Nehushtan
In its own language: נְחֻשְׁתָּן
from Hebrew nāḥāš (snake) and nəḥošeṯ (brass), meaning 'the brass serpent' or 'a piece of brass'
A bronze serpent on a pole from the Hebrew Bible, once worshipped for healing before its destruction.
The Nehushtan is a bronze serpent image described in the Hebrew Bible as a means of healing Israelites bitten by fiery serpents. King Hezekiah destroyed the object in an iconoclastic reform because people had begun offering sacrifices to it. Scholars debate whether the symbol originated with Moses or was adopted from older Canaanite and Egyptian traditions.
- Hezekiah broke the bronze serpent because people sacrificed to it
- The name combines Hebrew words for snake and brass
- Looking at the serpent was believed to cure snakebites
- Archaeologists found serpent cult objects in Bronze Age Canaan
- Jesus referenced the serpent in the Gospel of John
What it is
The Nehushtan is a bronze serpent mounted on a pole, described in the Hebrew Bible as a tool for healing and protection. According to the Book of Numbers, Yahweh instructed Moses to create the image so that Israelites bitten by fiery serpents could look at it and recover. The object later appears in the Books of Kings, where it is identified as a cultic item that received sacrifices. The term itself functions as a pun, combining words for snake and metal, suggesting either a great serpent or a mere piece of brass.
Where it comes from
Scholars offer different theories about the origin of the bronze serpent. Some suggest it was created by Moses during the Exodus as a specific healing device. Others propose it originated from older Canaanite serpent worship, which was later syncretized with Israelite beliefs. Egyptologist Henry Hall suggested the imagery was brought from Egypt, where sympathetic magic against snake bites was common. Archaeological finds of serpent cult objects in Bronze Age Canaan support the idea of regional serpent veneration predating the biblical narrative.
How it is done
The ritual involved looking at the bronze serpent after being bitten by a venomous snake. This act was believed to bring physical recovery and prevent death. The object stood on a standard or pole, serving as a focal point for faith. Over time, the practice shifted from looking to the object for God's power to worshipping the image itself. This shift led to its eventual destruction by King Hezekiah, who broke the serpent into pieces to end the idolatrous sacrifices.
Tools and materials
The primary material was bronze or copper, cast into the shape of a serpent. It was mounted on a vertical pole or standard. The visual nature of the charm relied on the viewer seeing the image. The materials reflect the metallurgical capabilities of the ancient Near East. The use of metal may have been intended to distinguish it from living creatures, though the text notes it became an object of worship regardless.
Nehushtan, drawn and placed
- Living
- Revived
- Fading
- Historical
- Legendary
- Performed
- Lineage
- Biblical tradition
What it is for
The Nehushtan was used for healing from snakebites and protection from death. It served as a divine remedy sent in response to the Israelites' complaints. Later, it became a site of sacrifice and veneration. Its purpose evolved from a temporary medical aid to a permanent religious symbol. The destruction of the object marked a return to exclusive worship of Yahweh, rejecting the intermediary symbol.
Who does it
Moses is credited with creating the original serpent according to scripture. King Hezekiah acted as the reformer who destroyed it. Scholars analyze the object's history and theological significance. The general population participated by looking at the serpent or offering sacrifices to it.
Peoples and places
The practice is rooted in ancient Israelite tradition. Serpent imagery was also present in surrounding Canaanite cultures, such as at Megiddo, Gezer, and Hazor. Babylonian temples featured bronze serpents near entrances. The Israelites adapted or inherited this symbolism. The text highlights the tension between indigenous Israelite practices and foreign influences in Jerusalem.
At a glance: who, where and when
What people believe
The belief system involves Yahweh sending serpents as punishment and providing a cure through the bronze image. It reflects a worldview where physical ailments are linked to spiritual disobedience. Looking at the serpent required faith. Rabbinic literature interprets the event as a lesson to look to God rather than the object. The serpent symbolizes both evil and healing, depending on the context of worship.
Cautions and what is closed
King Hezekiah destroyed the Nehushtan because it had become an idol. People were sacrificing to it, which violated monotheistic reforms. The object was considered worthless metal by some commentators, named contemptuously to discourage worship. The destruction was an act of iconoclasm to purify religious practice.
Compare and confuse
The Nehushtan is related to other serpent symbols like the Rod of Asclepius and the Caduceus. It differs from these in its specific biblical context and destruction. The concept of a bronze serpent is unique to the Hebrew Bible among major ancient texts. It is sometimes compared to the Uraeus of Egypt, though the functions differ.
Questions people ask about Nehushtan
What is the Nehushtan?
It is a bronze serpent on a pole from the Hebrew Bible. It was created to heal Israelites bitten by fiery serpents. The object was later destroyed by King Hezekiah due to idolatry.
Where does the name come from?
The name is a Hebrew pun. It mixes words for snake and brass. It can mean 'great serpent' or 'piece of brass'. This reflects its material and form.
Why was it destroyed?
King Hezekiah destroyed it because people offered sacrifices to it. He wanted to stop idol worship. He renamed it to show it was just metal.
Is it related to other serpent symbols?
It shares themes with other ancient serpent cults. Bronze serpents appeared in Babylon and Canaan. The biblical story adapts these regional symbols.
Good reading and sources
- Nehushtan on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Nehushtan", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryJaadu rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. Names and customs differ from one community to the next, and some knowledge is closed to outsiders and left out here. This page describes belief and practice. It does not say that any of it works, it is not a how-to, and it is not medical advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-13.
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