5 Bible references in Severance even superfans may have missed

Disclaimer: This article may contain opinions of the writer and spoilers of the show Severance. Readers' discretion is advised.

Severance on Apple TV+ is a show that's full of hidden symbols, and even big fans might miss some of its biblical references. It combines Christian stories with a future where a company controls people's minds. The show has many connections to the Bible, like using parables and religious buildings. A fan on X (formerly Twitter) named @brennan_hodges talked about these links in a thread. People found it interesting and added their thoughts.

Now, we're going to look into the religious symbols. First, let's talk about Kier Eagan. Many people see that the workers are devoted to him, almost like a cult. This shows how the show uses religious ideas in its story about a weird company. But there's more to it than just that. The show has themes and pictures that come from the Bible. For example, some parts remind us of Jesus and his teachings. These symbols help us understand the show better.

Here are some of the biblical connections that we have noticed too!

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5 references to the Bible on Severance

1) The Parable of the Lost Sheep and Kier’s philosophy

Severance features a significant scene that mirrors the Parable of the Lost Sheep from the Gospel of Luke (Luke 15:3-7).

Mark asks in Season 2 Episode 3,

“If one of your goats went missing, wouldn’t you go looking for it?”

This echoes the biblical tale where a shepherd abandons his 99 sheep to find one that's lost, representing salvation and God's mercy.

The show suggests a link between Lumon's ideology, Kier's instructions, and religious beliefs about salvation and guidance. These connections highlight themes of obedience and the importance of a common goal.

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2) The Cain and Abel parallels in Kier and Dieter’s story

Severance has a big biblical comparison that people often miss. Kier and Dieter Eagan's story is a lot like Cain and Abel's tale from the Bible (Genesis 4:1-16). Both stories have two brothers, with one getting more attention than the other.

This leads to Cain being jealous and killing Abel, which is the earliest example of a brother killing a brother in the Bible. In Severance, Kier and Dieter's relationship also has a serious problem. It feels like one brother has been betrayed.

This similarity shows important themes like being chosen, fights over power, and punishment from a higher power. The way the story unfolds in Severance makes us think about these big ideas in a new way.

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3) The Trinity concept in severed identity

Severance presents an interesting parallel to the Christian and philosophical concept of the Trinity through the journey of its characters. Mark and Petey evolve from their original selves into severed and then reintegrated selves, which is somewhat like the Holy Trinity's Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The show also applies this theme to Ms. Casey and Gabby, who face challenges with their identity due to fragmentation. This narrative structure echoes theological debates about unity and division within the divine nature.

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4) Kier as a Christ-like figure and religious leader

The show has a strong connection to Kier Eagan, which is quite like how Christianity looks at Christ and his apostles. In one episode, Irving discovers an old book that says Kier speaks to people through his followers, much like how Christians believe God talks to believers. This makes the show have a religious feel, almost like Kier is a savior-type figure.

There's a scene where Ms. Cobel sings a Kier song creepily, and there's a coat hanger shaped that looks like a cross. These things add to the religious theme. It's like Kier is being shown as a special person, like Jesus in Christianity.

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5) Lumon as a symbol for religious indoctrination

Severance hit home for several fans because it reminds them of growing up as part of religious extremist communities like Jehovah's Witness. The way the Innies live is controlled by Lumon's rules, much like how religious groups control their members' beliefs and actions.

The show's "No Exit" theme adds to this idea of a faith system that you can't get out of. It shows Lumon as a powerful, god-like force.

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If you're interested in these parallels, watch Severance on Apple TV+.