feminine of צַעַד; a march; (concretely) an (ornamental) ankle-chain; going, ornament of the legs.
Transliteration:tsᵉʻâdâh
Pronunciation:tseh-aw-daw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term צְעָדָה (tsᵉʻâdâh), Strong's number `{{H6807}}`, is a feminine noun derived from the root צַעַד (tsaʻad, `{{H6806}}`), which signifies "a step," "a pace," or "a march." While the base meaning of tsᵉʻâdâh inherently relates to "going" or "a march," its concrete application in biblical usage shifts to a specific item associated with movement: an "ornamental ankle-chain" or "ornament of the legs." This semantic range suggests that the object either facilitated a particular manner of walking or, more likely, adorned the legs in such a way as to draw attention to the wearer's steps. The feminine form strongly indicates its use as an adornment, typically for women. These ankle-chains, often connected by a short chain between the feet, would compel a short, mincing step, possibly producing a jingling sound, thereby emphasizing the wearer's gait and status.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word צְעָדָה (tsᵉʻâdâh) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Isaiah:
* **[[Isaiah 3:20]]**: "the headbands, and the stepping chains, and the sashes, and the perfume boxes, and the amulets;" (ESV, modified for direct transliteration of tsᵉʻâdâh as "stepping chains").
In this singular occurrence, tsᵉʻâdâh is listed among a comprehensive catalog of luxurious and ostentatious adornments worn by the "daughters of Zion" ([[Isaiah 3:16]]). The broader context of Isaiah 3 is a prophecy of judgment against Judah and Jerusalem for their pride, arrogance, and moral corruption. The prophet condemns not only the leaders but also the women, whose excessive ornamentation and haughty demeanor are symptomatic of the nation's spiritual decay. The "stepping chains" (צְעָדָה) are depicted as part of an array of vanity items—including foot ornaments, crescents, earrings, rings, and veils—that symbolize the women's self-indulgence and their focus on outward appearance rather than inward piety or justice. God declares that He will strip away these very symbols of their pride, replacing beauty with disfigurement and luxury with destitution ([[Isaiah 3:24]]). The ankle-chains, which once produced a delicate sound and forced a distinctive walk, would be removed, leaving behind the shame of their nakedness.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the masculine noun צַעַד (tsaʻad, `{{H6806}}`), meaning "step," "pace," or "march," from which tsᵉʻâdâh is directly derived. This connection underscores the intrinsic link between the ornament and the act of walking.
Other concepts and related terms found within the same passage ([[Isaiah 3:18-23]]) include a wide range of personal adornments that collectively paint a picture of excessive luxury and pride:
* **עֲכָסִים** ('akhasim, "foot ornaments" or "anklets," `{{H5913}}`)
* **שְׂבִיסִים** (sᵉvisim, "headbands" or "nets," `{{H7636}}`)
* **שֶׁמֶשׁ** (shemesh, "crescents" or "sun-disks," `{{H8124}}`)
* **נְטִיפוֹת** (nᵉṭifot, "pendants" or "earrings," `{{H5187}}`)
* **שֵׁרוֹת** (sherot, "chains" or "necklaces," `{{H7547}}`)
* **רְעָלוֹת** (rᵉʻalot, "veils" or "shawls," `{{H7479}}`)
These terms collectively illustrate the cultural context of wealth and status expressed through elaborate personal decoration in ancient Israel. The underlying concepts related to tsᵉʻâdâh therefore include:
* **Pride and Vanity:** The chains were not merely functional but ornamental, contributing to a display of self-importance.
* **Luxury and Excess:** They represent a society that had become overly focused on material possessions and outward show.
* **Gait and Demeanor:** The chains influenced the wearer's walk, making it a deliberate and attention-drawing movement.
* **Social Status:** Such expensive adornments were clear markers of wealth and position.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of צְעָדָה (tsᵉʻâdâh) lies primarily in its role within Isaiah's prophecy of judgment. It serves as a powerful symbol of:
1. **Divine Judgment on Pride:** The removal of the "stepping chains" and other finery symbolizes God's direct judgment against human arrogance and self-exaltation. The women's proud walk, accentuated by these ornaments, becomes a target of divine wrath, demonstrating that God abhors haughtiness ([[Proverbs 16:5]]) and will bring down the proud ([[Isaiah 2:12]]).
2. **The Folly of Earthly Vanity:** The transient nature of these beautiful objects underscores the futility of placing one's identity or security in material possessions or outward appearance. What is esteemed by humans can be swiftly stripped away by God, revealing the emptiness beneath.
3. **Call to Inner Righteousness:** By condemning external display, the passage implicitly calls for a focus on inner beauty, humility, and righteousness. True adornment, from a biblical perspective, is not outward ornamentation but a "gentle and quiet spirit" ([[1 Peter 3:3-4]]) and "good deeds" ([[1 Timothy 2:9-10]]).
4. **Consequences of Disobedience:** The loss of these cherished items is part of the broader consequence of Judah's disobedience and rebellion against God. The very symbols of their comfort and status become signs of their impending desolation.
### Summary
The Hebrew word צְעָדָה (tsᵉʻâdâh, `{{H6807}}`) fundamentally means "a march" or "going," derived from the root `{{H6806}}` ("step"). However, its singular biblical occurrence in [[Isaiah 3:20]] reveals its concrete meaning as an "ornamental ankle-chain" or "stepping chain." These adornments, worn by the "daughters of Zion," were designed to influence the wearer's gait and produce a distinctive sound, thereby drawing attention to their proud and luxurious demeanor. In Isaiah's prophecy, the tsᵉʻâdâh stands as a potent symbol of human vanity, excessive materialism, and social pride. Its promised removal signifies God's righteous judgment against those who prioritize outward show over inner piety and justice, underscoring the ephemeral nature of worldly possessions and the divine call to humility and true righteousness.
TRV