Viper

Viper - (Easton's Bible Dictionary)

In Job 20:16, Isa. 30:6; 59:5, the Heb. word eph'eh is thus rendered. The Hebrew word, however, probably denotes a species of poisonous serpents known by the Arabic name of el ephah. Tristram has identified it with the sand viper, a species of small size common in sandy regions, and frequently found under stones by the shores of the Dead Sea. It is rapid in its movements, and highly poisonous. In the New Testament echidne is used (Matt. 3:7; 12:34; 23:33) for any poisonous snake. The viper mentioned in Acts 28:3 was probably the vipera aspis, or the Mediterranean viper. (See [658]ADDER.)

Viper - (Webster's 1828 Dictionary)

VI'PER, n. [L. vipera.]

1. A serpent, a species of coluber, whose bite is remarkably venomous.

A viper came out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. Acts 29.

2. A person or thing mischievous or malignant.