Isaiah 14:29 Meaning and Explanation
“Rejoice not thou, whole Palestina, because the rod of him that smote thee is broken: for out of the serpent's root shall come forth a cockatrice, and his fruit shall be a fiery flying serpent.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Philistia should not rejoice at the death of their oppressor, for a more deadly serpent will arise.
The Context of Isaiah 14:29
Warning to Philistia not to rejoice prematurely at their oppressor's death.
What Does Isaiah 14:29 Mean?
The rod—the instrument of oppression—has been broken by the defeated king's death. Philistia might rejoice at this relief. But Isaiah warns: do not celebrate, for from the same corrupt root will emerge even worse—a cockatrice (venomous serpent) and fiery flying serpent.
The warning is clear: one tyrant's fall does not mean safety. Evil breeds evil; a broken oppressor may give rise to a more terrible successor.
Isaiah 14:29 in the Original Language
tzefa (צְפַע), 'cockatrice' — a venomous serpent, symbol of danger and deadly poison.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 14:29
What does Isaiah 14:29 mean?
Philistia should not rejoice at the death of their oppressor, for a more deadly serpent will arise.
What is the context of Isaiah 14:29?
Warning to Philistia not to rejoice prematurely at their oppressor's death.