Isaiah 59:5

"No one sues in righteousness, and no one pleads in truth. They trust in vanity and speak lies. They conceive mischief and give birth to iniquity."

Key Reflection

Isaiah 59:5 paints a picture of a society steeped in deceit and wickedness. The verse describes people who not only deceive themselves by trusting in empty promises ("vanity") but also actively engage in lying ("speak lies"). Furthermore, these individuals are portrayed as creators of evil; they conceive harmful intentions and give birth to iniquitous actions. This vivid imagery highlights the pervasive nature of sin and deceit among the people being addressed, making it clear that their moral corruption is both deep-rooted and prolific.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

They hatch cockatrice’ eggs -Margin, ‘Adders’.’ On the meaning of the word rendered here ‘cockatrice,’ see the notes atIsaiah 11:8. Some poisonous serpent is intended, probably the adder, or the serpent known among the Greeks as the basilisk, or cerastes. This figurative expression is designed to show the evil nature and tendency of their works. They were as if they should carefully nourish the eggs of a venomous serpent. Instead of crushing them with the foot and destroying them, they took pains to hatch them, and produce a venomous race of reptiles.

More from Isaiah 59

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