The Hebrew word mᵉʼûwrâh, represented by H3975, is defined as a den. Derived from a root meaning something lighted or an aperture, it specifically implies a crevice or hole belonging to a serpent. This term appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible, making its single instance particularly significant.
The sole appearance of H3975 is found in Isaiah's prophecy of a peaceful kingdom. The verse describes a time of profound safety, stating that "the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den" Isaiah 11:8. This imagery powerfully contrasts the innocence and vulnerability of a weaned child H1580 with the extreme danger of a serpent's lair. The child's ability to safely put H1911 his hand H3027 on the home of a cockatrice H6848 illustrates a restored and harmonious creation.
The meaning of H3975 is illuminated by several related words found in its immediate context:
- H2352 chûwr (hole): Used in the same verse, this word describes where a "sucking child shall play." As "the crevice of a serpent," it parallels the concept of a den and is also used elsewhere to describe places where people are snared Isaiah 42:22.
- H6848 tsephaʻ (cockatrice): This word identifies the venomous viper that inhabits the den. It is associated with a deadly bite Proverbs 23:32 and is used as an instrument of divine judgment Jeremiah 8:17, highlighting the danger that is being neutralized.
- H3027 yâd (hand): The child's hand signifies direct interaction with the source of danger. While it represents vulnerability here, the word is often used to symbolize power, action, and God's protective presence (Ezra 8:22, 1 Chronicles 4:10).
The theological weight of H3975 is concentrated entirely in its symbolic function in prophecy.
- Neutralized Danger: A cockatrice's den is a symbol of lethal peril. Its use in Isaiah 11:8 serves to illustrate a future state where such mortal threats are rendered completely harmless, allowing for perfect safety.
- Prophetic Peace: The image of a child's hand on the serpent's den is a potent metaphor for the peace that will define the Messiah's reign. It points to a radical transformation of the natural order where enmity is removed.
- Innocence and Safety: By placing the most innocent of humans—a weaned child H1580 and a sucking child H3243—in proximity to the dwellings of deadly serpents, the prophecy emphasizes the comprehensive nature of this future peace.
In summary, mᵉʼûwrâh H3975 is a rare biblical term whose significance comes from its singular, powerful use. As the den of a deadly creature in Isaiah 11:8, it is not just a location but a symbol of mortal danger. Its context within a prophecy of absolute peace transforms it from a sign of peril into a testament to a divinely restored world where even the most threatening places become safe for the most vulnerable.
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