King James Version

What Does Isaiah 3:17 Mean?

Isaiah 3:17 in the King James Version says “Therefore the Lord will smite with a scab the crown of the head of the daughters of Zion, and the LORD will discover the...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Therefore the Lord will smite with a scab the crown of the head of the daughters of Zion, and the LORD will discover their secret parts. discover: Heb. make naked”

Isaiah 3:17 · KJV

Context

15

What mean ye that ye beat my people to pieces, and grind the faces of the poor? saith the Lord GOD of hosts.

16

Moreover the LORD saith, Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling with their feet: wanton: Heb. deceiving with their eyes mincing: or, tripping nicely

17

Therefore the Lord will smite with a scab the crown of the head of the daughters of Zion, and the LORD will discover their secret parts. discover: Heb. make naked

18

In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments about their feet, and their cauls, and their round tires like the moon, cauls: or, networks

19

The chains, and the bracelets, and the mufflers, chains: or, sweet balls mufflers: or, spangled ornaments

Read Isaiah 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's promise to 'smite with a scab the crown of the head' and 'discover their secret parts' describes humiliating judgment—likely referring to conquest and slavery. Beauty becomes disfigurement, modesty becomes shame. The vivid imagery shows that what was used for seduction and pride becomes the means of disgrace. This anticipates the principle that sin's consequences often mirror its expression (Galatians 6:7), and that God opposes the proud (James 4:6).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Conquest typically involved humiliation of captives, including public shaming. The threatened disgrace would reverse the very pride Isaiah condemns, fulfilling covenant curses (Deuteronomy 28:25-26).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's judgment often employ reversal—using pride's instruments for humiliation?
  2. What does this teach about the serious consequences of vanity and spiritual pride?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וְשִׂפַּ֣ח1 of 8

“will smite with a scab”

H5596

properly, to scrape out, but in certain peculiar senses (of removal or association)

אֲדֹנָ֔י2 of 8

“Therefore the Lord”

H136

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

קָדְקֹ֖ד3 of 8

“the crown of the head”

H6936

the crown of the head (as the part most bowed)

בְּנ֣וֹת4 of 8

“of the daughters”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

צִיּ֑וֹן5 of 8

“of Zion”

H6726

tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem

וַיהוָ֖ה6 of 8

“and the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

פָּתְהֵ֥ן7 of 8

“their secret parts”

H6596

a hole, i.e., hinge or the female pudenda

יְעָרֶֽה׃8 of 8

“will discover”

H6168

to be (causatively, make) bare; hence, to empty, pour out, demolish

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Isaiah 3:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Isaiah 3:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 13:22Leviticus 13:29-30Revelation 16:2Leviticus 13:43-44Isaiah 20:4Micah 1:11

Places in This Verse

ZionSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E148 verses across 19 books
View all places in Isaiah 3 →

Test Your Knowledge

Isaiah 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterIsaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Isaiah 3 with CommentaryAll Isaiah ChaptersComplete Isaiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes