderness, God instructed Moses to make a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. Anyone bitten by a snake could look at the bronze serpent and be healed. Thus, the bronze serpent is seen as a symbol of healing and redemption. The bronze serpent in Numbers is linked to Jesus in John 3:14: "Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in Him."
3. A Good Creature of God
In Genesis 1:31, when God creates all living creatures (including snakes), He declares His creation as "very good." This implies that snakes, like all creatures, are part of the divine order.
4. Dual Symbolism
Snakes in the Bible are often ambiguous, representing both good (wisdom, healing) and evil (deception, danger). This duality mirrors the complex human relationship with snakes across cultures.
5. Conclusion
While snakes are frequently associated with negative traits in the Bible, such as deceit and danger (e.g., Genesis 3:1), they are also used as symbols of wisdom, healing, and mystery in various contexts. Jesus’ commendation of being "wise as serpents" and the symbolism of the bronze serpent are notable examples of their positive representation.
Note
1. In the Chinese zodiac, each year is associated with one of twelve animals, and each animal year is further linked to one of the five elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, or Water. The combination of the Snake with the Wood element in 2025 is believed to influence the year's characteristics and the fortunes of individuals, especially those born under the Snake sign.
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