Isaiah 3:20

KJV

The bonnets, and the ornaments of the legs, and the headbands, and the tablets, and the earrings,

KJV (with Strong's)

The bonnets {H6287}, and the ornaments of the legs {H6807}, and the headbands {H7196}, and the tablets {H5315}{H1004}, and the earrings {H3908},

Complete Jewish Bible

their headbands, armlets, sashes, perfume bottles, amulets,

Berean Standard Bible

their headdresses, ankle chains, and sashes; their perfume bottles and charms;

American Standard Version

the headtires, and the ankle chains, and the sashes, and the perfume-boxes, and the amulets;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 3:20 is a continuation of the prophet's detailed inventory of the luxurious and ostentatious adornments worn by the proud "daughters of Zion" in Jerusalem. This verse, part of a larger prophetic judgment against the societal and spiritual decay of Judah, lists specific items of finery—bonnets, leg ornaments, headbands, tablets, and earrings—that God declares He will strip away. This act symbolizes the impending humiliation, desolation, and loss of status that will befall the people as a consequence of their arrogance, materialism, and spiritual rebellion against the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 3:20 is embedded within a powerful prophetic oracle (Isaiah 3:1-4:1) that pronounces God's judgment upon Judah and Jerusalem. Specifically, it falls within a section (Isaiah 3:16-24) dedicated to the "daughters of Zion." The preceding verses, [Isaiah 3:16-17](/isaiah/3-16 "Isaiah 3:16-17 - The Arrogance of Zion's Daughters"), vividly describe their haughty demeanor, "stretched forth necks," "wanton eyes," and "tinkling with their feet," highlighting their pride and self-absorption. Verses [Isaiah 3:18-23](/isaiah/3-18 "Isaiah 3:18-23 - The Stripping of Adornments") provide an extensive, almost exhaustive, list of their elaborate clothing and jewelry, emphasizing the excess and vanity that characterized the elite women of Jerusalem. Verse 20 continues this inventory, meticulously detailing the very items that God, in His judgment, promises to remove, turning their outward glory into shame and their beauty into desolation, as foreshadowed in [Isaiah 3:24](/isaiah/3-24 "Isaiah 3:24 - Consequences of Judgment").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern societies, personal adornment served various purposes, including status symbols, expressions of wealth, and cultural identity. However, Isaiah's condemnation is not against adornment itself, but against its *excessive, prideful, and idolatrous* use by the women of Jerusalem. During the 8th century BC, Judah, particularly its capital Jerusalem, experienced periods of prosperity, leading to social stratification and moral decay. The upper classes, as depicted here, indulged in luxury and displayed their wealth ostentatiously. This outward display of finery was symptomatic of a deeper spiritual malaise: a departure from the covenant with Yahweh, a reliance on human strength and worldly possessions, and a pervasive spirit of arrogance. The stripping away of these items would have been a profound public humiliation, signifying the loss of status, security, and ultimately, the impending judgment of exile and the desolation of their city, as seen in the later Babylonian captivity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, within its broader context, contributes to several significant themes. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Vanity and Materialism**, highlighting how an excessive focus on outward appearance and worldly possessions can betray a spiritual emptiness and a misplaced sense of value. The detailed enumeration of luxury items serves to expose the superficiality of their priorities. Secondly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Judgment**, where God directly intervenes to strip away the sources of their pride and security. This act of judgment is a consequence of their spiritual rebellion and a stark warning against placing ultimate trust in fleeting worldly status, as seen throughout [the book of Isaiah](/isaiah/1 "Isaiah - The Book of Prophecy and Judgment"). Thirdly, the passage points to **Spiritual Decay**, revealing how the external display of wealth and status was merely a symptom of a deeper societal and individual turning away from God's righteous ways. The women's haughtiness and self-glorification were antithetical to the humility and obedience God required of His covenant people, leading to the pronouncements of woe found in [Isaiah 5](/isaiah/5 "Isaiah 5 - The Song of the Vineyard and Woes").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bonnets (Hebrew, _pᵉʼêr'_):** From the root meaning "to adorn" or "to glorify," this term refers to an embellishment, specifically a fancy head-dress or turban. It signifies an item of beauty, a goodly ornament, or a tire, indicating a prominent and often elaborate piece of headwear worn for display or status.
* **Ornaments of the legs (Hebrew, _tsᵉʻâdâh'_):** This feminine noun, derived from a word meaning "a march," concretely refers to an ornamental ankle-chain or anklet. These were often worn in pairs and could produce a tinkling sound as the wearer walked, as implied in [Isaiah 3:16](/isaiah/3-16 "Isaiah 3:16 - The Tinkling of Their Feet"). They were significant items of personal adornment, highlighting the gait and presence of the wearer.
* **Tablets (Hebrew, _bayith_ and _nephesh'_):** The KJV translates a compound Hebrew phrase, _battey hannefesh_, literally "houses of the soul" or "houses of breath."
* **_bayith_ (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** Primarily meaning "a house," this word can extend to denote a container or dwelling place.
* **_nephesh_ (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** Meaning "a breathing creature," "vitality," "soul," or "life."
Together, "houses of the soul" likely refers to small perfume boxes, scent bottles, or perhaps small amulets worn around the neck, believed to contain or influence the "soul" or "breath," thus implying a personal, intimate, and potentially superstitious item.
* **Earrings (Hebrew, _lachash'_):** This term is derived from a root meaning "to whisper." It can refer to a whisper, a private prayer, an incantation, or concretely, an amulet. Therefore, these "earrings" were not merely decorative but often carried superstitious or magical connotations, functioning as charms or talismans believed to ward off evil or bring good fortune. This deeper meaning underscores the spiritual deviation of the women.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The bonnets":** This refers to the elaborate and decorative head coverings worn by the women, signifying their status and beauty, and likely a source of their pride.
* **"and the ornaments of the legs":** These were anklets or ankle chains, which, as mentioned in [Isaiah 3:16](/isaiah/3-16 "Isaiah 3:16 - The Tinkling of Their Feet"), would have made a distinctive sound as the women walked, drawing attention to their gait and presence.
* **"and the headbands":** These were decorative bands, possibly sashes or girdles worn around the waist, chest, or head, further adding to their ornate attire and emphasizing their fashion-conscious and luxurious lifestyle.
* **"and the tablets":** These were likely small, personal containers, perhaps perfume boxes or amulets, worn close to the body, possibly around the neck. Their designation as "houses of the soul" suggests a deeper, potentially superstitious, significance beyond mere decoration.
* **"and the earrings":** More than simple ear adornments, the Hebrew term suggests these earrings could also function as charms or amulets, implying a reliance on superstitious practices alongside their display of wealth.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 3:20, along with the surrounding verses, makes prominent use of **Enumeration** (or listing), meticulously detailing a wide array of specific articles of clothing and jewelry. This exhaustive list serves to emphasize the sheer volume and excess of the women's adornments, highlighting their vanity and the depth of their materialism. This enumeration also builds a cumulative effect, underscoring the comprehensive nature of the judgment that will strip away every item of their pride. Furthermore, these items function as powerful **Symbolism**. The "bonnets," "ornaments of the legs," "headbands," "tablets," and "earrings" are not just material objects; they symbolize the women's haughtiness, their misplaced identity in outward appearance, and their reliance on worldly status rather than on God. The prophetic act of stripping these away symbolizes the impending humiliation, the loss of their societal standing, and the desolation that will replace their current glory. There is also an element of **Irony** in that the very objects intended to bring them honor and admiration will become the instruments of their shame and the evidence of their downfall.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 3:20, within its broader context, serves as a profound theological statement on the dangers of vanity, materialism, and the spiritual emptiness that often accompanies an excessive focus on outward appearance. It underscores God's righteous judgment against pride and self-sufficiency, reminding us that true worth and security are not found in fleeting possessions or social status, but in a humble and obedient relationship with the Creator. The passage challenges believers to examine their hearts and priorities, ensuring that their identity is rooted in divine approval rather than human applause or worldly accumulation. It warns against the idolatry of self and possessions, which diverts attention and devotion from the Lord, leading to spiritual decay and ultimately, divine discipline.

* [1 Peter 3:3-4](/1_peter/3-3 "1 Peter 3:3-4 - Inner Beauty vs. Outward Adornment")
* [Proverbs 31:30](/proverbs/31-30 "Proverbs 31:30 - Charm is Deceitful, Beauty is Vain")
* [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 3:20 stands as a timeless warning against the seductive power of materialism and the deceptive nature of outward appearances. In a world increasingly driven by consumerism, social media validation, and the relentless pursuit of external perfection, this passage calls us to a radical re-evaluation of our priorities. It challenges us to ask where our true security and identity lie: in the fleeting trends and possessions of this world, or in the enduring character and eternal promises of God. True beauty, as the Scriptures consistently affirm, is not found in what we wear or what we own, but in the cultivation of a humble, godly character that reflects the image of Christ. This passage compels us to prioritize spiritual wealth—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—over the accumulation of material goods, and to seek God's glory above our own.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I define true beauty or worth in my own life and in the lives of others?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to find my security or identity in external possessions, social status, or outward appearances?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate "inner beauty" and spiritual character, as opposed to focusing on fleeting worldly trends?**

### FAQ
**Was all adornment forbidden in ancient Israel, or is Isaiah condemning something specific?**

Answer: Isaiah is not condemning all adornment in general, as jewelry and fine clothing were common and often seen as blessings in ancient Israel (e.g., [Genesis 24:53](/genesis/24-53 "Genesis 24:53 - Rebekah's Jewelry")). Instead, Isaiah is condemning the *excessive, prideful, and idolatrous* use of such items by the "daughters of Zion." Their lavish display was a symptom of their haughtiness, spiritual rebellion, and misplaced trust in worldly wealth and status rather than in God. The detailed list highlights the extent of their vanity and the depth of their spiritual decay, which warranted divine judgment.

**What is the significance of "tablets" and "earrings" potentially being amulets?**

Answer: The Hebrew terms for "tablets" (_battey hannefesh_, "houses of the soul") and "earrings" (_lachashim_, which can also mean "charms" or "incantations") suggest that these items were not merely decorative. "Tablets" may have been small containers for perfumes or scents, but the "soul" connotation hints at a deeper, possibly superstitious, meaning, perhaps believed to contain or influence one's vitality. "Earrings" being associated with "charms" or "amulets" indicates that they might have been worn for magical protection or good luck, reflecting a syncretistic practice where the women relied on pagan superstitions alongside or instead of exclusive trust in Yahweh. This further underscores the spiritual corruption Isaiah is addressing.

**How does this passage apply to men, not just women?**

Answer: While Isaiah 3:16-24 specifically addresses the "daughters of Zion" and their adornments, the underlying principles apply universally to all people, regardless of gender. The core message is a warning against pride, materialism, vanity, and placing ultimate value in external appearances or worldly possessions. Men can be equally susceptible to these temptations, whether through extravagant clothing, luxury vehicles, status symbols, or an overemphasis on physical appearance. The passage calls all believers to cultivate inner character, humility, and a heart devoted to God, rather than seeking identity or security in fleeting outward displays, as seen in [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - The Lord Looks at the Heart").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 3:20, with its stark portrayal of judgment against pride and materialism, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. While the daughters of Zion sought glory in outward adornment, Jesus, the Son of God, emptied Himself of divine glory, taking on the form of a servant and humbling Himself even to death on a cross ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). He was stripped not of luxurious finery, but of His very garments before His crucifixion, enduring ultimate shame so that we might be clothed in His righteousness ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). The judgment pronounced upon the proud in Isaiah foreshadows the righteous judgment against all sin, which Jesus bore on our behalf, offering forgiveness and reconciliation. In Christ, our true beauty and worth are no longer found in outward display or worldly status, but in being "clothed with Christ" through faith ([Galatians 3:27](/galatians/3-27 "Galatians 3:27 - Clothed with Christ")). He calls us to seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness ([Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God")), transforming our hearts from within, so that our lives reflect His humble, self-sacrificial love, rather than the fleeting vanity of this world.

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

Exodus 39:28

And a mitre [of] fine linen, and goodly bonnets [of] fine linen, and linen breeches [of] fine twined linen,

Ezekiel 16:12

And I put a jewel on thy forehead, and earrings in thine ears, and a beautiful crown upon thine head.

Exodus 32:2

And Aaron said unto them, Break off the golden earrings, which [are] in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring [them] unto me.

Hosea 2:13

And I will visit upon her the days of Baalim, wherein she burned incense to them, and she decked herself with her earrings and her jewels, and she went after her lovers, and forgat me, saith the LORD.

Genesis 35:4

And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which [were] in their hand, and [all their] earrings which [were] in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which [was] by Shechem.