It is only later, in the New Testament, that Satan is referred to explicitly as a serpent. Despite this, serpents and snakes remain commonly associated with the devil. 2.

In his "Dialogue With Trypho," the second-century Christian martyr Justin of Samaria first argued that Satan appeared as a serpent to tempt Adam and Eve to disobey God, according to Kelly.

Later, Satan entered Judas’ heart before he betrayed Christ for 30 pieces of silver. Sadly, Judas was no stranger to evildoing, since he had been stealing money the disciples collected for the poor.

That is how Satan tricked Eve into eating and sharing the forbidden fruit with Adam after the serpent famously told Eve, “You will be like God knowing good and evil” (Genesis 3:1-7).

The serpent in the story was not actually a serpent, but Satan [however one understands the notion of Satan] in the form of a serpent. (Abarbanel cites this one in the name of Rav Saadyah Gaon ...

Roumie had no idea, however, that Satan would be portrayed in serpent form by a gigantic – and real – 16-foot python named Penelope. Despite a healthy fear of snakes, ...

And in the original story there was certainly no connection of the serpent with Satan. “I conclude that Satan was not associated with Adam until the second century A.D., when the Samaritan philosopher ...

The devil's looks aren't mentioned in the Bible, but he is identified as the snake/serpent in the Garden of Eden. (Image credit: Godong / Contributor via Getty Images) ...

Uncovering the Origins of the Devil. Posted: May 12, 2025 | Last updated: May 12, 2025. From the serpent in Eden to the prince of darkness, the figure of Satan has deep historical and religious roots.