King James Version

What Does Isaiah 3:24 Mean?

Isaiah 3:24 in the King James Version says “And it shall come to pass, that instead of sweet smell there shall be stink; and instead of a girdle a rent; and instead... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Isaiah 3:24 · KJV


Context

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.

25

Thy men shall fall by the sword, and thy mighty in the war. mighty: Heb. might

26

And her gates shall lament and mourn; and she being desolate shall sit upon the ground. desolate: or, emptied: Heb. cleansed


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The fivefold reversal—sweet smell to stink, girdle to rent (tear), well set hair to baldness, stomacher (sash) to sackcloth, beauty to burning—depicts total humiliation. Each element inverts former glory: fragrance becomes stench, beauty becomes disfigurement, fine clothing becomes mourning garb. The phrase 'burning instead of beauty' likely refers to branding marks of slavery or scars from conquest. This complete reversal demonstrates that divine judgment precisely targets pride's manifestations.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

These descriptions match conquest and exile conditions: lack of hygiene (stink), torn clothing from battle, baldness from stress or mourning rituals, sackcloth of grief, and branding or scarring of captives.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this graphic reversal illustrate the principle that pride precedes a fall?
  2. What 'burning instead of beauty' might result from our current prideful pursuits?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וְהָיָה֩1 of 19
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

תַ֨חַת2 of 19
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

בֹּ֜שֶׂם3 of 19

And it shall come to pass that instead of sweet smell

H1314

fragrance; by implication, spicery; also the balsam plant

מַ֣ק4 of 19

there shall be stink

H4716

properly, a melting, i.e., putridity

יִֽהְיֶ֗ה5 of 19
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

וְתַ֨חַת6 of 19
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

חֲגוֹרָ֤ה7 of 19

and instead of a girdle

H2290

a belt (for the waist)

נִקְפָּה֙8 of 19

a rent

H5364

probably a rope (as encircling)

וְתַ֨חַת9 of 19
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

מַעֲשֶׂ֤ה10 of 19

and instead of well set

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

מִקְשֶׁה֙11 of 19

hair

H4748

something turned (rounded), i.e., a curl (of tresses)

קָרְחָ֔ה12 of 19

baldness

H7144

baldness

וְתַ֥חַת13 of 19
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

פְּתִיגִ֖יל14 of 19

and instead of a stomacher

H6614

probably a figured mantle for holidays

מַחֲגֹ֣רֶת15 of 19

a girding

H4228

a girdle

שָׂ֑ק16 of 19

of sackcloth

H8242

properly, a mesh (as allowing a liquid to run through), i.e., coarse loose cloth or sacking (used in mourning and for bagging); hence, a bag (for grai

כִּי17 of 19

and burning

H3587

a brand or scar

תַ֖חַת18 of 19
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

יֹֽפִי׃19 of 19

instead of beauty

H3308

beauty


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 3:24 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 3:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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