Isaiah Chapter 59 · Verse 5
They hatch cockatrice' eggs, and weave the spider's web: he that eateth of their eggs dieth, and that which is crushed breaketh out into a viper.
Original Language Analysis
צִפְעוֹנִי֙
cockatrice
H6848
צִפְעוֹנִי֙
cockatrice
Strong's:
H6848
Word #:
2 of 12
a viper (as thrusting out the tongue, i.e., hissing)
תִּבָּקַ֥ע
They hatch
H1234
תִּבָּקַ֥ע
They hatch
Strong's:
H1234
Word #:
3 of 12
to cleave; generally, to rend, break, rip or open
יָמ֔וּת
dieth
H4191
יָמ֔וּת
dieth
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
9 of 12
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
Cross References
Matthew 3:7But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?Isaiah 14:29Rejoice not thou, whole Palestina, because the rod of him that smote thee is broken: for out of the serpent's root shall come forth a cockatrice, and his fruit shall be a fiery flying serpent.Job 8:14Whose hope shall be cut off, and whose trust shall be a spider's web.Proverbs 23:32At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.Matthew 12:34O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
Historical Context
This natural imagery would resonate with agricultural people. Evil's productions appear substantial but prove deadly (serpent eggs) or insubstantial (spider webs).
Questions for Reflection
- What 'eggs' of evil are being hatched in contemporary culture?
- How do evil's works prove both deadly and ultimately useless?
Analysis & Commentary
Vivid imagery describes evil's character: hatching cockatrice (venomous serpent) eggs and weaving spider webs. Eating the eggs brings death; crushing them produces vipers. Their webs cannot clothe - evil's products are deadly and useless. The Hebrew 'tsiph'oni' (cockatrice/adder) emphasizes venom.