Isaiah 11:8
And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den.
Original Language Analysis
וְשִֽׁעֲשַׁ֥ע
shall play
H8173
וְשִֽׁעֲשַׁ֥ע
shall play
Strong's:
H8173
Word #:
1 of 11
(in a good acceptation) to look upon (with complacency), i.e., fondle, please or amuse (self); (in a bad one) to look about (in dismay), i.e., stare
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 11
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וְעַל֙
H5921
וְעַל֙
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 11
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
מְאוּרַ֣ת
den
H3975
מְאוּרַ֣ת
den
Strong's:
H3975
Word #:
7 of 11
something lighted, i.e., an aperture; by implication, a crevice or hole (of a serpent)
צִפְעוֹנִ֔י
on the cockatrice
H6848
צִפְעוֹנִ֔י
on the cockatrice
Strong's:
H6848
Word #:
8 of 11
a viper (as thrusting out the tongue, i.e., hissing)
גָּמ֖וּל
and the weaned child
H1580
גָּמ֖וּל
and the weaned child
Strong's:
H1580
Word #:
9 of 11
to treat a person (well or ill), i.e., benefit or requite; by implication (of toil), to ripen, i.e., (specifically) to wean
Historical Context
Connects to Jesus's promise that believers would handle serpents without harm (Mark 16:18, though debated text). Symbolically fulfilled in Christ's victory over Satan (Colossians 2:15; Revelation 20:10). The church experiences spiritual authority over demonic powers through Christ. Ultimate fulfillment awaits new creation where Satan is permanently defeated and no danger exists. The serpent—symbol of sin and death—poses no threat in Messiah's perfected kingdom.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's victory over Satan, the ancient serpent, fulfill this prophecy?
- What does complete safety in God's kingdom teach about the removal of all curse effects?
- How do we exercise spiritual authority over evil while awaiting physical transformation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The most vulnerable (nursing child, weaned child) play safely near deadly serpents (cobra, viper). This reverses Genesis 3:15's enmity between woman's seed and serpent. Children handling snakes without harm depicts complete safety in Messiah's kingdom—all danger removed. This may be literal (millennial safety) or figurative (spiritual victory over Satan, the serpent). Either way, it shows comprehensive triumph over curse and evil under Christ's righteous rule.