Isaiah 3:21

The rings, and nose jewels,

The rings {H2885}, and nose {H639} jewels {H5141},

rings and nose-jewels;

their signet rings and nose rings;

the rings, and the nose-jewels;

Context of Isaiah 3:21

Isaiah 3:21 is part of a powerful prophetic indictment against the women of Jerusalem and Judah, found in Isaiah chapter 3, beginning with verse 16. The prophet Isaiah is detailing God's impending judgment on Judah for its widespread sin, particularly focusing on the arrogance, vanity, and excessive materialism of the "daughters of Zion." This list of extravagant adornments, including "the rings, and nose jewels," serves to highlight the societal preoccupation with outward display and luxury, which stood in stark contrast to their spiritual decay and moral corruption. The judgment would involve stripping away these very symbols of their pride, leading to shame and desolation.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Vanity and Excessive Adornment: The mention of "rings" and "nose jewels" underscores a culture deeply engrossed in superficial beauty and status symbols. This passage critiques the obsession with outward appearance over inward righteousness and humility.
  • Materialism vs. Spirituality: The focus on lavish personal items reveals a misplaced priority, where material possessions and social standing overshadowed a genuine relationship with God. This serves as a warning against allowing worldly desires to dominate one's life.
  • Divine Judgment and Humiliation: These specific items are listed among the many ornaments that God promises to strip away as part of His judgment. The removal of these symbols of pride would bring public humiliation and signify the end of their perceived glory, demonstrating that true security and worth come only from God, not from earthly possessions.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "the rings, and nose jewels" translates two distinct Hebrew terms:

  • Rings (Hebrew: tabba'at, טַבַּעַת): This term generally refers to finger rings, signet rings, or possibly even earrings. Rings were common ancient adornments, often signifying wealth, authority, or marital status. Their inclusion here points to their excessive use or the pride associated with them.
  • Nose Jewels (Hebrew: nezem, נֶזֶם): This word can refer to either a nose ring or an earring. In the ancient Near East, both were popular forms of personal adornment for women and sometimes men, often made of gold or silver and sometimes set with precious stones. The context here strongly suggests nose rings, highlighting an exotic or luxurious form of self-decoration that contributed to the overall sense of ostentation.

Practical Application

While the specific cultural context of ancient Judah differs from today, the underlying principles of Isaiah 3:21 remain highly relevant:

  • Examine Priorities: This verse challenges us to reflect on our own priorities. Are we overly concerned with outward appearance, material possessions, or social status? Or do we prioritize spiritual growth, character development, and a humble walk with God? Matthew 6:33 reminds us to "seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness."
  • True Beauty: The passage implicitly teaches that true and lasting beauty comes from within, from a godly character and a humble spirit, rather than from external adornments. As 1 Peter 3:3-4 advises, "Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning... But let it be the hidden man of the heart."
  • Consequences of Pride: Isaiah's prophecy serves as a sober reminder that pride and vanity often precede a fall. God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Recognizing this helps us cultivate humility and gratitude.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Genesis 24:47

    And I asked her, and said, Whose daughter [art] thou? And she said, The daughter of Bethuel, Nahor's son, whom Milcah bare unto him: and I put the earring upon her face, and the bracelets upon her hands.

  • 1 Peter 3:3

    Whose adorning let it not be that outward [adorning] of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;

  • 1 Peter 3:4

    But [let it be] the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, [even the ornament] of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

  • James 2:2

    For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;

  • Genesis 41:42

    And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck;

  • Esther 8:12

    Upon one day in all the provinces of king Ahasuerus, [namely], upon the thirteenth [day] of the twelfth month, which [is] the month Adar.

  • Song Of Solomon 5:14

    His hands [are as] gold rings set with the beryl: his belly [is as] bright ivory overlaid [with] sapphires.

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