And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.

ACTS 28:3KJV
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Acts 28:3 (KJV)

What does Acts 28:3 mean?

Acts 28:3 describes how Paul, after gathering a bundle of sticks and placing them on a fire, was bitten on the hand by a viper that came out because of the heat. The verse shows a sudden and dangerous event happening to Paul as he helps build a fire.

Paul is one of several shipwreck survivors who have just landed on the island of Malta. The local people have welcomed them and built a fire because it was cold and rainy. As Paul helps by adding sticks to the fire, a poisonous snake, driven out by the warmth, latches onto his hand. This sets the stage for what the people around Paul will think and do next, and highlights both the practical situation and the dangers faced.

The Greek behind Acts 28:3

  • The word for "viper" is ἔχιδνα (echidna), which refers specifically to a venomous snake. This detail emphasizes the real danger Paul faced, as vipers were well-known for their deadly bite.
  • The verb "fastened" comes from καθῆπεν (kathepen), which means to seize or cling tightly. This suggests the snake did not just bite quickly and let go, but actually hung on to Paul's hand, making the threat very visible to everyone present.
  • The word for "bundle" is πλῆθος (plēthos), which means a quantity or a heap, showing Paul gathered a significant amount of sticks, not just a few.

Why Acts 28:3 matters

  • This verse sets up the reaction of the islanders, who expect Paul to die from the snakebite, which leads to a dramatic reversal when he suffers no harm.
  • The detail that Paul is serving others by gathering wood, even as a leader and apostle, quietly highlights his humility and willingness to help with practical needs.
  • The event connects to the larger theme of Acts, showing God's protection over Paul as he continues his journey to Rome, despite repeated dangers.

Where else these words appear

“fire” Greek G4443 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 28:2 And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.

“viper” Greek G2191 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 3:7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
  • Matthew 12:34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
  • Matthew 23:33 Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?

“bundle” Greek G4128 · used in 32 verses

  • Mark 3:7 But Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed him, and from Judaea,
  • John 5:3 In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.
  • Acts 15:12 Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.

“laid” Greek G2007 · used in 41 verses

  • Matthew 9:18 While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.
  • Mark 8:23 And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought.
  • Acts 8:19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.