Topical Encyclopedia The term "cockatrice" appears in several passages of the King James Version of the Bible, though it is not found in the Berean Standard Bible . The creature is often associated with a mythical serpent or dragon-like being, believed to have the power to kill with its gaze or breath. The Hebrew word often translated as "cockatrice" is "tsepha," which is more accurately rendered as "viper" or "adder" in modern translations, including the BSB.Biblical References: 1. Isaiah 11:8 : "The infant will play by the cobra’s den, and the toddler will reach into the viper’s nest." In this passage, the BSB uses "viper" instead of "cockatrice," emphasizing the imagery of a dangerous serpent. The context of Isaiah 11 speaks of a future time of peace and harmony in God's kingdom, where even the most dangerous creatures will pose no threat. 2. Isaiah 14:29 : "Do not rejoice, all you Philistines, that the rod that struck you is broken, for a viper will spring from the root of a snake, and its fruit will be a flying serpent." Here, the BSB again uses "viper" and "flying serpent," which some translations have rendered as "cockatrice." The passage warns the Philistines of impending judgment and danger, symbolized by these serpentine creatures. 3. Isaiah 59:5 : "They hatch viper’s eggs and weave a spider’s web. Whoever eats their eggs will die; crack one open, and a viper is hatched." This verse uses the imagery of vipers to describe the wickedness and deceit of the people, illustrating the deadly consequences of sin. 4. Jeremiah 8:17 : "For behold, I will send snakes among you, vipers that cannot be charmed, and they will bite you, declares the LORD." The BSB uses "vipers" to convey the idea of unavoidable judgment and punishment from God, highlighting the seriousness of the people's rebellion. Symbolism and Interpretation: In biblical literature, the cockatrice or viper often symbolizes danger, evil, and judgment. The creature's mythical attributes, such as its lethal gaze, serve to underscore the severity of the threat it represents. In the prophetic books, these serpents are frequently used as metaphors for the consequences of sin and the certainty of divine retribution. The use of serpentine imagery in the Bible also connects to the broader theme of the serpent as a symbol of Satan and sin, beginning with the serpent in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3). The cockatrice, as a fearsome and deadly creature, fits within this symbolic framework, representing the destructive power of sin and the need for God's intervention and redemption. Theological Significance: From a theological perspective, the references to cockatrices or vipers in the Bible serve as a reminder of the reality of spiritual warfare and the presence of evil in the world. They highlight the need for vigilance and reliance on God's protection and deliverance. The ultimate hope, as depicted in passages like Isaiah 11, is the coming of a time when God's kingdom will be fully realized, and all threats, both physical and spiritual, will be eradicated. Library A Book for Boys and Girls Or, Temporal Things Spritualized. The Second vision "On Earth" A Discourse Christ a Complete Saviour: The Resurrection of the Dead, and Eternal Judgment: Thesaurus Cockatrices (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Cockatrices (1 Occurrence). Jeremiah 8:17 For, behold, I will send serpents, cockatrices, among you, which ... /c/cockatrices.htm - 6k Cockatrice (3 Occurrences) Enchantment (4 Occurrences) Cockcrow (1 Occurrence) Resources Are any mythological creatures mentioned in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Cockatrices (1 Occurrence)Jeremiah 8:17 Subtopics Related Terms |
    |