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NASB | John 3:14 "As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | John 3:14 "Just as Moses lifted up the [bronze] serpent in the desert [on a pole], so must the Son of Man be lifted up [on the cross], [Num 21:9] |
Bible Question:
Makarios, Thank u. U are blessed in name and in nature. smile So do u unify or separate the serpent as a representative of both Christ, John 3:14, and Satan, Revelation 12:9? In other words, do u love both Christ and his opposite Satan, and so love the serpent as a rep of each, or do u separate them by loving Christ and loving the snake that reps Him, while hating Satan and hating the snake that reps him? L and R, giam |
Bible Answer: Hello Giam! Thank you! However, I am a bit perplexed as to the imagery and comparisons that you have attributed to the serpent. I believe that John 3:14 is speaking as an illustration, or metaphorical phrase, not as a direct 'representation.' So therefore, I believe that John 3:14 is not saying that a serpent directly represents Christ. However, in Revelation 12:9, we see Satan as being directly referred to as being a 'serpent.' In this sense, it reflects back on Genesis 3:1, where the serpent is "more crafty" than any other beast. But I do not see any connection between our love for Christ and our affinity (or repulsiveness) towards serpents or snakes. I do not believe that such a close comparison or analogy between Christ, love, and snakes is in any way accurate. Blessings to you, Makarios |