Isaiah 3:22

KJV

The changeable suits of apparel, and the mantles, and the wimples, and the crisping pins,

KJV (with Strong's)

The changeable suits of apparel {H4254}, and the mantles {H4595}, and the wimples {H4304}, and the crisping pins {H2754},

Complete Jewish Bible

their fine dresses, wraps, shawls, handbags,

Berean Standard Bible

their festive robes, capes, cloaks, and purses;

American Standard Version

the festival robes, and the mantles, and the shawls, and the satchels;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 3:22 is a poignant detail within a broader prophetic indictment against the pride, materialism, and spiritual decay of Judah and Jerusalem. This verse specifically enumerates items of luxurious apparel and adornment worn by the women of Zion, serving as a vivid illustration of the societal vanity and misplaced priorities that had provoked divine judgment. It underscores how external ostentation masked a profound internal emptiness and a departure from God's righteous standards, foreshadowing the stripping away of such finery as a symbol of national humiliation and desolation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 3:22 is situated within a sweeping prophetic oracle (Isaiah 2-4) that condemns the moral corruption and social injustice prevalent in Judah and Jerusalem. Following a vision of future glory and peace under God's rule ([Isaiah 2:1-5](/isaiah/2-1 "Isaiah 2:1-5 - The Mountain of the Lord's House")), the prophet abruptly shifts to a stark portrayal of impending judgment due to the nation's pride and rebellion. Chapter 3 focuses particularly on the collapse of leadership, societal chaos, and a scathing critique of the haughty women of Jerusalem. Verses 16-24 detail their excessive adornment and proud demeanor, with verse 22 specifically listing some of these opulent items. The subsequent verses (Isaiah 3:24-26) describe the dire consequences of this judgment, where their beauty and finery will be replaced by shame, desolation, and mourning, emphasizing the severity of God's displeasure with their spiritual state.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Isaiah was delivered during the 8th century BCE, a period of relative prosperity for Judah, particularly during the reigns of Uzziah and Jotham. This prosperity often led to increased social stratification, luxury, and moral decline, especially among the elite. Jerusalem, as the capital, would have been a hub of such extravagance. The items listed in Isaiah 3:22 reflect the fashion and status symbols of wealthy women in ancient Near Eastern societies, where elaborate clothing, jewelry, and cosmetics were not merely personal adornments but indicators of social standing, wealth, and often, pride. The prophet's condemnation is not against beauty or adornment in themselves, but against the excessive, vain, and spiritually empty pursuit of these things, which had become a symptom of a deeper societal malaise and a turning away from the covenant with God.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Pride and Humiliation**, where the haughty spirit of the people, exemplified by the women's ostentation, inevitably leads to divine judgment and a stripping away of their perceived glory. This echoes the universal principle found in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction"). Another significant theme is **Materialism vs. Spiritual Health**. The focus on "changeable suits of apparel," "mantles," "wimples," and "crisping pins" highlights a societal preoccupation with worldly possessions and outward appearance over spiritual devotion and justice. This misplaced value system is consistently condemned throughout the prophets as a sign of spiritual idolatry. Finally, the passage underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Restoration**. The judgment described is severe, but it is ultimately intended to purify and humble the nation, paving the way for a future remnant who will live righteously under God's rule, as hinted at in [Isaiah 4:2-6](/isaiah/4 "Isaiah 4 - The Branch of the Lord and Zion's Cleansing").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **changeable suits of apparel (Hebrew, _machălâtsâh'_):** From a root meaning "to draw off" or "to strip," this term refers to costly, festive robes or mantles, often implying multiple sets of such garments for different occasions. The "changeable" aspect emphasizes a vast wardrobe, indicative of luxury, abundance, and an excessive focus on outward display, suggesting a desire to impress and to flaunt wealth.
* **wimples (Hebrew, _miṭpachath'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to spread out," this word describes a wide cloak, veil, or shawl, typically worn by women. These were likely made of fine, expensive materials and were part of an elaborate ensemble, signifying modesty, status, or beauty. In this context, their inclusion points to the meticulous and luxurious nature of the women's adornment.
* **crisping pins (Hebrew, _chârîyṭ'_):** From a root meaning "to cut out" or "hollow," this term primarily refers to a pouch, bag, or purse. While the KJV translates it as "crisping pins" (suggesting hair curlers or ornaments), the more common and linguistically supported understanding is "purses" or "pouches." If "purses," it adds another dimension to the indictment, pointing not only to vanity but also to an attachment to wealth and possessions carried close at hand, perhaps even hinting at ill-gotten gains or the storage of money for further indulgence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The changeable suits of apparel":** This phrase points to an extravagant wardrobe, characterized by numerous sets of costly and luxurious garments. It signifies a culture of excessive consumption and a preoccupation with fashion and social status, where one's identity was tied to outward appearance and material wealth.
* **"and the mantles":** These were elaborate outer cloaks or wraps, often decorated or made of fine fabrics. Their mention further emphasizes the women's opulent attire, indicating a desire for grand and impressive outward presentation, contributing to an overall image of pride and self-importance.
* **"and the wimples":** Referring to elegant head coverings, veils, or shawls, this detail highlights the meticulousness and completeness of their luxurious adornment. These items, likely made of expensive materials, were integral to their fashionable appearance, symbolizing their elevated social standing and their focus on every detail of their external display.
* **"and the crisping pins":** As discussed in the key word analysis, while traditionally translated as hair ornaments, the more accurate understanding of "purses" or "pouches" adds a layer of meaning. It suggests not only vanity in appearance but also an attachment to the very means of acquiring such luxury—money and possessions—carried close at hand, reinforcing the theme of materialism and self-indulgence.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 3:22 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Enumeration** is prominently used, as the prophet lists specific items of clothing and adornment. This detailed cataloging creates a vivid and tangible picture of the women's excessive luxury, making their vanity concrete and undeniable. This enumeration also serves as a form of **Symbolism**, where each item listed (changeable suits, mantles, wimples, crisping pins/purses) becomes a symbol of the broader societal pride, materialism, and spiritual emptiness. The accumulation of these symbols underscores the depth of their self-absorption. Furthermore, there is an underlying **Irony** in the passage: these very symbols of their pride and status are precisely what God will strip away in judgment, turning their glory into shame and their beauty into desolation (Isaiah 3:24). The prophet uses these material objects to expose the spiritual decay beneath the glittering surface.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 3:22, by cataloging the luxurious adornments of Jerusalem's women, powerfully illustrates the theological principle that outward display, when rooted in pride and materialism, is an affront to God and a symptom of spiritual decay. The prophet's indictment is not against beauty itself, but against the heart's posture that prioritizes fleeting earthly glory over obedience, humility, and justice. This passage serves as a timeless warning against the dangers of idolatry, where possessions and status become false gods, distracting from true worship and leading to a misplacement of ultimate value. God consistently calls His people to an inner transformation that manifests in righteous living, rather than a superficial adherence to religious forms or an obsession with external appearances.

* [1 Peter 3:3-4](/1_peter/3-3 "1 Peter 3:3-4 - Adornment of the Heart")
* [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Treasures in Heaven")
* [Proverbs 11:2](/proverbs/11-2 "Proverbs 11:2 - When Pride Comes, Then Comes Disgrace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 3:22 challenges us to look beyond the specific cultural items of ancient Jerusalem and examine the underlying attitudes they represent: pride, vanity, and an excessive focus on external appearance and material possessions. In a contemporary context, this might manifest as an obsession with fashion trends, social media image, accumulating wealth, or seeking status through outward displays. The passage serves as a powerful reminder that true worth and lasting beauty are not found in what we wear or own, but in the character of our hearts and our devotion to God. It calls us to cultivate inner virtues—humility, compassion, integrity, and a spirit of generosity—which are far more valuable in God's sight than any earthly adornment. Our priorities should align with God's kingdom values, seeking first His righteousness and trusting Him to provide, rather than chasing after fleeting worldly glories that ultimately lead to emptiness and judgment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be tempted to find my identity or worth in external appearances or material possessions today?**
* **How does my spending and consumption reflect my deepest values and priorities?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate inner beauty and humility, as opposed to focusing on outward display?**
* **How can I use my resources (time, talent, treasure) to honor God and serve others, rather than for self-indulgence?**

### FAQ

**Why does God seem to care about clothing and adornment in this passage?**

Answer: God's concern is not primarily with the clothing items themselves, but with what they represent: the heart attitude of the people. In Isaiah 3:22, the excessive and prideful display of luxurious apparel by the women of Jerusalem symbolized a deeper spiritual sickness—vanity, materialism, and a turning away from God's righteous standards. These adornments were not just fashion; they were outward manifestations of an inward haughtiness and a misplaced worship of self and worldly status. God cares about the heart, and when external displays become idols or indicators of spiritual rebellion, they draw His judgment. The stripping away of these items in the subsequent verses (Isaiah 3:24) is a symbolic act of judgment, mirroring the humiliation and desolation that would befall the proud nation.

**Is all material wealth or nice clothing condemned by God?**

Answer: No, the Bible does not condemn all material wealth or nice clothing in themselves. God is the source of all good things, and He often blesses His people with abundance. The issue in Isaiah 3:22, and in many other biblical passages, is the **attitude** towards wealth and possessions. When material things become an object of pride, a source of vanity, an idol that replaces God, or are acquired through injustice, then they become problematic. The condemnation is against the love of money ([1 Timothy 6:10](/1_timothy/6-10 "1 Timothy 6:10 - The Love of Money")), the pursuit of self-glory through possessions ([Luke 12:15](/luke/12-15 "Luke 12:15 - Beware of Covetousness")), and the neglect of spiritual values for worldly gain ([Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - No One Can Serve Two Masters")). The focus should always be on using resources for God's glory and the good of others, rather than for selfish indulgence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 3:22, with its vivid depiction of human vanity and the impending judgment upon it, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. While the women of Jerusalem adorned themselves with "changeable suits of apparel" and "mantles" to signify status and pride, Christ chose the path of ultimate humility. He "made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humility")), willingly divesting Himself of divine glory to enter human flesh. The judgment prophesied by Isaiah, where outward finery would be stripped away, foreshadows the spiritual reality that all human attempts at self-glory and righteousness are but "filthy rags" before a holy God ([Isaiah 64:6](/isaiah/64-6 "Isaiah 64:6 - Our Righteousness as Filthy Rags")). In contrast, Christ offers a true and lasting adornment: the "garment of salvation" and the "robe of righteousness" ([Isaiah 61:10](/isaiah/61-10 "Isaiah 61:10 - Garment of Salvation")), freely given to those who trust in Him. He is the Lamb of God whose sacrifice takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), including the sin of pride and materialism. Through His atoning work, believers are clothed with His perfect righteousness, receiving an eternal beauty and status that far surpasses any earthly "crisping pins" or "wimples." Our true adornment is now found in Christ, not in outward display, as we are called to put on "the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" ([Ephesians 4:24](/ephesians/4-24 "Ephesians 4:24 - The New Self")).

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.