What does Isaiah 59:5 mean?
"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." - Isaiah 59:5

Isaiah 59:5 (KJV) reads: "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."
This verse is part of a larger passage in the book of Isaiah in the Old Testament of the Bible. The book of Isaiah is a prophetic book that contains messages from God to His people, particularly the nation of Israel. The prophet Isaiah delivers warnings and calls for repentance to the people of Israel, and this particular verse falls within a section where Isaiah addresses the sinful and corrupt nature of the people.
In this verse, the imagery of hatching cockatrice' eggs and weaving spider's webs is used to depict the deceptive and destructive nature of the people's actions. The cockatrice was a mythical creature in ancient literature, often described as a serpent or dragon. Its eggs were believed to be deadly, and those who ate them would die. Similarly, the weaving of a spider's web is a metaphor for creating traps and snares for others. The combination of these two images serves to emphasize the perilous and deadly consequences of the people's actions.
The verse goes on to say that "he that eateth of their eggs dieth, and that which is crushed breaketh out into a viper." This further underscores the idea that the deceptive actions of the people lead to harmful results. The imagery of something being crushed and then producing a viper alludes to the idea that even when their plans seem to fail, they still bring harm and chaos.
Overall, this verse serves as a warning against deceitful and destructive behavior. The language and imagery used by Isaiah are vivid and evocative, creating a sense of urgency and gravity in his message. The verse conveys the idea that the actions of the people are leading to ruin and suffering, and they must turn away from their sinful ways.
The themes present in this verse are those of sin, deceit, and the consequences of one's actions. The imagery of deadly eggs and traps conveys the idea that the people's actions are leading to spiritual and moral death. It serves as a powerful reminder of the destructive power of sin and the importance of recognizing and repenting from it.
The context of this verse is important in understanding its significance. Isaiah was addressing a nation that had turned away from God and had become mired in sin and corruption. The prophet's words were a call to repentance and a warning of the impending consequences if the people did not change their ways. The imagery used in this verse would have been impactful to the original audience, serving as a stark and vivid portrayal of the dangers of their actions.
Symbolism plays a significant role in this verse, with the cockatrice' eggs and spider's webs representing the deceptive and harmful actions of the people. The imagery of death and venom underscores the severity of the situation and the urgent need for repentance. The viper, in particular, is a potent symbol of danger and evil, emphasizing the destructive nature of the people's deeds.
In conclusion, Isaiah 59:5 (KJV) is a powerful and evocative verse that serves as a warning against sinful and deceitful behavior. The vivid imagery and symbolism used by the prophet Isaiah convey the gravity of the situation and the need for the people to turn from their wicked ways. The verse serves as a timeless reminder of the destructive power of sin and the importance of seeking repentance and transformation.
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Isaiah 59:5 - "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."
"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." - Isaiah 59:5
Isaiah 59:1 - "Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:"
Isaiah 59:20 - "¶ And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the LORD."
Isaiah 59:7 - "Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction are in their paths."
Isaiah 59:14 - "And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter."
Isaiah 59:18 - "According to their deeds, accordingly he will repay, fury to his adversaries, recompence to his enemies; to the islands he will repay recompence."
Isaiah 59:15 - "Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey: and the LORD saw it, and it displeased him that there was no judgment."
Isaiah 59:6 - "Their webs shall not become garments, neither shall they cover themselves with their works: their works are works of iniquity, and the act of violence is in their hands."
Isaiah 59:4 - "None calleth for justice, nor any pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity."
Isaiah 59:16 - "¶ And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him."
Isaiah 59:8 - "The way of peace they know not; and there is no judgment in their goings: they have made them crooked paths: whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace."
Isaiah 59:3 - "For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness."
Isaiah 59:17 - "For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke."
Isaiah 59:11 - "We roar all like bears, and mourn sore like doves: we look for judgment, but there is none; for salvation, but it is far off from us."
Isaiah 59:12 - "For our transgressions are multiplied before thee, and our sins testify against us: for our transgressions are with us; and as for our iniquities, we know them;"
Isaiah 59:13 - "In transgressing and lying against the LORD, and departing away from our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood."
Isaiah 59:2 - "But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear."
Isaiah 59:9 - "¶ Therefore is judgment far from us, neither doth justice overtake us: we wait for light, but behold obscurity; for brightness, but we walk in darkness."
Isaiah 59:10 - "We grope for the wall like the blind, and we grope as if we had no eyes: we stumble at noonday as in the night; we are in desolate places as dead men."
"As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the LORD; My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith the LORD, from henceforth and for ever." - Isaiah 59:21
Psalms 59:5 - "Thou therefore, O LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel, awake to visit all the heathen: be not merciful to any wicked transgressors. Selah."
Isaiah 59:19 - "So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him."
"¶ And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the LORD." - Isaiah 59:20
"Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:" - Isaiah 59:1
Isaiah 59:4 No one calls for justice, Nor does any plead for truth. They trust in empty words and speak lies; They conceive evil and bring forth iniquity.
Isaiah 59:4 No one calls for justice, Nor does any plead for truth. They trust in empty words and speak lies; They conceive evil and bring forth iniquity.
Isaiah 59:4 No one calls for justice, Nor does any plead for truth. They trust in empty words and speak lies; They conceive evil and bring forth iniquity.
Isaiah 59:3 (KJVA) 3 For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness.
Isaiah 59:2 But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear.