Isaiah 59:5

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

They hatch {H1234} cockatrice {H6848}' eggs {H1000}, and weave {H707} the spider's {H5908} web {H6980}: he that eateth {H398} of their eggs {H1000} dieth {H4191}, and that which is crushed {H2116} breaketh out {H1234} into a viper {H660}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They hatch viper eggs and spin spiderwebs; whoever eats their eggs dies, and the crushed egg hatches a snake.

Berean Standard Bible

They hatch the eggs of vipers and weave a spider’s web. Whoever eats their eggs will die; crack one open, and a viper is hatched.

American Standard Version

They hatch adders’ eggs, and weave the spider’s web: he that eateth of their eggs dieth; and that which is crushed breaketh out into a viper.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 59:5 employs vivid, visceral imagery to powerfully condemn the pervasive moral corruption and spiritual decay within Judah, illustrating how the sinful schemes and deeds of the people are inherently poisonous, ultimately futile, and inevitably lead to death and destruction. The prophet Isaiah exposes the deceptive nature of wickedness, revealing that what begins as a seemingly harmless "egg" or a flimsy "web" will inevitably manifest as a deadly "viper" with fatal consequences for those who engage with it.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a profound prophetic indictment of Judah's sin, found in [Isaiah 59](/isaiah/59 "Isaiah 59 - A Lament Over Sin and a Promise of Redemption"). The chapter opens with a clear declaration that God's power to save is undiminished, and His ear is not deaf, but it is the people's iniquities that have created a chasm between them and their God ([Isaiah 59:1-2](/isaiah/59-1 "Isaiah 59:1-2 - Sin Separates from God")). The preceding verses meticulously detail the specific transgressions: hands stained with blood, fingers defiled with iniquity, lips speaking lies, and tongues uttering perversity ([Isaiah 59:3](/isaiah/59-3 "Isaiah 59:3 - The Extent of Their Sin")). There is no one who pleads righteously or judges justly; they trust in emptiness and speak lies, conceiving mischief and bringing forth iniquity ([Isaiah 59:4](/isaiah/59-4 "Isaiah 59:4 - The Absence of Justice")). Against this backdrop of widespread moral depravity, verse 5 graphically illustrates the *nature* of these wicked deeds, presenting them as inherently venomous and their outcomes as inevitably destructive, setting the stage for God's righteous intervention described later in the chapter ([Isaiah 59:15-20](/isaiah/59-15 "Isaiah 59:15-20 - God's Intervention and Redemption")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Isaiah prophesied during a turbulent period in Judah's history, encompassing the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (circa 740-680 BC). This era was marked by political instability, external threats from Assyria, and, critically, internal spiritual decline. Despite outward religious observance, social injustice, idolatry, and moral corruption were rampant. The imagery of serpents and spiders would have resonated deeply with an ancient Near Eastern audience. Venomous snakes like vipers and adders were a common and feared threat in the region, symbolizing danger and death. Spiders' webs, while intricate, were known for their fragility and inability to provide substantial covering or protection, making them a potent symbol of futility. The prophet uses these familiar, tangible elements to communicate the abstract, yet devastating, reality of the people's sin and its consequences, drawing on a shared understanding of natural dangers.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 59:5 profoundly contributes to several key themes within the book of Isaiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores **The Inherent Deadliness and Destructive Nature of Sin**. The imagery of "cockatrice' eggs" and "vipers" vividly portrays sin not merely as a mistake but as a poisonous, life-ending force that, from its very inception, carries the seeds of death. This aligns with the biblical understanding that "the wages of sin is death" ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")). Secondly, the "spider's web" imagery highlights **The Futility and Insufficiency of Human Works Apart from God**. The schemes and self-righteous efforts of the wicked are depicted as flimsy and useless, incapable of providing true covering, security, or salvation. This contrasts sharply with God's righteousness, which alone provides true protection and justification, a theme echoed in [Isaiah 64:6](/isaiah/64-6 "Isaiah 64:6 - Our Righteousness as Filthy Rags")). Finally, the verse emphasizes **The Inevitable and Escalating Consequences of Evil**. Whether one "eats" (internalizes) the sin or attempts to "crush" (suppress or partially engage with) its beginnings, the outcome is deadly. Sin, once conceived, inevitably "breaks out" into something more dangerous, demonstrating its progressive and destructive nature, as described in [James 1:15](/james/1-15 "James 1:15 - The Progression of Sin")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hatch (Hebrew, _bâqaʻ'_):** From H1234, this primitive root means "to cleave; generally, to rend, break, rip or open; make a breach, break forth (into, out, in pieces, through, up), be ready to burst, cleave (asunder), cut out, divide, hatch, rend (asunder), rip up, tear, win." In this context, "hatch" and "breaketh out" (the same root) vividly describe the emergence of evil from its nascent stages. It implies a deliberate, forceful breaking forth of destructive potential, indicating that the wicked's plans are not merely conceived but actively brought to fruition, unleashing their inherent danger.
* **Cockatrice (Hebrew, _tsephaʻ'_):** From H6848, this term refers to a viper or venomous serpent, often associated with its hissing sound or the way it "thrusts out the tongue." It symbolizes something inherently poisonous and deadly from its very conception, highlighting the lethal nature of the wicked schemes. The "eggs" of such a creature represent the initial, seemingly innocuous, stages of evil, which nonetheless contain deadly potential.
* **Spider (Hebrew, _ʻakkâbîysh'_):** From H5908, this word describes a spider, likely from a root meaning "entangling." When paired with "web" (H6980, _qûwr_, meaning trenches or a web), it symbolizes the flimsy, intricate, yet ultimately useless and non-protective nature of human efforts born of wickedness. These efforts, though perhaps designed to ensnare others or provide a false sense of security, offer no true covering or lasting righteousness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They hatch cockatrice' eggs":** This clause vividly portrays the origin and incubation of the wicked's intentions and actions. Like a venomous serpent laying eggs, the people are depicted as conceiving and nurturing plans that are inherently poisonous and destructive from their very inception. This emphasizes that their evil is not accidental but a deliberate product of their depraved hearts.
* **"and weave the spider's web":** This phrase describes the futile and self-serving efforts of the wicked to establish their own righteousness, security, or deceptive schemes apart from God. Just as a spider's web is intricate but fragile and incapable of providing substantial clothing or protection, so too are the works of the wicked utterly worthless for salvation or true security. They are designed to ensnare or deceive, but ultimately provide no lasting benefit.
* **"he that eateth of their eggs dieth":** This clause highlights the direct, fatal consequence of internalizing, participating in, or embracing these wicked schemes. To "eat" implies consuming and assimilating the essence of their evil, leading inevitably to spiritual and often physical death. It underscores the inherent toxicity of sin and the certainty of its destructive outcome.
* **"and that which is crushed breaketh out into a viper":** This powerful image conveys the inescapable escalation and manifestation of evil, even when attempts are made to suppress or partially destroy it. Even if the "egg" of wickedness is "crushed" (perhaps an attempt to mitigate or hide the sin), its inherent venomous nature will not be eradicated but will instead "break out" into a more dangerous, fully formed "viper." This illustrates that evil cannot be contained or neutralized by human efforts; it will inevitably mature into something more destructive.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 59:5 is rich in **Imagery**, using potent visual metaphors of serpents and spiders to convey spiritual truths. The "cockatrice' eggs" and "viper" evoke a strong sense of inherent danger, poison, and death, while the "spider's web" symbolizes futility, fragility, and entrapment. The entire verse functions as an extended **Metaphor**, where the wicked deeds and schemes of the people are directly equated with these natural phenomena. There is profound **Symbolism** at play: the "eggs" symbolize the nascent, conceived forms of evil; the "web" symbolizes the intricate but ultimately useless and non-protective works of human self-righteousness or deception; and the "viper" symbolizes the full, deadly manifestation of sin. The verse also employs a subtle **Parallelism** in its structure, presenting two distinct but related aspects of wickedness (hatching/weaving) and then their corresponding, equally dire, consequences (eating/crushing leading to death/viper), reinforcing the inescapable nature of sin's outcome.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 59:5 serves as a stark theological commentary on the nature of human depravity and the inevitable consequences of sin. It reveals that sin is not merely an external act but originates from a corrupt heart, conceived and nurtured like "cockatrice' eggs." The prophet exposes the futility of human attempts to establish righteousness or security through their own efforts, likening them to a "spider's web" – intricate but utterly useless for salvation. This passage underscores the biblical truth that sin, in all its forms, is inherently destructive and leads to death, both spiritually and physically. It highlights God's righteous judgment against unrighteousness and His unwavering commitment to justice, even when His people stray. The verse also implicitly sets the stage for the need for divine intervention, as human efforts to contain or overcome sin are shown to be utterly insufficient, leading only to further corruption and danger.

* [Romans 3:10-18](/romans/3-10 "Romans 3:10-18 - No One Is Righteous")
* [Proverbs 28:18](/proverbs/28-18 "Proverbs 28:18 - He Who Walks Blamelessly Is Saved")
* [James 1:15](/james/1-15 "James 1:15 - The Progression of Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 59:5 offers a profound challenge for self-examination and a powerful warning against the insidious nature of sin. It compels us to consider not only our outward actions but also the very intentions and desires of our hearts, recognizing that evil can be "hatched" in its nascent stages long before it fully manifests. We are called to discern the "eggs" of sin—the subtle temptations, corrupt thoughts, or seemingly minor compromises—and understand that even in their embryonic form, they carry deadly potential. The imagery of the "spider's web" reminds us to critically evaluate where we place our trust and efforts. Are we relying on our own flimsy schemes, self-righteousness, or human wisdom to navigate life and find security, rather than fully trusting in God's perfect righteousness and provision? This verse urges us to abandon all futile attempts at self-salvation and to embrace the truth that sin, whether indulged or merely "crushed" without true repentance, will inevitably "break out" into something more destructive. It is a call to radical honesty about our own sinfulness and a desperate turning to the only source of true life and righteousness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "cockatrice' eggs" might I be harboring in my thoughts or intentions that, if allowed to hatch, could lead to destructive outcomes?**
* **In what areas of my life am I "weaving a spider's web," relying on my own efforts or deceptive practices rather than on God's truth and grace?**
* **How does this verse deepen my understanding of the progressive and escalating nature of sin, and what steps can I take to address sin at its earliest stages?**

### FAQ
**What is a "cockatrice" in the biblical context?**

Answer: In biblical context, the "cockatrice" (Hebrew: _tsephaʻ_ or _tsiphʻoni_) refers to a highly venomous serpent, often identified with an adder or viper. It is used here as a symbol of extreme danger and inherent deadliness. The imagery emphasizes that the very *source* of the wicked's actions is poisonous, leading to fatal consequences. This aligns with other biblical warnings about the deceptive and destructive nature of evil, often personified by the serpent, as seen in [Genesis 3:1-7](/genesis/3-1 "Genesis 3:1-7 - The Temptation and Fall") and the "brood of vipers" condemned by John the Baptist in [Matthew 3:7](/matthew/3-7 "Matthew 3:7 - John the Baptist's Rebuke").

**What does the "spider's web" symbolize in this verse?**

Answer: The "spider's web" symbolizes the futility, fragility, and inadequacy of human efforts, particularly those born of wickedness or self-righteousness, when attempting to provide security, covering, or justification. Just as a spider's web is intricate but cannot serve as clothing or offer true protection against danger, so too are the schemes, lies, and self-made "righteousness" of the wicked utterly useless in the face of God's judgment. They may be designed to ensnare others or provide a false sense of security, but they offer no lasting refuge or true righteousness, as highlighted in [Isaiah 64:6](/isaiah/64-6 "Isaiah 64:6 - Our Righteousness as Filthy Rags").

**How does this verse relate to personal sin and its consequences?**

Answer: Isaiah 59:5 offers a profound and sobering insight into personal sin. It teaches that sin is not benign; it is inherently poisonous from its very "egg" (conception) and will inevitably lead to death and destruction if allowed to "hatch." The verse warns against both the active pursuit of evil ("hatching eggs," "weaving webs") and the passive consumption or partial engagement with it ("eating eggs," "crushing" them only to have a viper emerge). It underscores the principle that sin, once conceived, has a progressive and escalating nature, ultimately leading to spiritual death ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")). It calls for a radical turning away from all forms of wickedness, recognizing that only God can provide true righteousness and life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 59:5, with its stark portrayal of human depravity and the deadly fruit of sin, powerfully underscores the desperate need for a Savior, finding its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Humanity's attempts to "hatch cockatrice' eggs" and "weave spider's webs" represent the futile and self-destructive nature of sin and self-righteousness, which can never provide true life or covering. Jesus, however, is the only one who perfectly fulfilled the righteousness that humanity could never achieve. He came not to hatch venomous schemes but to crush the head of the serpent, Satan, who is the ultimate source of all wickedness ([Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium") and [Romans 16:20](/romans/16-20 "Romans 16:20 - God Will Soon Crush Satan")). While our "eating of their eggs" leads to death, Christ himself became the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering His body as the Bread of Life, so that those who "eat" of Him might have eternal life ([John 6:51](/john/6-51 "John 6:51 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). He did not weave a flimsy web of self-justification but provided a perfect, seamless robe of righteousness for all who believe ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). The "viper" that breaks out from crushed evil is conquered by Christ's victory over sin and death on the cross, disarming the powers and authorities ([Colossians 2:14-15](/colossians/2-14 "Colossians 2:14-15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). Through His death and resurrection, Jesus provides the only escape from the deadly consequences of sin, offering true life and an unshakeable foundation that is far superior to any "spider's web" of human devising.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 3:7

¶ But 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?

Job 8:14

Whose hope shall be cut off, and whose trust [shall be] a spider's web.

Proverbs 23:32

At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.

Isaiah 14:29

Rejoice 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.

Matthew 12:34

O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.