Cockatrice
“(tsiphoni) or (tsepha), referring to a venomous serpent.”
Summary
A venomous serpent mentioned in Scripture, likely referring to a highly poisonous snake whose image is used to represent deadly danger and divine judgment.
☩Biblical Usage
The Hebrew words translated 'cockatrice' (tsepha and tsiphoni) refer to a venomous serpent, possibly the yellow viper or horned cerastes of the Near East. The term appears in prophetic literature as a symbol of deadly danger and the evil that comes from wickedness.
☩Figurative Meaning
Isaiah prophesied that in the Messianic age, a child could safely play near the cockatrice's den, symbolizing the removal of all harm and danger. The wicked are compared to those who hatch cockatrice eggs—their works produce destruction for others and ultimately for themselves.
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Cockatrice," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. II (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Cockatrice," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. I (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).