King James Version
What Does Isaiah 3:18 Mean?
“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”
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
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(18) **Tinkling ornaments.**—These were anklets, *i.e., *rings of metal, with or without bells, which produced the tinkling of Isaiah 3:16. The “cauls” were probably *wreaths, *or plaits of gold or silver net-work, worn over the forehead from ear to ear, but have been taken by some scholars as sun-like balls worn like a necklace.
**Round tires like the moon.**—The crescent ornaments which were hung on the necks of the camels of the Midianites in the time of Gideon (Judges 8:21), and are still worn by Arabian women. It is not improbable that they were connected with the worship of Ashtaroth. Among modern Arabian women they are regarded as a charm against the evil eye. (See Note on Jeremiah 44:17-19.)
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge