Isaiah 3:18

Authorized King James Version

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In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments about their feet, and their cauls, and their round tires like the moon,

Original Language Analysis

בַּיּ֨וֹם In that day H3117
בַּיּ֨וֹם In that day
Strong's: H3117
Word #: 1 of 9
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
הַה֜וּא H1931
הַה֜וּא
Strong's: H1931
Word #: 2 of 9
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
יָסִ֣יר will take away H5493
יָסִ֣יר will take away
Strong's: H5493
Word #: 3 of 9
to turn off (literally or figuratively)
אֲדֹנָ֗י the Lord H136
אֲדֹנָ֗י the Lord
Strong's: H136
Word #: 4 of 9
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
אֵ֣ת H853
אֵ֣ת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 5 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
תִּפְאֶ֧רֶת the bravery H8597
תִּפְאֶ֧רֶת the bravery
Strong's: H8597
Word #: 6 of 9
ornament (abstractly or concretely, literally or figuratively)
הָעֲכָסִ֛ים of their tinkling ornaments H5914
הָעֲכָסִ֛ים of their tinkling ornaments
Strong's: H5914
Word #: 7 of 9
a fetter; hence, an anklet
וְהַשְּׁבִיסִ֖ים about their feet and their cauls H7636
וְהַשְּׁבִיסִ֖ים about their feet and their cauls
Strong's: H7636
Word #: 8 of 9
a netting for the hair
וְהַשַּׂהֲרֹנִֽים׃ and their round tires like the moon H7720
וְהַשַּׂהֲרֹנִֽים׃ and their round tires like the moon
Strong's: H7720
Word #: 9 of 9
a round pendant for the neck

Analysis & Commentary

The detailed inventory of adornments—'tinkling ornaments' (anklets), 'cauls' (headbands), and 'round tires like the moon' (crescent necklaces)—emphasizes the extent of luxury that will be removed. Some ornaments, like moon crescents, may have pagan associations (cf. Judges 8:21, 26). The comprehensive list demonstrates both material excess and possible idolatrous syncretism. God's judgment strips away what displaced or competed with devotion to Him.

Historical Context

Archaeological discoveries from Iron Age Judah include numerous jewelry items matching Isaiah's description. The crescent ornaments particularly link to fertility cult worship.

Questions for Reflection

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