Isaiah 3:16

KJV

¶ 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:

KJV (with Strong's)

Moreover the LORD {H3068} saith {H559}, Because {H3282} the daughters {H1323} of Zion {H6726} are haughty {H1361}, and walk {H3212} with stretched forth {H5186} necks {H1627} and wanton {H8265} eyes {H5869}, walking {H1980} and mincing {H2952} as they go {H3212}, and making a tinkling {H5913} with their feet {H7272}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Moreover ADONAI says: "Because Tziyon's women are so proud, walking with their heads in the air and throwing seductive glances, moving with mincing steps and jingling their anklets

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD also says: “Because the daughters of Zion are haughty— walking with heads held high and wanton eyes, prancing and skipping as they go, jingling the bracelets on their ankles—

American Standard Version

Moreover Jehovah said, Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with outstretched necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling with their feet;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 3:16 presents a scathing prophetic indictment from the LORD against the "daughters of Zion," the elite women of Jerusalem, whose outward display of pride and moral decadence serves as a vivid symptom of Judah's spiritual corruption. The verse meticulously details their arrogant postures, provocative gazes, affected walk, and the ostentatious jingle of their ankle ornaments, portraying not merely a fashion critique but a profound spiritual indictment against the nation's pervasive vanity, self-exaltation, and disregard for God's righteous standards, signaling impending divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 3:16 is embedded within a significant prophetic oracle (Isaiah 2-5) that outlines God's impending judgment upon Judah and Jerusalem. This section follows a majestic vision of future eschatological glory and universal worship centered on God's mountain in [Isaiah 2:1-5](/isaiah/2-1-5 "Isaiah 2:1-5 - The Mountain of the Lord and Universal Peace"). The abrupt shift to a stark portrayal of present sin and divine wrath highlights the profound contrast between God's ideal for His people and their current rebellious state. Chapter 3, in particular, details the societal breakdown, the removal of competent leadership, and the pervasive moral decay that has gripped the nation. While earlier verses address the male leadership and the general populace, [Isaiah 3:16-24](/isaiah/3-16-24 "Isaiah 3:16-24 - Judgment on the Daughters of Zion") specifically targets the women of Jerusalem, whose excessive adornment and proud conduct are presented as a quintessential manifestation of the national sin. This detailed focus on their behavior serves as a concrete example of the "haughtiness of man" and "loftiness of men" that God promises to bring low on the "day of the LORD," as declared in [Isaiah 2:11](/isaiah/2-11 "Isaiah 2:11 - The Lord Alone Will Be Exalted"). The passage underscores that sin permeates all levels of society, from leaders to the most visible members of the elite.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies of Isaiah were delivered during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of Kings Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (c. 740-681 BC). This era, particularly under Uzziah, was characterized by relative prosperity and political stability, which often led to increased social stratification, materialism, and a corresponding decline in moral and spiritual integrity. Jerusalem, as the capital, was the epicenter of wealth, influence, and cultural trends. The "daughters of Zion" would have been the elite, aristocratic women of the city, whose fashion choices and public demeanor set societal standards. Their elaborate attire, including anklets, headbands, and other ornaments, was not merely for personal beauty but served as a public display of wealth, social status, and, as indicated here, often a lack of modesty or discretion. In the ancient Near East, while adornment was common, excessive and provocative display, particularly by women, was often associated with moral laxity or a disregard for traditional virtues. The "wanton eyes" and "mincing" steps described would have been culturally understood as signs of immodesty, self-absorption, and a challenge to the expected virtuous conduct of women in a covenant community.

* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 3:16 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Isaiah. A primary theme is **Divine Judgment Against Pride and Arrogance**. The haughty demeanor and self-exalting display of the women symbolize the nation's collective pride and self-sufficiency, which stands in direct opposition to God's sovereignty and holiness. This echoes the broader message of [Isaiah 2:12](/isaiah/2-12 "Isaiah 2:12 - The Day of the Lord Against All That Is Proud"), where the "day of the LORD" is specifically directed against all that is proud and lofty. Another crucial theme is **Spiritual Decay Manifested Outwardly**. The women's superficiality, vanity, and immodest conduct are not presented as isolated personal failings but as clear symptoms of a deeper, pervasive spiritual rebellion against God's covenant and His moral law. Their preoccupation with external appearance reflects an internal emptiness and a turning away from true righteousness and humility before God. This aligns with the prophet's consistent call for genuine repentance and a transformation of the heart, as articulated in [Isaiah 1:16-17](/isaiah/1-16-17 "Isaiah 1:16-17 - A Call to Repentance and Justice"). Finally, the passage vividly illustrates the theme of **Reversal of Fortunes and Humiliation**. The detailed description of their finery in this verse and the subsequent verses ([Isaiah 3:18-23](/isaiah/3-18-23 "Isaiah 3:18-23 - The Stripping Away of Adornments")) sets the stage for the severe judgment where these very symbols of pride and status will be stripped away, leading to shame, destitution, and mourning, a direct and ironic consequence of their sin.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Haughty (Hebrew, _gâbahh'_):** From a primitive root meaning "to soar" or "be lofty," this term is used figuratively to describe an elevated sense of self-importance and arrogance. In the context of Isaiah 3:16, it signifies an overbearing pride that manifests as disdain for others and a disregard for divine authority. It denotes an inflated ego and a spirit lifted up in defiance against God's rightful place.
* **Necks (Hebrew, _gârôwn'_):** This word refers to the throat or neck. When coupled with "stretched forth" (from H5186 _nâṭâh_, meaning "to stretch out" or "bend away"), it vividly portrays a physical posture of arrogance, disdain, or defiance. This specific posture is a non-verbal communication of pride, implying an individual who literally "looks down" on others, embodying a spirit of superiority and haughtiness.
* **Mincing (Hebrew, _ṭâphaph'_):** A primitive root meaning "to trip (with short steps) coquettishly." This term describes a deliberate, affected, or dainty walk, often performed to draw attention to oneself, one's elaborate attire, or to convey an air of self-importance and allure. It implies an artificial and self-conscious gait, designed for public display rather than natural, humble movement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Moreover the LORD saith":** This introductory phrase powerfully establishes the divine origin and authoritative nature of the pronouncement. It signifies that the subsequent words are not merely the prophet Isaiah's personal observations or opinions, but a direct, solemn declaration from Yahweh (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_), the covenant God of Israel. This emphasizes the gravity, truthfulness, and absolute certainty of the indictment that follows.
* **"Because the daughters of Zion are haughty":** This clause provides the foundational reason for God's impending judgment. The "daughters of Zion" (H1323, _bath_ of H6726, _Tsîyôwn_) specifically refers to the women of Jerusalem, particularly those from the aristocratic and influential classes. Their "haughtiness" (H1361, _gâbahh_) is identified as the root sin—an arrogant, proud, and self-exalting spirit that permeates their inner being and manifests outwardly in their behavior and attitudes, reflecting a profound spiritual rebellion against God.
* **"and walk with stretched forth necks":** This phrase describes a distinct physical manifestation of their underlying haughtiness. A "stretched forth neck" (H5186, _nâṭâh_ with H1627, _gârôwn_) is a posture indicative of arrogance, disdain, and an exaggerated sense of self-importance. It conveys a literal and figurative sense of looking down on others, embodying a lack of humility and a spirit of superiority.
* **"and wanton eyes":** This clause highlights their immodest and provocative gaze. "Wanton" (H8265, _sâqar_) eyes (H5869, _ʻayin_) imply a flirtatious, alluring, or suggestive look. This indicates a lack of moral restraint, a deliberate desire to draw attention to themselves, and a disregard for purity and modesty, reflecting an inward corruption.
* **"walking and mincing [as] they go":** This further elaborates on their affected gait. "Walking" (H1980, _hâlak_ / H3212, _yâlak_) and "mincing" (H2952, _ṭâphaph_) describes a deliberate, artificial, and short-stepped walk. This affected movement was often performed to emphasize their elaborate clothing, their perceived status, or to draw attention to their movements, signifying vanity, self-display, and an affected air.
* **"and making a tinkling with their feet":** This final detail vividly describes the sound produced by their ankle ornaments. "Making a tinkling" (H5913, _ʻâkaç_) with their feet (H7272, _regel_) indicates that they wore elaborate anklets or chains that jingled audibly as they walked. This was a deliberate act designed to draw attention to their expensive adornments and their affected gait, symbolizing their excessive materialism, ostentation, and a desire for public notice.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 3:16 masterfully employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its message of divine indictment and societal decay. Foremost is vivid **Imagery**, which paints a detailed and sensory picture of the "daughters of Zion." Phrases like "stretched forth necks," "wanton eyes," "mincing" steps, and "making a tinkling with their feet" engage the reader's visual and auditory senses, making the women's proud and provocative demeanor palpable and their sin concrete. **Symbolism** is heavily at play, as the outward behaviors and elaborate adornments are not merely superficial fashion choices but profound symbols of the inner spiritual corruption and moral decay pervasive within the nation. Their haughty posture and self-display symbolize Judah's collective pride and defiant spirit against God. The "tinkling" anklets, while literal ornaments, symbolize their excessive materialism and vanity, which have supplanted a humble and righteous walk before God. This use of **Synecdoche** is also evident, where the specific, prominent behavior of these elite women stands in for the broader spiritual sickness and moral depravity afflicting Jerusalem and Judah as a whole. The verse also utilizes a form of **Metonymy**, where the physical attributes (necks, eyes, feet) and their associated actions are used to represent the underlying character traits of arrogance, immodesty, and self-indulgent vanity. The cumulative effect of these devices is a powerful and memorable condemnation of a society that has prioritized outward show over inward righteousness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 3:16 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of sin, particularly the insidious forms of pride, vanity, and self-exaltation, and God's unwavering opposition to such attitudes. It profoundly illustrates that God's judgment penetrates beyond superficial appearances to the very heart, where true spiritual decay originates. The behavior of the "daughters of Zion" is not merely a social impropriety but a clear manifestation of a deeper spiritual rebellion against God's covenant and a deliberate rejection of His moral standards. This passage underscores the timeless biblical principle that pride invariably precedes a fall, and that genuine beauty and worth are found in humility, inner character, and godliness, rather than in ostentatious displays or self-aggrandizing attitudes. It highlights God's profound concern for justice, righteousness, and moral integrity within His covenant people, and His unwavering resolve to bring righteous judgment upon those who persist in rebellion and moral corruption. The severe judgment described in the subsequent verses ([Isaiah 3:17-24](/isaiah/3-17-24 "Isaiah 3:17-24 - The Lord's Judgment on Zion's Daughters")) underscores the gravity of God's response to such spiritual and moral depravity, demonstrating that what is highly esteemed among humanity is often an abomination in God's holy sight.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [1 Peter 3:3-4](/1_peter/3-3-4 "1 Peter 3:3-4 - True Adornment of a Gentle and Quiet Spirit")
* [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Opposes the Proud")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 3:16 offers a timeless and piercing mirror for self-examination, compelling us to look beyond the superficial and critically assess the true condition of our hearts. In a contemporary world often consumed by outward appearance, the relentless pursuit of social media validation, and the accumulation of material possessions, this verse stands as a potent and sobering reminder that God values humility, inner character, and a spirit devoted to Him above all external displays. It prompts us to deeply reflect on whether our actions, our attitudes, our choices, and even our outward presentation are genuinely driven by a desire for self-exaltation and worldly approval, or by an authentic, heartfelt desire to honor God and selflessly serve others. The "daughters of Zion" faced judgment not merely for their specific fashion choices, but for the haughty, wanton, and self-absorbed spirit that those choices vividly revealed. This powerful indictment calls us, as believers, to diligently cultivate a spirit of genuine modesty, profound humility, and sincere godliness, recognizing that true and lasting beauty emanates from a heart transformed and renewed by Christ, rather than from fleeting external adornments or self-aggrandizing displays. Ultimately, our "walk"—encompassing our behavior, attitudes, and daily choices—should consistently reflect our deep devotion to God, not our devotion to self.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what subtle or overt ways might I be tempted to display pride or vanity, either outwardly in my actions or inwardly in my thoughts and desires, in my daily life?**
* **How does my pursuit of outward appearance, material possessions, or social status align with, or contradict, my professed spiritual values and my commitment to Christ?**
* **What concrete steps can I take to intentionally cultivate a more humble, modest, and godly spirit, consistently prioritizing inner character and spiritual virtues over external display?**
* **How does my "walk"—my daily conduct, attitudes, and life choices—authentically reflect the transformative power of my relationship with God and my identity in Christ?**

### FAQ
**What does "daughters of Zion" refer to in this verse?**

Answer: The "daughters of Zion" refers specifically to the women of Jerusalem, particularly those from the aristocratic or wealthy classes. "Zion" (H6726, _Tsîyôwn_) is a poetic and theological term often used to refer to Jerusalem, the capital city and spiritual center of Judah. In this prophetic context, these women symbolize the widespread moral and spiritual decay prevalent in the city and nation, with their outward pride and vanity serving as a vivid reflection of a deeper societal problem that has turned away from God's covenant.

**Why is God so concerned with their manner of walking and dressing?**

Answer: God's concern, as revealed in this passage, is not merely with superficial fashion trends or social etiquette, but with the profound heart attitudes that these outward behaviors reveal. The "stretched forth necks," "wanton eyes," "mincing" steps, and "tinkling" anklets were not just personal choices; they were public, deliberate displays of haughtiness (H1361, _gâbahh_), immodesty, and excessive materialism. These actions symbolized a spirit of arrogance, self-indulgence, and a blatant disregard for the modesty and humility expected of God's covenant people. The prophet Isaiah consistently condemns the pride and idolatry that manifest in various forms throughout society, and here, the women's conduct is presented as a clear and visible symptom of a nation that has profoundly turned away from God and enthusiastically embraced worldly values, as powerfully highlighted in [Isaiah 2:11](/isaiah/2-11 "Isaiah 2:11 - The Lord Alone Will Be Exalted").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 3:16 directly condemns the pervasive pride and vanity of the women of Jerusalem, its ultimate theological trajectory and profound fulfillment point unmistakably towards Christ. This passage vividly exposes humanity's inherent tendency towards self-exaltation, superficiality, and outward show—a pervasive sin that Jesus Christ perfectly countered through His exemplary life of profound humility and ultimate self-sacrifice. Unlike the "daughters of Zion" who walked with "stretched forth necks" in arrogant display, Jesus, the eternal Son of God, "made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humility and Incarnation")). His earthly "walk" was characterized by unparalleled obedience, selfless service, and a complete disregard for worldly status, fleeting external appearances, or superficial display, culminating in His ultimate act of humility and redemptive obedience on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Furthermore, the severe judgment pronounced on the proud in Isaiah foreshadows the righteous judgment that will inevitably come upon all who reject God's holy ways. Yet, it simultaneously magnifies the boundless grace and transformative power found exclusively in Christ. Through His atoning work, believers are divinely empowered to put off the "old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires," and to "put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness" ([Ephesians 4:22-24](/ephesians/4-22-24 "Ephesians 4:22-24 - Putting Off the Old Self, Putting On the New Self")). This profound spiritual transformation involves cultivating the inner beauty of a "gentle and quiet spirit," which is "of great worth in God's sight" ([1 Peter 3:3-4](/1_peter/3-3-4 "1 Peter 3:3-4 - True Adornment of a Gentle and Quiet Spirit")), standing in stark contrast to the "wanton eyes" and "tinkling feet" of the unrepentant. Thus, Isaiah 3:16, while a specific historical indictment, serves as a dark backdrop against which the perfect humility, pristine purity, and redemptive power of Christ shine even more brilliantly, offering salvation, true adornment, and genuine life to all who turn to Him in faith.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 16:49

Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.

Ezekiel 16:50

And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw [good].

Isaiah 32:9

¶ Rise up, ye women that are at ease; hear my voice, ye careless daughters; give ear unto my speech.

Isaiah 32:11

Tremble, ye women that are at ease; be troubled, ye careless ones: strip you, and make you bare, and gird [sackcloth] upon [your] loins.

Isaiah 4:4

When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning.

Song Of Solomon 3:11

Go forth, O ye daughters of Zion, and behold king Solomon with the crown wherewith his mother crowned him in the day of his espousals, and in the day of the gladness of his heart.

Matthew 21:5

Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.