(viper). Used in the Bible for any poisonous snake known to the Jews, of which there were several species in Palestine. In Genesis 49:17, the cerastes, or horned snake, is, from its habits, supposed to be alluded to. The cockatrice (Isa. 11:8; 14:29; 59:5; Jer. 8:17), is adder and asp (Prov. 23:32; Psa. 58:4). In Psalm 140:3 and Proverbs 23:32, a species of viper is thought to be meant.