Isaiah 3:17
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.
Original Language Analysis
וְשִׂפַּ֣ח
will smite with a scab
H5596
וְשִׂפַּ֣ח
will smite with a scab
Strong's:
H5596
Word #:
1 of 8
properly, to scrape out, but in certain peculiar senses (of removal or association)
אֲדֹנָ֔י
Therefore the Lord
H136
אֲדֹנָ֔י
Therefore the Lord
Strong's:
H136
Word #:
2 of 8
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
קָדְקֹ֖ד
the crown of the head
H6936
קָדְקֹ֖ד
the crown of the head
Strong's:
H6936
Word #:
3 of 8
the crown of the head (as the part most bowed)
בְּנ֣וֹת
of the daughters
H1323
בְּנ֣וֹת
of the daughters
Strong's:
H1323
Word #:
4 of 8
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
צִיּ֑וֹן
of Zion
H6726
צִיּ֑וֹן
of Zion
Strong's:
H6726
Word #:
5 of 8
tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem
וַיהוָ֖ה
and the LORD
H3068
וַיהוָ֖ה
and the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 8
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
Jeremiah 13:22And 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.Isaiah 20:4So 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 1:11Pass ye away, thou inhabitant of Saphir, having thy shame naked: the inhabitant of Zaanan came not forth in the mourning of Beth-ezel; he shall receive of you his standing.
Historical Context
Conquest typically involved humiliation of captives, including public shaming. The threatened disgrace would reverse the very pride Isaiah condemns, fulfilling covenant curses (Deuteronomy 28:25-26).
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's judgment often employ reversal—using pride's instruments for humiliation?
- What does this teach about the serious consequences of vanity and spiritual pride?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God's promise to 'smite with a scab the crown of the head' and 'discover their secret parts' describes humiliating judgment—likely referring to conquest and slavery. Beauty becomes disfigurement, modesty becomes shame. The vivid imagery shows that what was used for seduction and pride becomes the means of disgrace. This anticipates the principle that sin's consequences often mirror its expression (Galatians 6:7), and that God opposes the proud (James 4:6).