Question: What does Isaiah 59:5 mean?
Isaiah 59:5 (NKJV): “They hatch vipers’ eggs and weave the spider’s web; he who eats of their eggs dies, and from that which is crushed a viper breaks out.”
Answer: This verse offers a vivid illustration of the corrupt nature of the wicked and the destructive consequences of their actions.
When the prophet Isaiah says, “They hatch vipers’ eggs,” he is using a metaphor to describe how the wicked deliberately cultivate evil. Vipers, being venomous snakes, symbolize danger, deceit, and death. No one would willingly nurture such eggs. In fact, the rational response would be to destroy them to prevent the harm they would eventually cause. Yet here, the wicked not only allow them to hatch—they actively incubate them.
This reveals a spiritual truth: instead of resisting evil or warning others about its danger, the ungodly embrace it and even promote it. They become agents of destruction, spreading sin rather than restraining it.
One clear example is that of false prophets. These individuals know that sin leads to spiritual death and separation from God. Scripture clearly says,
“Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14, NKJV).
However, out of a desire to please people or for financial gain, false teachers avoid confronting sin. They fail to call people to repentance and holiness. Instead, they promote worldly values, prosperity, and indulgence, thereby encouraging people to pursue the flesh rather than the Spirit (Galatians 5:16–21). Sadly, those who follow such teachings perish in their sins, heading toward eternal separation from God.
The verse continues: “And weave the spider’s web.” A spider weaves its web with a purpose—to trap unsuspecting prey. Similarly, the wicked design environments, ideologies, or movements meant to ensnare others. Their words and works are deceitful, enticing people into sinful behavior. What seems harmless or appealing at first is, in reality, a death trap.
Sometimes this takes the form of seemingly spiritual actions that contradict God’s will. For example, when a believer prays for the destruction of an enemy rather than their repentance, it reveals a heart that has misunderstood Christ’s command. Jesus taught us,
“Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44, NKJV).
When we instead desire their downfall, we become like those who set traps rather than extending grace.
In summary, Isaiah 59:5 warns against the tendency to create, support, or rejoice in the downfall of others. It is a call to examine the intentions of our hearts and actions. Are we building others up in truth and righteousness, or are we weaving webs that entangle them in sin?
Isaiah goes on in verses 6–9 to describe the consequences of such wickedness:
Isaiah 59:6–9 (NKJV):
6 “Their webs will not become garments, nor will they cover themselves with their works; their works are works of iniquity, and the act of violence is in their hands.
7 Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood; their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction are in their paths.
8 The way of peace they have not known, and there is no justice in their ways; they have made themselves crooked paths; whoever takes that way shall not know peace.
9 Therefore justice is far from us, nor does righteousness overtake us; we look for light, but there is darkness! For brightness, but we walk in blackness!”
These verses reveal that the fruit of wickedness is chaos, injustice, and spiritual blindness. When people choose to walk in sin, they forfeit divine protection and guidance. They seek peace but find none because they have departed from the God of peace (Romans 15:33).
Let us, therefore, strive to be vessels of righteousness—destroying the works of the enemy, not nurturing them. Let us lead others to truth, not entangle them in deception. And let us reflect Christ’s love even to those who oppose us, that we may walk in the light as He is in the light (1 John 1:7).
May the Lord help us.