Isaiah 3:20
Isaiah 3:20 in Multiple Translations
their headdresses, ankle chains, and sashes; their perfume bottles and charms;
The bonnets, and the ornaments of the legs, and the headbands, and the tablets, and the earrings,
the headtires, and the ankle chains, and the sashes, and the perfume-boxes, and the amulets;
The head-bands, and the arm-chains, and the worked bands, and the perfume-boxes, and the jewels with secret powers,
headdresses, bangles, sashes, perfume holders, lucky charms,
The tyres of the head, and the sloppes, and the head bandes, and the tablets, and the earings,
Of the bonnets, and the ornaments of the legs, And of the bands, And of the perfume boxes, and the amulets,
the headdresses, the ankle chains, the sashes, the perfume containers, the charms,
The bonnets, and the ornaments of the legs, and the head-bands, and the tablets, and the ear-rings,
And bodkins, and ornaments of the legs, and tablets, and sweet balls, and earrings,
their scarves and ankle bracelets and sashes, their perfumes and ◄charms/little things that they wear thinking that those things will protect them from evil►,
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 3:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Isaiah 3:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הַ/פְּאֵרִ֤ים
וְ/הַ/צְּעָדוֹת֙
וְ/הַ/קִּשֻּׁרִ֔ים
וּ/בָתֵּ֥י
הַ/נֶּ֖פֶשׁ
וְ/הַ/לְּחָשִֽׁים
הַ/פְּאֵרִ֤ים
pᵉʼêr
H6287
headdress
Art | N-mp
וְ/הַ/צְּעָדוֹת֙
tsᵉʻâdâh
H6807
marching
Conj | Art | N-fp
וְ/הַ/קִּשֻּׁרִ֔ים
qishshur
H7196
sash
Conj | Art | N-mp
וּ/בָתֵּ֥י
bayith
H1004
place
Conj | N-mp
הַ/נֶּ֖פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
soul
Art | N-cs
וְ/הַ/לְּחָשִֽׁים
lachash
H3908
charm
Conj | Art | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 3:20
הַ/פְּאֵרִ֤ים
pᵉʼêr
H6287
"headdress"
Art | N-mp
This noun refers to a fancy head-dress or ornament, like a turban or bonnet. It is used in the Bible to describe decorative clothing. In the KJV, it is translated as 'beauty' or 'ornament'.
Definition: head-dress, ornament, turban
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: beauty, bonnet, goodly, ornament, tire. See also: Exodus 39:28; Isaiah 61:10; Isaiah 3:20.
וְ/הַ/צְּעָדוֹת֙
tsᵉʻâdâh
H6807
"marching"
Conj | Art | N-fp
This word describes an ornament worn on the ankle or arm, such as a bracelet or anklet. In some contexts, it also refers to chains or restraints on the legs. The King James Version translates it as going or ornament of the legs.
Definition: marching
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: going, ornament of the legs. See also: 2 Samuel 5:24; 1 Chronicles 14:15; Isaiah 3:20.
וְ/הַ/קִּשֻּׁרִ֔ים
qishshur
H7196
"sash"
Conj | Art | N-mp
This word refers to an ornamental girdle or headband, like the kind worn by women in Isaiah 3:20. The KJV translates it as attire or headband.
Definition: 1) bands, sashes, headbands 1a) ornaments that are bound on
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: attire, headband. See also: Isaiah 3:20; Jeremiah 2:32.
וּ/בָתֵּ֥י
bayith
H1004
"place"
Conj | N-mp
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
הַ/נֶּ֖פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
Art | N-cs
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
וְ/הַ/לְּחָשִֽׁים
lachash
H3908
"charm"
Conj | Art | N-mp
This Hebrew word means a whisper or private prayer, but also an incantation or charm, like serpent charming. In the Bible, it can refer to a magical amulet worn by women. It appears in various forms, including as a type of enchantment or earring.
Definition: 1) whispering, charming 1a) serpent-charming 1b) charms, amulets (worn by women) 1c) whisper (of prayer)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: charmed, earring, enchantment, orator, prayer. See also: Ecclesiastes 10:11; Isaiah 3:20; Isaiah 3:3.
Study Notes — Isaiah 3:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 3:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 3:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 3:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 3:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 3:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 3:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 3:20
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 3:20
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 3:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 3:20
- Sermons on Isaiah 3:20
Context — A Warning to the Daughters of Zion
18In that day the Lord will take away their finery: their anklets and headbands and crescents;
19their pendants, bracelets, and veils;
20their headdresses, ankle chains, and sashes; their perfume bottles and charms;
21their signet rings and nose rings; 22their festive robes, capes, cloaks, and purses;Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 39:28 | as well as the turban of fine linen, the ornate headbands and undergarments of finely spun linen, |
| 2 | Genesis 35:4 | So they gave Jacob all their foreign gods and all their earrings, and Jacob buried them under the oak near Shechem. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 16:12 | I put a ring in your nose, earrings on your ears, and a beautiful crown upon your head. |
| 4 | Exodus 32:2 | So Aaron told them, “Take off the gold earrings that are on your wives and sons and daughters, and bring them to me.” |
| 5 | Hosea 2:13 | I will punish her for the days of the Baals when she burned incense to them, when she decked herself with rings and jewelry, and went after her lovers. But Me she forgot,” declares the LORD. |
Isaiah 3:20 Summary
Isaiah 3:20 lists various items that the people of Judah valued highly, but which the Lord would take away due to their excessive focus on them. This verse teaches us that God values humility and simplicity, and that we should not prioritize outward appearances over inner beauty, as seen in 1 Peter 3:3-4. Instead, we should focus on cultivating a deep and genuine relationship with Him, and avoid distractions that can lead us away from Him, as warned in 1 John 2:15-17. By doing so, we can experience true freedom and joy in our walk with God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the items listed in Isaiah 3:20?
The items listed, such as headdresses, ankle chains, and perfume bottles, represent the excesses and vanity of the people, which the Lord will take away, as seen in Isaiah 3:18-22, highlighting the importance of humility and simplicity, as taught in 1 Peter 3:3-4.
Are these items inherently sinful?
While the items themselves are not sinful, the excessive focus on them can lead to idolatry and distract from a genuine relationship with God, as warned in 1 John 2:15-17, emphasizing the need for a balanced and God-centered life.
How does this verse relate to the concept of modesty?
Isaiah 3:20 implies that the Lord values modesty and humility, encouraging believers to focus on inner beauty, as taught in 1 Timothy 2:9-10, and to avoid excessive attention to outward appearances, which can be a form of idolatry.
What is the broader context of this verse in the book of Isaiah?
Isaiah 3:20 is part of a larger section, Isaiah 2:6-4:1, which condemns the sins of Judah, including idolatry, pride, and immorality, and calls the people to repentance and faith in the one true God, as seen in Isaiah 2:10-11 and Isaiah 4:2-6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be prioritizing outward appearances over inner beauty and a genuine relationship with God?
- How can I cultivate a sense of humility and simplicity in my daily life, as encouraged in Isaiah 3:20 and other scriptures?
- What are some potential idols or distractions in my life that may be hindering my walk with God, and how can I address them in a biblical way?
- How can I balance my desire to look nice and presentable with the need to prioritize inner beauty and modesty, as taught in 1 Peter 3:3-4 and other scriptures?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 3:20
The bonnets,.... This word is used sometimes for the tire of the heads of men, Ezekiel 24:17 and even for the bonnets of the priests, Exodus 39:28.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 3:20
The bonnets, and the ornaments of the legs, and the headbands, and the tablets, and the earrings, Bonnets - tiaras, or turbans.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 3:20
The bonnets: these were ornaments to cover the head, common both to men, as , and to women, as here. The tablets, Heb. the houses of the soul, or of life, or of breath; whereby he seems to mean boxes of excellent perfumes, which are of great efficacy to revive our drooping spirits, and to that end are oft applied to such as are ready to faint away.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 3:20
Isaiah 3:20 The bonnets, and the ornaments of the legs, and the headbands, and the tablets, and the earrings, Ver. 20.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 3:20
(20) The bonnets . . .—The English word is perhaps, too modern in its associations, and should be replaced by “diadems” (Exodus 39:28; Isaiah 61:10). The ornaments of the legs.—These were chains connecting the anklets of Isa 3:18, and so regulating the “mincing” or “tripping” motion of the wearer. The headbands.—Better, girdles, always the most highly ornamented part of an Eastern dress, such as were worn by brides (Jeremiah 2:32; Isaiah 49:18). The tablets.—Literally, houses of the soul—i.e., of the spirit or essence of a perfume. These seem to have been of the nature of scent-bottles, or the modern vinaigrettes. The earrings.—The noun is connected with the idea of enchantments. Better, amulets or charms, such as are worn in the East as safeguards against the evil eye.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 3:20
Verse 20. The tablets] The words בתי הנפש bottey hannephesh, which we translate tablets, and Bishop Lowth, perfume boxes, literally signify houses of the soul; and may refer to strong-scented bottles used for pleasure and against fainting; similar to bottles with otto of roses, worn by the ladies of the East to the present time.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 3:20
20. The tiaras (Exodus 39:28; Ezekiel 24:17; Isaiah 61:3; Isaiah 61:10 [R.V.]) and the foot-chains (see on Isaiah 3:16; others, “bracelets,” as in 2 Samuel 1:10, a slightly different word), and the girdles and the scent-bottles, and the amulets.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 3:20
The bonnets - The “tiara, head-dress, or turban.” The word comes from the verb “to adorn.” The “turban” is almost universally worn in the East.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 3:20
20. The bonnets — Used of priestly head-bands, Exodus 39:28; it probably means here, ladies’ caps, or similar ornamental headdresses.
Sermons on Isaiah 3:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Rend Your Heart and Not Your Garment by Joshua Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker, Joshua Daniel, discusses the importance of facing challenges and being tested in order to grow spiritually. He references the story of Rehoboam in the |