Luke 3:7
Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
Cross-reference
Luke 1:17 prophesies John's role as forerunner in Elijah's spirit, fulfilled here as he calls for repentance.
Psalm 58:4 compares the wicked to serpents with venom; John's 'brood of vipers' in Luke 3:7 applies this same metaphor to his audience.
In Matthew 3:7-10, John's rebuke is directed at Pharisees and Sadducees, adding that they must bear fruit in repentance.
In Matthew 23:33, Jesus uses the same 'brood of vipers' phrase to condemn Pharisees, showing continuity in their opposition.
In 1 Thessalonians 1:10, the same phrase 'wrath to come' describes Jesus delivering believers from it.
Matthew 12:34 shows Jesus using the same 'brood of vipers' phrase, linking John's message to Jesus' critique of the Pharisees.
In Isaiah 59:5, viper imagery is used for sinners' schemes, echoing John's 'brood of vipers' as a symbol of deceit and danger.
In John 8:44, Jesus calls opponents children of the devil, paralleling John's charge of being a viper brood.
In Acts 13:10, Paul calls Elymas a 'son of the devil,' similar to John's 'brood of vipers' rebuke.