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What reptile is alluded to is not definitely known: the Hebrew words (tsepha in Isa. 14: 29 only) and tsiphoni are from 'to hiss.' The texts in which they occur refer to its dangerous character. Its deadly sting will be changed in the millennium, when a little child shall put its hand on its den. Of Israel it is said figuratively 'they hatch cockatrice' eggs.' Isa. 11: 8, Isa. 59: 5; Jer. 8: 17. The latter word is
translated 'adder' in Prov. 23: 32.