King James Version

What Does Isaiah 59:5 Mean?

Isaiah 59:5 in the King James Version says “They hatch cockatrice' eggs, and weave the spider's web: he that eateth of their eggs dieth, and that which is crushed b...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 59 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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. cockatrice': or, adder's crushed: or, sprinkled is as if there brake out a viper”

Isaiah 59:5 · KJV

Context

3

For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness.

4

None calleth for justice, nor any pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity.

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. cockatrice': or, adder's crushed: or, sprinkled is as if there brake out a viper

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.

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. destruction: Heb. breaking

Read Isaiah 59 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This natural imagery would resonate with agricultural people. Evil's productions appear substantial but prove deadly (serpent eggs) or insubstantial (spider webs).

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'eggs' of evil are being hatched in contemporary culture?
  2. How do evil's works prove both deadly and ultimately useless?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
מִבֵּֽיצֵיהֶם֙1 of 12

“eggs”

H1000

an egg (from its whiteness)

צִפְעוֹנִי֙2 of 12

“cockatrice”

H6848

a viper (as thrusting out the tongue, i.e., hissing)

תִּבָּקַ֥ע3 of 12

“They hatch”

H1234

to cleave; generally, to rend, break, rip or open

וְקוּרֵ֥י4 of 12

“web”

H6980

(only plural) trenches, i.e., a web (as if so formed)

עַכָּבִ֖ישׁ5 of 12

“the spider's”

H5908

a spider (as weaving a network)

יֶאֱרֹ֑גוּ6 of 12

“and weave”

H707

to plait or weave

הָאֹכֵ֤ל7 of 12

“he that eateth”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

מִבֵּֽיצֵיהֶם֙8 of 12

“eggs”

H1000

an egg (from its whiteness)

יָמ֔וּת9 of 12

“dieth”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

וְהַזּוּרֶ֖ה10 of 12

“and that which is crushed”

H2116

trodden on

תִּבָּקַ֥ע11 of 12

“They hatch”

H1234

to cleave; generally, to rend, break, rip or open

אֶפְעֶֽה׃12 of 12

“into a viper”

H660

an asp or other venomous serpent

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Isaiah 59:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Isaiah 59:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 3:7Isaiah 14:29Job 8:14Proverbs 23:32Matthew 12:34

Test Your Knowledge

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