The word “serpent” in Genesis 3 is rooted in another word that is noticeably… spiritual. It means a hiss, or whisper, and it suggests another path towards enlightenment and the knowledge of hidden things.
This is forbidden for God’s people. Always has been.
serpent, snake
serpent
image (of serpent)
fleeing serpent (mythological)
serpent
image (of serpent)
fleeing serpent (mythological)
H5175: נָחָשׁ
to practice divination, divine, observe signs, learn by experience, diligently observe, practice fortunetelling, take as an omen
(Piel)
– to practice divination
– to observe the signs or omens
(Piel)
– to practice divination
– to observe the signs or omens
H5172: נָחַשׁ