Got venom? Snakes do. So do certain fish, amphibians, spiders, insects, starfish, snails . . . and more. Over 100,000 types of venom exist in the world!

Animals use venom to defend themselves or hunt. They let out venom using fangs, spines, or stingers.

Deathstalker Scorpion

Whatever you do, don’t lift that rock. The critter underneath usually uses its claws to kill crickets. But the venom in its tail holds enough poison to kill a person.

Deathstalker scorpions live in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. They can grow to be up to four inches long.

Does antivenin (a cure) exist for a bite? Yes.

Black Widow Spider

Be afraid. Be very afraid. This venomous spider lurks in webs in warm parts of the world. Only female black widow bites are dangerous, and you can identify a female by the red, hourglass-shaped mark on the underside of her abdomen. Her bite is deadly, but she’ll usually bite only if you’re bugging her.

Does antivenin exist? Yes.

King Cobra

It swims. It climbs. It rises up, spreads its hood, and gives a hissss. Its bite is much worse than all this. The king cobra (found in Asia) can stop a person’s heart and breathing with one bite. Its venom has enough power to kill an elephant!

Does antivenin exist? Yes. But get it quick! A king cobra bite can kill within just half an hour.

Venom isn’t all bad. Cobra venom, used properly by a doctor, becomes a powerful pain reliever. Other snake venoms treat heart and kidney disease. Bee venom is used to make anti-wrinkle skin treatments.

The Bible mentions venom in Romans:

“Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive. The venom of asps is under their lips. Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.” (Romans 3:13-14)

Paul is describing how people talk when living under sin. Have you ever had a “bitter mouth”?

God forgives us much!

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. — Romans 8:1-2