שְׁפִיפֹן (she.phi.phon)
she.phi.phon
horned viper
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun shəpîp̄ôn refers specifically to a horned viper, a venomous snake known for the distinctive scales above its eyes that resemble horns. This precise identification appears only once in the Old Testament, within Jacob’s blessing of his son Dan in Genesis 49:17.
In this poetic context, the image of the serpent biting the horse’s heels serves as a metaphor for sudden, unexpected attack. The sources describe it as a dangerous creature capable of striking with lethal precision, highlighting the vulnerability of even powerful mounts. By using this specific term rather than a generic word for snake, the text emphasizes the deadly nature of the threat Dan will face.
Translators typically render shəpîp̄ôn as "horned viper" or simply "adder" to convey its hazardous character. The rarity of the word in Scripture underscores its role as a vivid literary device here, painting a picture of ambush and sudden danger that aligns with the tribe’s future struggles.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word shəpîp̄ôn describes a horned viper, a small but deadly snake known for its sudden strikes. In Genesis 49:17, Jacob uses this image to describe Dan’s future. It suggests that even when things seem safe, danger can appear unexpectedly. This reminds us that life often holds hidden challenges we cannot always see coming.
Yet this verse is not just about fear. It also speaks of resilience. Just as a rider might fall backward from a sudden bite, we too face moments where our footing shifts. The text invites us to stay alert and trust in God’s protection during those uncertain times. We are called to wisdom, not paranoia.
When you encounter unexpected difficulties, remember that awareness is a gift. It allows you to respond with grace rather than panic. This word encourages a spirit of vigilance, grounded in the hope that God sees what others miss and provides strength for every hidden threat.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a viper1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שְׁפִיפֹ֖ן1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 49:17
Dan will be a serpent on the trail, an adder in the path, that bites the horse’s heels, so that his rider falls backward.
This is the only occurrence of the word, where it vividly portrays Dan as a source of sudden, unexpected danger to his opponents.