King James Version

What Does Isaiah 3:22 Mean?

Isaiah 3:22 in the King James Version says “The changeable suits of apparel, and the mantles, and the wimples, and the crisping pins, — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

The changeable suits of apparel, and the mantles, and the wimples, and the crisping pins,

Isaiah 3:22 · KJV


Context

20

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

21

The rings, and nose jewels,

22

The changeable suits of apparel, and the mantles, and the wimples, and the crisping pins,

23

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

24

And it shall come to pass, that instead of sweet smell there shall be stink; and instead of a girdle a rent; and instead of well set hair baldness; and instead of a stomacher a girding of sackcloth; and burning instead of beauty.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The inventory shifts to clothing—changeable suits (festive robes), mantles, wimples (cloaks), and crisping pins (purses). The inclusion of multiple garment changes ('changeable suits') suggests excessive wardrobe far beyond necessity, indicating luxury and vanity. Jesus later contrasted Solomon's splendor with lilies that neither toil nor spin (Matthew 6:28-29), teaching that anxiety over clothing reveals misplaced trust.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Multiple changes of clothing were luxury items in the ancient world where most owned only one or two garments. This excess among Jerusalem's elite contrasted with the naked and poor (Isaiah 58:7).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does our approach to clothing and appearance reflect contentment versus vanity?
  2. In what ways can wardrobe excess evidence misplaced values?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 4 words
הַמַּֽחֲלָצוֹת֙1 of 4

The changeable suits of apparel

H4254

a mantle (as easily drawn off)

וְהַמַּ֣עֲטָפ֔וֹת2 of 4

and the mantles

H4595

a cloak

וְהַמִּטְפָּח֖וֹת3 of 4

and the wimples

H4304

a wide cloak (for a woman)

וְהָחֲרִיטִֽים׃4 of 4

and the crisping pins

H2754

properly, cut out (or hollow), i.e., (by implication) a pocket


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 3:22 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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