Isaiah 3:17

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore the Lord {H136} will smite with a scab {H5596} the crown of the head {H6936} of the daughters {H1323} of Zion {H6726}, and the LORD {H3068} will discover {H6168} their secret parts {H6596}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Adonai will strike the crown of the heads of Tziyon's women with sores, and ADONAI will expose their private parts."

Berean Standard Bible

the Lord will bring sores on the heads of the daughters of Zion, and the LORD will make their foreheads bare.”

American Standard Version

therefore the Lord will smite with a scab the crown of the head of the daughters of Zion, and Jehovah will lay bare their secret parts.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 3:17 delivers a severe divine judgment against the proud and self-indulgent "daughters of Zion," representing the elite women of Jerusalem. As a direct consequence of their arrogance, vanity, and moral corruption, the Lord declares that He will inflict them with a loathsome skin disease and expose them to public shame, stripping away their beauty, honor, and social standing. This prophetic warning underscores God's unwavering opposition to human pride and His commitment to righteous judgment, revealing the inevitable humiliation that follows unrepentant sin and self-exaltation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Isaiah's broader prophecy concerning Judah and Jerusalem, specifically within a section ([Isaiah 3:1-15](/isaiah/3-1-15 "Isaiah 3:1-15 - Judgment on Judah's Leaders")) that details the societal collapse and divine judgment upon the nation's corrupt leaders and people. Immediately preceding [Isaiah 3:17](/isaiah/3-17 "Isaiah 3:17 - Judgment on the Daughters of Zion"), [verse 16](/isaiah/3-16 "Isaiah 3:16 - The Haughtiness of Zion's Daughters") vividly describes the haughtiness, elaborate attire, and provocative demeanor of the "daughters of Zion," setting the stage for the direct and humiliating punishment outlined here. The judgment in verse 17 is a direct, ironic reversal of their prideful self-adornment, turning their sources of perceived beauty and status into instruments of disgrace. This segment of Isaiah highlights the pervasive moral decay from the top of society (leaders) to its influential segments (elite women), demonstrating that no one is exempt from God's righteous scrutiny and judgment for their rebellion against His covenant. The overall message of [Isaiah 3](/isaiah/3 "Isaiah 3 - Judgment on Judah and Jerusalem") is one of impending desolation and the stripping away of all that Judah prides itself on.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy is set in the pre-exilic period of ancient Judah, likely during the 8th century BCE, a time marked by increasing social stratification, economic disparity, and moral decline. The "daughters of Zion" refer to the wealthy and influential women of Jerusalem's aristocracy who, as described in [Isaiah 3:16](/isaiah/3-16 "Isaiah 3:16 - The Haughtiness of Zion's Daughters"), were characterized by their ostentatious display of wealth, elaborate fashion, and arrogant demeanor. In ancient Near Eastern societies, a woman's appearance, particularly her hair, clothing, and overall modesty, was inextricably linked to her honor, social status, and protection. Public nakedness or the exposure of "secret parts" was the ultimate form of degradation and shame, often inflicted upon conquered enemies as a deliberate act of humiliation. This signified utter defeat, enslavement, and the complete loss of dignity, protection, and social standing. This imagery would have resonated deeply with the original audience, conveying the profound severity of God's judgment.

* **Key Themes:** [Isaiah 3:17](/isaiah/3-17 "Isaiah 3:17 - Judgment on the Daughters of Zion") contributes significantly to several major themes within the book of Isaiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Judgment on Pride**, emphasizing God's unwavering opposition to human arrogance and vanity. The punishment is a precise, ironic reversal of their self-exaltation, turning their perceived sources of beauty and honor into instruments of profound disgrace, echoing the principle that [pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Precedes Destruction"). Secondly, the verse highlights **Humiliation as Punishment**, where God's judgment aims not merely to inflict pain but to strip away outward beauty, honor, and social standing, exposing the inner moral decay. The "scab" and exposure of "secret parts" are designed to inflict public shame, reflecting the depth of their spiritual and moral corruption. Lastly, it underscores the **Consequences of Sin**, serving as a stark warning about the inevitable repercussions of spiritual and moral corruption, especially when accompanied by self-importance and disregard for God's covenant. This passage reinforces the consistent biblical message that God's justice will prevail, and unrepentant rebellion will inevitably lead to severe consequences.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **daughters (Hebrew, _bath'_):** From the root meaning "to build" (as feminine of "son"), this term (H1323) refers to female offspring, but is used here in a broader, figurative sense. "Daughters of Zion" is a metonymy for the women of Jerusalem, specifically the elite and influential women who were the focus of the preceding verse's indictment. The use of "daughters" emphasizes their identity within the covenant community, making their rebellion and subsequent judgment all the more poignant.
* **scab (Hebrew, _çâphach'_):** This word (H5596), derived from a primitive root meaning "to scrape out," refers to a foul, crusty skin disease. It signifies a loathsome affliction that would disfigure the skin, particularly the head, which was often adorned with elaborate hairstyles and ornaments (as mentioned in [Isaiah 3:18-23](/isaiah/3-18-23 "Isaiah 3:18-23 - The Ornaments of the Daughters of Zion")). The infliction of a "scab" directly contrasts with the meticulous care these women took of their appearance, turning their source of pride into a source of repulsion and shame.
* **secret parts (Hebrew, _pôth'_):** This term (H6596), from an unused root meaning "to open," literally refers to a "hole" or "hinge," but is used euphemistically to denote the female pudenda. Its "discovery" or exposure signifies public nakedness and utter humiliation. In the ancient world, this was a common symbol of conquest, enslavement, and the complete loss of honor and dignity, as seen in other prophetic judgments against nations and cities (e.g., [Lamentations 1:8](/lamentations/1-8 "Lamentations 1:8 - Jerusalem's Shame and Nakedness")).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore the Lord will smite with a scab the crown of the head of the daughters of Zion":** This clause declares the divine judgment. "The Lord" (H136, H3068, Adonai/Yahweh) emphasizes the sovereign authority and covenant faithfulness of God as the one executing this judgment. The verb "smite" indicates a direct, forceful action. The "scab" is the specific affliction, a repulsive skin disease that will affect "the crown of the head" (H6936), the very part adorned with pride and elaborate hairstyles. This is a direct, ironic punishment for the vanity of the "daughters of Zion" (H1323, H6726), turning their source of beauty into a source of disfigurement and public disgrace.
* **"and the LORD will discover their secret parts":** This second clause intensifies the humiliation. "The LORD" (H3068, Yahweh) reiterates the divine source of this judgment. "Discover" (H6168, literally "to make bare" or "uncover") signifies the act of exposing. "Their secret parts" (H6596) refers to their private areas, meaning they will be publicly stripped naked. This is the ultimate form of public shame and degradation in ancient Near Eastern culture, symbolizing utter defeat, vulnerability, and the complete loss of honor, dignity, and protection. It is a powerful image of God's complete removal of their perceived status and security.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 3:17 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its message of judgment. **Symbolism** is prominent, with the "scab" symbolizing disfigurement, disease, and the stripping away of outward beauty, directly contrasting with the women's pride in their appearance. The "discovery of their secret parts" is a powerful symbol of ultimate humiliation, public shame, and the complete loss of honor and protection, often associated with conquest and enslavement. **Metonymy** is used in "daughters of Zion," which stands for the elite women of Jerusalem, highlighting their identity within the covenant community and making the judgment more specific and impactful. The verse also utilizes **Irony**, as the very things the women pride themselves on—their elaborate hairstyles and fine clothing—are targeted for disfigurement and removal, turning their sources of vanity into instruments of their downfall. Finally, the direct, active verbs ("smite," "discover") underscore the **Divine Agency** in this judgment, emphasizing that this is not a random misfortune but a deliberate act of God's justice against their sin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 3:17 profoundly articulates God's character as a holy and just sovereign who will not tolerate unrepentant pride and moral corruption, especially within His covenant people. It reinforces the biblical truth that true beauty and worth are not found in outward adornment or social status, but in inner character and a humble heart before God. The judgment against the "daughters of Zion" serves as a powerful reminder that God sees beyond superficial appearances and will expose the spiritual nakedness of those who prioritize self-exaltation over righteousness. This divine act of stripping away their pride and exposing their shame is a form of disciplinary justice, designed to bring about repentance and a recognition of their utter dependence on the Lord, rather than their own perceived glory. It underscores that all human glory is fleeting and ultimately subject to the scrutiny and judgment of the Almighty, serving as a timeless warning against the dangers of vanity and spiritual arrogance.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Lamentations 1:8](/lamentations/1-8 "Lamentations 1:8 - Jerusalem's Shame and Nakedness")
* [1 Peter 3:3-4](/1_peter/3-3-4 "1 Peter 3:3-4 - Inner Beauty and Adornment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 3:17 offers timeless and challenging lessons for contemporary believers. It confronts the pervasive human tendency towards vanity, materialism, and spiritual pride, urging us to examine our hearts for any areas where we might be prioritizing outward appearance or social status over inner righteousness and humility before God. In a culture often obsessed with external beauty, fashion, and self-promotion, this verse serves as a stark reminder that God values the hidden person of the heart far above any superficial adornment. It calls us to cultivate a humble spirit, recognizing that true worth and lasting beauty emanate from a life lived in devotion to God, not from fleeting earthly possessions or accolades. Furthermore, the passage underscores the reality of divine justice; while God is merciful, He is also righteous, and unrepentant sin, especially pride, will ultimately face consequences. This should prompt introspection and a sincere desire to align our lives with God's will, seeking His glory rather than our own, and trusting in His grace for transformation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to prioritize outward appearance or social status over inner character and spiritual integrity?**
* **How does the judgment against the "daughters of Zion" challenge my understanding of God's justice and His view of human pride?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more humble spirit and genuinely value what God values?**

### FAQ

**What does "daughters of Zion" mean in this context?**

Answer: In [Isaiah 3:17](/isaiah/3-17 "Isaiah 3:17 - Judgment on the Daughters of Zion"), "daughters of Zion" refers to the wealthy and influential women of Jerusalem's elite. While "Zion" can refer to the entire city or people of Jerusalem, here it specifically targets the aristocratic women whose pride, vanity, and moral corruption are detailed in [Isaiah 3:16](/isaiah/3-16 "Isaiah 3:16 - The Haughtiness of Zion's Daughters"). The judgment against them highlights that even the most privileged members of society are accountable to God and not exempt from His righteous scrutiny.

**Why is "smite with a scab" such a severe punishment?**

Answer: To "smite with a scab" (a loathsome, disfiguring skin disease) is a severe punishment because it directly attacks the women's pride in their physical appearance, particularly their elaborate hairstyles and beauty. In ancient society, such a disease would cause disfigurement, social ostracization, and public shame, turning their sources of vanity into sources of repulsion. It's an ironic and fitting judgment that strips away their perceived beauty and status, reflecting the inner corruption that God sees.

**What does it mean for the Lord to "discover their secret parts"?**

Answer: To "discover their secret parts" means to expose them to public nakedness and utter humiliation. In the ancient Near East, this was a profound act of degradation, often inflicted upon conquered enemies as a symbol of complete defeat, enslavement, and the loss of all honor, dignity, and protection. It signifies the stripping away of all their outward coverings and perceived security, leaving them utterly vulnerable and shamed before all. This imagery is also used elsewhere in the prophets to describe the shame of Jerusalem, such as in [Lamentations 1:8](/lamentations/1-8 "Lamentations 1:8 - Jerusalem's Shame and Nakedness").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Isaiah 3:17](/isaiah/3-17 "Isaiah 3:17 - Judgment on the Daughters of Zion") is a stark prophecy of judgment, its themes find profound Christ-centered fulfillment, not in Christ experiencing such judgment for Himself, but in His redemptive work that addresses the very sin of pride and its consequences. The "daughters of Zion" sought glory and honor through outward appearance, ultimately facing shame. Christ, by contrast, willingly emptied Himself of divine glory ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")) and endured the ultimate shame and public exposure on the cross, becoming a curse for us ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")). He, who knew no sin, became sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). The nakedness and public humiliation threatened upon the daughters of Zion, symbolizing the exposure of their sin, were fully borne by Christ, who was stripped bare, not for His own pride, but to cover our spiritual nakedness with His righteousness. Through His sacrifice, those who humble themselves and trust in Him are not smitten with a scab of judgment or exposed in shame, but are clothed in His perfect righteousness and given true, lasting honor that transcends all earthly vanity ([Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - A Great Multitude Clothed in White Robes")). He is the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, including the sin of pride and self-exaltation ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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

Jeremiah 13:22

¶ And if thou say in thine heart, Wherefore come these things upon me? For the greatness of thine iniquity are thy skirts discovered, [and] thy heels made bare.

Leviticus 13:43

Then the priest shall look upon it: and, behold, [if] the rising of the sore [be] white reddish in his bald head, or in his bald forehead, as the leprosy appeareth in the skin of the flesh;

Leviticus 13:44

He is a leprous man, he [is] unclean: the priest shall pronounce him utterly unclean; his plague [is] in his head.

Isaiah 20:4

So shall the king of Assyria lead away the Egyptians prisoners, and the Ethiopians captives, young and old, naked and barefoot, even with [their] buttocks uncovered, to the shame of Egypt.

Micah 1:11

Pass ye away, thou inhabitant of Saphir, having thy shame naked: the inhabitant of Zaanan came not forth in the mourning of Bethezel; he shall receive of you his standing.

Revelation 16:2

And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and [upon] them which worshipped his image.

Leviticus 13:29

If a man or woman have a plague upon the head or the beard;