King James Version

What Does Isaiah 3:18 Mean?

Isaiah 3:18 in the King James Version says “In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments about their feet, and their cauls, and their...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Isaiah 3:18 · KJV

Context

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

20

The bonnets, and the ornaments of the legs, and the headbands, and the tablets , and the earrings, tablets: Heb. houses of the soul

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The detailed inventory of adornments—'tinkling ornaments' (anklets), 'cauls' (headbands), and 'round tires like the moon' (crescent necklaces)—emphasizes the extent of luxury that will be removed. Some ornaments, like moon crescents, may have pagan associations (cf. Judges 8:21, 26). The comprehensive list demonstrates both material excess and possible idolatrous syncretism. God's judgment strips away what displaced or competed with devotion to Him.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Archaeological discoveries from Iron Age Judah include numerous jewelry items matching Isaiah's description. The crescent ornaments particularly link to fertility cult worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. What material adornments or luxuries might compete with simple devotion to Christ?
  2. How do we discern between appropriate enjoyment of beauty and idolatrous excess?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
בַּיּ֨וֹם1 of 9

“In that day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַה֜וּא2 of 9
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

יָסִ֣יר3 of 9

“will take away”

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

אֲדֹנָ֗י4 of 9

“the Lord”

H136

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

אֵ֣ת5 of 9
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

תִּפְאֶ֧רֶת6 of 9

“the bravery”

H8597

ornament (abstractly or concretely, literally or figuratively)

הָעֲכָסִ֛ים7 of 9

“of their tinkling ornaments”

H5914

a fetter; hence, an anklet

וְהַשְּׁבִיסִ֖ים8 of 9

“about their feet and their cauls”

H7636

a netting for the hair

וְהַשַּׂהֲרֹנִֽים׃9 of 9

“and their round tires like the moon”

H7720

a round pendant for the neck

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 3:18 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 3:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Judges 8:21Judges 8:26

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