Isaiah 3 23

Isaiah 3:23 kjv

The glasses, and the fine linen, and the hoods, and the vails.

Isaiah 3:23 nkjv

and the mirrors; The fine linen, the turbans, and the robes.

Isaiah 3:23 niv

and mirrors, and the linen garments and tiaras and shawls.

Isaiah 3:23 esv

the mirrors, the linen garments, the turbans, and the veils.

Isaiah 3:23 nlt

mirrors, fine linen garments,
head ornaments, and shawls.

Isaiah 3 verses

Isaiah 3 23 Meaning

Isaiah 3:23 enumerates a selection of items from the elaborate wardrobes and personal adornments worn by the women of Jerusalem and Judah during a period of material prosperity. This verse, following a description of their haughty demeanor in verse 16, pinpoints specific articles of luxury and vanity, which the Lord, in His impending judgment, declares will be taken away. It highlights the women's excessive focus on outward appearance, material wealth, and social status, presenting these items as symbols of the pride and spiritual corruption pervasive in Judah. The specific list emphasizes the detailed nature of God's coming disciplinary action against a people who had turned from Him to idolatry of self and possessions.

Isaiah 3 23 Context

Isaiah chapter 3 provides a stark prophecy of divine judgment against Judah and Jerusalem. Following the warning of God removing their leadership and order (Isa 3:1-7), the prophet details the societal breakdown, oppression of the poor, and moral decay that have brought about this calamity (Isa 3:8-15). Within this broader context of judgment upon the entire nation, verses 16-24 specifically target the "daughters of Zion" – the women of Jerusalem – highlighting their arrogance, extravagance, and superficiality. Their "stretched forth necks" and "wanton eyes" (v. 16) are symbolic of their pride and sensuality.

Historically, this period (likely 8th century BC, during the reigns of kings like Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah) saw periods of relative prosperity in Judah, which often led to moral decline and spiritual complacency. Elaborate clothing, jewelry, and luxurious adornments were not merely functional but were powerful social indicators of wealth, status, and self-indulgence. The women, in their pride, had become so fixated on their external display that their attire itself became a manifestation of their rebellious heart against God. The detailed inventory in verses 18-23 serves to underscore the extent of their vanity and the totality of God's judgment, where even the very symbols of their pride would be stripped away.

Isaiah 3 23 Word analysis

• The glasses (הַנְּטִפוֹת - hanneṭiphôth): This word, derived from nāṭap (to drop), most accurately refers to "ear-drops," "pendants," or small, droplet-shaped ornaments worn on the ear or neck. While the KJV translates it as "glasses," this should not be confused with modern eyeglasses. Some ancient versions interpret it as "mirrors" (referring to small polished metal reflections) or bright, sparkling trinkets. Significance: Emphasizes personal adornment and attention to delicate, shiny items meant to draw attention.
• and the fine linen (הַשְּׁבִיסִים - haššĕḇîsîm): Also translated "cauls" or "networks." This likely refers to elaborate hairnets or intricately woven caps used to adorn the hair, possibly adorned with metallic threads or jewels. Some scholars suggest "network ornaments" in general. Significance: Points to elaborate hairstyles and highly decorative headwear, symbolizing intricate beauty and status.
• and the hoods (וְהַשַּׁרֹנוֹת - wĕhaššāronôṯ): This is a more debated term, with various suggestions including "twisted ornaments," "anklets," "head-chains," "sashes," or even types of thin outer garments/scarves. Given the context, "mufflers" (KJV) or decorative scarves/head wraps are plausible. The root might imply something woven or twisted. Significance: Denotes fashionable, perhaps ornate, neckwear or body wraps, part of a luxurious ensemble.
• and the veils (וְהָרְעָלוֹת - wĕhārĕ'ālōth): From rāʿal (to tremble or shake), suggesting a flowing or trembling garment. This clearly means "veils" or large "shawls" which would cover parts of the face or head, often elegantly and expansively, indicating modesty, high status, or exotic fashion. Significance: Reflects expensive and perhaps exotic fabric, often used for show rather than solely for practical modesty.

Words-group analysis:

• The entire list—"the glasses (pendants), and the fine linen (hairnets), and the hoods (ornate scarves/chains), and the veils"—collectively illustrates the excessive and minute details of the luxurious and proud display of the women of Judah. Each item represents a deliberate choice for ostentation, not necessity, reflecting a heart turned toward self-glory rather than humble devotion to God. The extensive enumeration across this and preceding verses (18-22) shows a society consumed by materialism, where outward appearance became a form of idolatry, distracting from genuine righteousness and justice.

Isaiah 3 23 Bonus section

The intense specificity of the enumerated garments and adornments in Isaiah 3, especially verses 18-23, reflects a highly stratified and consumerist society. It speaks to a deep knowledge on the part of the prophet, and presumably the audience, of the latest and most fashionable trends among the wealthy women of Jerusalem. The detail makes the prophecy profoundly cutting and relevant to its immediate hearers, ensuring they understood that every aspect of their vain lifestyle was seen by God. This passage indirectly critiques the notion that material blessings automatically indicate divine favor, particularly when such blessings foster pride and spiritual apathy rather than gratitude and righteous living. It also stands as a potent polemic against a culture that prioritized appearance and social standing above moral conduct and covenant faithfulness.

Isaiah 3 23 Commentary

Isaiah 3:23 concludes a detailed inventory of the many luxury items worn by the haughty daughters of Zion. The catalog is not merely a list of fashionable attire but a profound condemnation of a society obsessed with outward display while inner spiritual values decayed. These particular items—pendants, intricate hairnets, ornate scarves, and lavish veils—were all designed to enhance beauty and convey status. By meticulously itemizing them, the prophet emphasizes the deep immersion of these women in worldly vanity.

God's judgment against Jerusalem is holistic, extending even to the seemingly trivial matters of personal adornment, because these items became idols in themselves and symbols of the women's haughty and self-sufficient spirit (Isa 3:16). Their pride was manifested not just in their attitude but in their expensive and flamboyant clothing. The taking away of these specific articles in the impending desolation (Isa 3:24) serves as a divine stripping away of their shamefully acquired glory, revealing their true spiritual poverty and nakedness. This prophecy powerfully teaches that God regards the heart (1 Sam 16:7) more than outward appearance, and warns against allowing material possessions or the pursuit of superficial beauty to usurp devotion to Him. It is a timeless lesson that true adornment comes from inner character, humility, and fear of the Lord, rather than perishable outward finery (1 Pet 3:3-4).