Catholic Dictionary

Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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SERPENT, BRAZEN

A symbol of the crucified Christ. The bronze serpent entwined on the cross recalls the words of the Savior: "The Son of Man must be lifted up as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert" (John 3:14). Though mentioned in Scripture, it became a standard symbol of the Crucifixion only in the thirteenth century.