Isaiah 11:8
Isaiah 11:8 in Multiple Translations
The infant will play by the cobra’s den, and the toddler will reach into the viper’s nest.
And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice’ den.
And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the adder’s den.
And the child at the breast will be playing by the hole of the snake, and the older child will put his hand on the bright eye of the poison-snake.
Babies will be able to play safely near snake holes, little children will be able to put their hands into a vipers' den.
And the sucking childe shall play vpon the hole of the aspe, and the wained childe shall put his hand vpon the cockatrice hole.
And played hath a suckling by the hole of an asp, And on the den of a cockatrice Hath the weaned one put his hand.
The nursing child will play near a cobra’s hole, and the weaned child will put his hand on the viper’s den.
And the suckling child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the den of the basilisk.
And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp: and the weaned child shall thrust his hand into the den of the basilisk.
Babies will play safely near the holes where cobra snakes live; small children will even put their hands into nests of poisonous snakes, and the snakes will not harm them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 11:8
BAB
Word Study
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Isaiah 11:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/שִֽׁעֲשַׁ֥ע
יוֹנֵ֖ק
עַל
חֻ֣ר
פָּ֑תֶן
וְ/עַל֙
מְאוּרַ֣ת
צִפְעוֹנִ֔י
גָּמ֖וּל
יָד֥/וֹ
הָדָֽה
וְ/שִֽׁעֲשַׁ֥ע
shâʻaʻ
H8173
to smear
Conj | V-l-3ms
יוֹנֵ֖ק
yânaq
H3243
to suckle
V-Qal
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
חֻ֣ר
chûwr
H2352
cavern
N-ms
פָּ֑תֶן
pethen
H6620
cobra
N-ms
וְ/עַל֙
ʻal
H5921
upon
Conj | Prep
מְאוּרַ֣ת
mᵉʼûwrâh
H3975
hole
N-fs
צִפְעוֹנִ֔י
tsephaʻ
H6848
serpent
N-ms
גָּמ֖וּל
gâmal
H1580
to wean
V-Qal-Inf-c
יָד֥/וֹ
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cs | Suff
הָדָֽה
hâdâh
H1911
to stretch out
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 11:8
וְ/שִֽׁעֲשַׁ֥ע
shâʻaʻ
H8173
"to smear"
Conj | V-l-3ms
To delight means to take pleasure or find joy in something. In the Bible, it can describe a positive emotion, like enjoying God's creation, or a negative one, like staring at something in confusion or dismay, as seen in Psalm 119:16.
Definition: 1) to be smeared over, be blinded 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be smeared over, be blinded 1a2) to smear eyes shut 1b) (Hiphil) to besmear (of eyes), smear over eyes 1c) (Hithpalpel) to blind oneself, be blinded
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: cry (out) (by confusion with H7768 (שָׁוַע)), dandle, delight (self), play, shut. See also: Psalms 94:19; Isaiah 6:10; Psalms 119:16.
יוֹנֵ֖ק
yânaq
H3243
"to suckle"
V-Qal
To suckle or nurse is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which also means to give milk. It describes the act of nursing a child.
Definition: 1) to suckle, nurse, suck 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to suck 1a2) suckling, babe (subst) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to give suck to, nurse 1b2) nursing, nursing woman, nurse (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: milch, nurse(-ing mother), (give, make to) suck(-ing child, -ling). See also: Genesis 21:7; 2 Chronicles 22:11; Psalms 8:3.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
חֻ֣ר
chûwr
H2352
"cavern"
N-ms
This word refers to a hole or crevice, such as a serpent's den or a prison cell. It is translated as hole in the KJV Bible, indicating a small opening or cavity.
Definition: hole
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: hole. See also: Isaiah 11:8; Isaiah 42:22.
פָּ֑תֶן
pethen
H6620
"cobra"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for a venomous snake, possibly referring to a cobra or viper. In the Bible, it is used to describe a dangerous and deadly creature, often symbolizing evil or harm, such as in the book of Psalms.
Definition: 1) a snake, venomous serpent 1a) perhaps the cobra, adder, or viper
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: adder. See also: Deuteronomy 32:33; Psalms 58:5; Psalms 91:13.
וְ/עַל֙
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
מְאוּרַ֣ת
mᵉʼûwrâh
H3975
"hole"
N-fs
This word refers to a hole or opening, like a den for an animal, and is also related to light. It appears in the Bible as a place where snakes or other animals live.
Definition: light hole, den
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: den. See also: Isaiah 11:8.
צִפְעוֹנִ֔י
tsephaʻ
H6848
"serpent"
N-ms
This word refers to a poisonous serpent, like a viper, that hisses by thrusting out its tongue. In the Bible, it is often translated as adder or cockatrice, symbolizing danger and evil.
Definition: 1) poisonous serpent 1a) a viper snake or adder
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: adder, cockatrice. See also: Proverbs 23:32; Isaiah 14:29; Isaiah 11:8.
גָּמ֖וּל
gâmal
H1580
"to wean"
V-Qal-Inf-c
This verb means to wean a child or to treat someone well or poorly. It can also mean to ripen or bear fruit, and is translated as bestow, recompense, or requite in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to deal fully with, recompense 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to deal out to, do to 1a2) to deal bountifully with 1a3) to recompense, repay, requite 2) (Qal) to wean a child (Niphal) to be weaned 3) (Qal) to ripen, bear ripe (almonds)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: bestow on, deal bountifully, do (good), recompense, requite, reward, ripen, [phrase] serve, mean, yield. See also: Genesis 21:8; Psalms 103:10; Psalms 7:5.
יָד֥/וֹ
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
הָדָֽה
hâdâh
H1911
"to stretch out"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew verb means to stretch out or extend the hand. It's used in the Bible to describe physical actions, like putting or reaching out. The KJV translates it as 'put'.
Definition: (Qal) to stretch out (hand)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: put. See also: Isaiah 11:8.
Study Notes — Isaiah 11:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 11:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 11:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 11:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 11:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 11:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 11:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 11:8
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 11:8
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 11:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 11:8
- Sermons on Isaiah 11:8
Context — The Root of Jesse
6The wolf will live with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the goat; the calf and young lion and fatling will be together, and a little child will lead them.
7The cow will graze with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox.
8The infant will play by the cobra’s den, and the toddler will reach into the viper’s nest.
9They will neither harm nor destroy on all My holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the sea is full of water. 10On that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples. The nations will seek Him, and His place of rest will be glorious.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 59:5 | 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. |
| 2 | Psalms 140:3 | They sharpen their tongues like snakes; the venom of vipers is on their lips. Selah |
Isaiah 11:8 Summary
[Isaiah 11:8 is a beautiful picture of the peace and safety that will exist in God's future kingdom, where even the most dangerous creatures will no longer be a threat to humans. This verse is not just talking about snakes, but about the kind of world where everyone can live in harmony, like the lion and the lamb living together in Isaiah 11:6. As we look forward to that future kingdom, we can trust God to protect us from harm and to give us the courage to live out our faith in a way that reflects the love and harmony of that kingdom, as seen in Matthew 5:9 where it says that peacemakers will be called children of God.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for an infant to play by the cobra's den in Isaiah 11:8?
This verse is a metaphorical expression of the safety and peace that will exist in the future kingdom of God, where even the most dangerous creatures will no longer pose a threat to humanity, as seen in Isaiah 65:25 where it says that the lion will eat straw like the ox.
Is Isaiah 11:8 saying that snakes will no longer be venomous in the future?
While the verse does not explicitly state that snakes will lose their venom, it does imply that they will no longer be a threat to humans, much like the lion and the lamb living together in harmony as described in Isaiah 11:6.
How can we apply the principles of Isaiah 11:8 to our lives today?
We can apply the principles of this verse by trusting in God's promise of a future kingdom of peace and safety, and by living out our faith in a way that reflects the love and harmony that will exist in that kingdom, as encouraged in Matthew 5:9 where it says that peacemakers will be called children of God.
What is the significance of the toddler reaching into the viper's nest in Isaiah 11:8?
The image of the toddler reaching into the viper's nest is a powerful symbol of the fearlessness and trust that will characterize the relationships between humans and even the most dangerous creatures in the future kingdom of God, as seen in Psalm 23:4 where it says that even in the valley of the shadow of death, God is with us.
Reflection Questions
- What would it look like for me to live in a world where even the most dangerous creatures are no longer a threat, and how can I reflect that kind of peace and safety in my own life?
- In what ways can I trust God to protect me from harm, even in situations that seem frightening or uncertain, just like the infant playing by the cobra's den?
- How can I cultivate a sense of fearlessness and trust in my relationship with God, just like the toddler reaching into the viper's nest?
- What are some ways that I can contribute to creating a more peaceful and harmonious world, reflecting the principles of Isaiah 11:8 in my own community?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 11:8
And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp,.... Without fear or danger: and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice's den; and suffer no damage: the meaning is explained in
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 11:8
And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp - "play," literally, delight himself in sport.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 11:8
The asp; a most fierce and poisonous serpent, ,16, which also will not be charmed by any art of man, . The cockatrice; a serpent of more than ordinary cunning and cruelty, . The meaning is, They shall not fear to be either deceived or destroyed by those who formerly watched all opportunities to do it.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 11:8
Isaiah 11:8 And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice’ den.Ver. 8. And the sucking child shall play upon the hole of the asp, &c.] There shall be no danger from calumniators and cruel crafties, asps and basilisks, quorum in labris venenum sessitat These homines damnosissimi most damnable men shall have a new nature transfused into them; their malignities and mischievous qualities shall cease when once truly converted. A fabulous reptile, also called a cockatrice, alleged to be hatched by a serpent from a cock’ s egg; ancient authors stated that its hissing drove away all other serpents, and that its breath, and even its look, was fatal.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 11:8
(8) And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp . . .—The description culminates in the transformation of the brute forms which were most identified with evil. As it is, the sight of a child near the hole of the asp (the cobra) or cockatrice (better, perhaps, basilisk, the great viper), would make its mother scream with terror. There was still “enmity between the seed of the woman and the seed of the serpent” (Genesis 3:15), but in the far-off reign of the Christ even that enmity should disappear, and the very symbols of evil, subtle, malignant, venomous, should be reconciled to humanity. Some critics translate the last clause, “shall stretch out his hand to the eye-ball of the basilisk” as if alluding to the power of fascination commonly assigned to it.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 11:8
Verse 8. The cockatrice' den.] This is supposed, both by the Targum and by Kimchi, to mean the pupil of this serpent's eye. "When," says Kimchi, "he is in the mouth of his den, in an obscure place, then his eyes sparkle exceedingly: the child, seeing this, and supposing it to be a piece of crystal, or precious stone, puts forth his hand to take it. What would be very dangerous at another time, shall be safe in the days of the Messiah; for the serpent will not hurt the child."
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 11:8
8. The most startling contrast of all,—the innocent babe playing with the deadly serpent. asp] Heb. pethen, rendered “adder” in Psalms 58:4; Psalms 91:13, elsewhere as here. The species has not been identified. The cockatrice (çiph ‘ônî, rendered “adder” in Proverbs 23:32) is usually identified with the basilisk (or King-serpent) of North Africa, but that reptile is not found in Palestine. The word den (only here) is doubtful. The most natural view is that it is fem. of the word for “luminary” and denotes the glittering eye of the serpent, which attracts the child like a jewel. The verb rendered put means strictly “lead”; comp. ducere manum.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 11:8
And the sucking child - An emblem here of harmlessness and innocence. The change in the world, under the Messiah, shall be as great as if a sucking infant should be able to play unharmed with a venomous serpent.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 11:8
8. To express the doctrine still more strongly, venomous serpents are represented as innoxious. The asp — “This is thought to be the cobra.” — ’S Natural History of the Bible.
Sermons on Isaiah 11:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
No Dirty Dogs Shall Ever Trample Upon That Golden Pavement by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the stark contrast between the holiness of heaven and the unholiness of sinful people, using vivid animal imagery to describe the nature of the unholy. He |
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Under Sin by Don McClure | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the impact of sin on the human mind and its ability to comprehend spiritual matters. He highlights the irony of highly intelligent individuals |