The lifted-up serpent is the death of Christ. Augustine. original Latin: "Exaltatus serpens, est mors Christi. Aug." This refers to St. Augustine’s interpretation that the bronze serpent, which had the appearance of a snake but no venom, represents Christ, who took on human form but remained without sin. k The summary of the mystery of Christ's incarnation and the redemption of the world, as well as Christ's exaltation in glory, and the fact that all salvation rests in him.

And just as ^k Moses lifted up a serpent in the wilderness,

* Toward the banner of salvation. * Christ died and was reborn and exalted through the resurrection by the Father, so that we might be reborn and exalted in him.

so must the Son of Man be lifted up,

l And that all salvation rests in him. n Because of the poisoning of the ancient serpent. This refers to the "poison" of original sin brought into the world by the serpent in the Garden of Eden. m Rebirth happens through faith in Christ. From the contemplation and knowledge of the crucified, glorified Christ comes life and eternal health. Faith in Christ, the Son of God, also encompasses God the Father and the Holy Spirit.

so that all who ^m believe in ^l him should not ⁿ perish, but have eternal life.

The following is the interpretation of this

Gospel.

And just as k Moses lifted up a serpent in the wilderness,

so must the Son of Man be lifted up,

so that all who m believe in l him should not n perish, but have eternal life.

And just as ^k Moses lifted up a serpent in the wilderness,

so that all who ^m believe in ^l him should not ⁿ perish, but have eternal life.