Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version and mirrors, and the linen garments and tiaras and shawls. New Living Translation mirrors, fine linen garments, head ornaments, and shawls. English Standard Version the mirrors, the linen garments, the turbans, and the veils. Berean Standard Bible and their mirrors, linen garments, tiaras, and shawls. Berean Literal Bible and the mirrors, and the linen garments, and the turbans, and the veils. King James Bible The glasses, and the fine linen, and the hoods, and the vails. New King James Version and the mirrors; The fine linen, the turbans, and the robes. New American Standard Bible papyrus garments, undergarments, headbands, and veils. NASB 1995 hand mirrors, undergarments, turbans and veils. NASB 1977 hand mirrors, undergarments, turbans, and veils. Legacy Standard Bible hand mirrors, undergarments, turbans, and shawls. Amplified Bible hand mirrors, [fine linen] undergarments, headbands, and veils [covering the entire body]. Berean Annotated Bible and their mirrors, linen garments, tiaras, and shawls. Christian Standard Bible garments, linen clothes, turbans, and shawls. Holman Christian Standard Bible garments, linen clothes, turbans, and veils. American Standard Version the hand-mirrors, and the fine linen, and the turbans, and the veils. English Revised Version the hand mirrors, and the fine linen, and the turbans, and the veils. GOD'S WORD® Translation mirrors, underwear, headdresses, and veils. Good News Translation their revealing garments, their linen handkerchiefs, and the scarves and long veils they wear on their heads. International Standard Version mirrors, linen garments, tiaras, and veils. NET Bible garments, vests, head coverings, and gowns. New Heart English Bible the hand mirrors, the fine linen garments, the tiaras, and the shawls. Webster's Bible Translation The glasses, and the fine linen, and the hoods, and the vails. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bibleand their mirrors, linen garments, tiaras, and shawls. World English Bible the hand mirrors, the fine linen garments, the tiaras, and the shawls. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionOf the mirrors, and of the linen garments, "" And of the hoods, and of the veils, Berean Literal Bible and the mirrors, and the linen garments, and the turbans, and the veils. Young's Literal Translation Of the mirrors, and of the linen garments, And of the hoods, and of the vails, Smith's Literal Translation The mirrors and the shirts and the turbans and the veils. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd looking-glasses, and lawns, and headbands, and fine veils. Catholic Public Domain Version and the mirrors, and scarves, and ribbons, and their sparse clothing. New American Bible the lace gowns, linen tunics, turbans, and shawls. New Revised Standard Version the garments of gauze, the linen garments, the turbans, and the veils. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThe long outer garments, the purple robes, the scarlet robes, the wardrobe of all their adornments. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And their long garments and all their dark blue and scarlet and red and their ornaments OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917and the gauze robes, and the fine linen, and the turbans, and the mantles. Brenton Septuagint Translation and those made of fine linen, and the purple ones, and the scarlet ones, and the fine linen, interwoven with gold and purple, and the light coverings for couches. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context A Warning to Jerusalem…22their festive robes, capes, cloaks, and purses; 23and their mirrors, linen garments, tiaras, and shawls. 24Instead of fragrance there will be a stench; instead of a belt, a rope; instead of styled hair, baldness; instead of fine clothing, sackcloth; instead of beauty, shame.… Cross References their mirrors Exodus 38:8 Next he made the bronze basin and its stand from the mirrors of the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. James 1:23-24 For anyone who hears the word but does not carry it out is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror, / and after observing himself goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 1 Corinthians 13:12 Now we see but a dim reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. linen garments Proverbs 31:24 She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchants. Ezekiel 16:10 I clothed you in embroidered cloth and gave you sandals of fine leather. I wrapped you in fine linen and covered you with silk. Genesis 41:42 Then Pharaoh removed the signet ring from his finger, put it on Joseph’s finger, clothed him in garments of fine linen, and placed a gold chain around his neck. tiaras Ezekiel 44:18 They are to wear linen turbans on their heads and linen undergarments around their waists. They must not wear anything that makes them perspire. Exodus 28:39 You are to weave the tunic with fine linen, make the turban of fine linen, and fashion an embroidered sash. Zechariah 3:5 Then I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So a clean turban was placed on his head, and they clothed him, as the angel of the LORD stood by. and shawls Genesis 24:65 and asked the servant, “Who is that man in the field coming to meet us?” “It is my master,” the servant answered. So she took her veil and covered herself. Genesis 38:14-15 she removed her widow’s garments, covered her face with a veil to disguise herself, and sat at the entrance to Enaim, which is on the way to Timnah. For she saw that although Shelah had grown up, she had not been given to him as a wife. / When Judah saw her, he thought she was a prostitute because she had covered her face. Songs 4:1 How beautiful you are, my darling—how very beautiful! Your eyes are like doves behind your veil. Your hair is like a flock of goats streaming down Mount Gilead. 1 Peter 3:3-4 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, / but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight. 1 Timothy 2:9-10 Likewise, I want the women to adorn themselves with respectable apparel, with modesty, and with self-control, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, / but with good deeds, as is proper for women who profess to worship God. Revelation 18:11-13 And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, because there is no one left to buy their cargo— / cargo of gold, silver, precious stones, and pearls; of fine linen, purple, silk, and scarlet; of all kinds of citron wood and every article of ivory, precious wood, bronze, iron, and marble; / of cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, and frankincense; of wine, olive oil, fine flour, and wheat; of cattle, sheep, horses, and carriages; of bodies and souls of slaves. Proverbs 31:30 Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Treasury of Scripture The glasses, and the fine linen, and the hoods, and the veils. glasses Exodus 38:8 And he made the laver of brass, and the foot of it of brass, of the lookingglasses of the women assembling, which assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. fine linen 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; 1 Chronicles 15:27 And David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, and all the Levites that bare the ark, and the singers, and Chenaniah the master of the song with the singers: David also had upon him an ephod of linen. Ezekiel 16:10 I clothed thee also with broidered work, and shod thee with badgers' skin, and I girded thee about with fine linen, and I covered thee with silk. vails Genesis 24:65 For she had said unto the servant, What man is this that walketh in the field to meet us? And the servant had said, It is my master: therefore she took a vail, and covered herself. Ruth 3:15 Also he said, Bring the vail that thou hast upon thee, and hold it. And when she held it, he measured six measures of barley, and laid it on her: and she went into the city. Song of Solomon 5:7 The watchmen that went about the city found me, they smote me, they wounded me; the keepers of the walls took away my veil from me. Jump to Previous Fair Fine Flowing Garments Gauze Hand Head-Dresses High Linen Mantles Mirrors Robes Shawls Turbans Undergarments VeilsJump to Next Fair Fine Flowing Garments Gauze Hand Head-Dresses High Linen Mantles Mirrors Robes Shawls Turbans Undergarments VeilsIsaiah 3 1. The great calamities which come by sin10. The different rewards of the righteous and wicked 12. The oppression and covetousness of the rulers 16. The judgments which shall be for the pride of the women 25. The general desolation and their mirrors Mirrors in ancient times were typically made of polished bronze or other metals, not glass as we know today. They were considered luxury items, often used by the wealthy to maintain their appearance. The mention of mirrors here highlights the vanity and self-focus of the people, which is a recurring theme in Isaiah's prophecies. This focus on outward appearance rather than inner righteousness is condemned throughout Scripture, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:7, where God emphasizes looking at the heart rather than outward appearance. linen garments tiaras and shawls Persons / Places / Events 1. IsaiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah's ministry spanned the reigns of several kings of Judah. He is known for his prophecies concerning both judgment and redemption. 2. Judah The southern kingdom of Israel, which Isaiah primarily addressed. During Isaiah's time, Judah was facing social and spiritual decline. 3. Jerusalem The capital city of Judah, often symbolic of the nation's spiritual state. Isaiah's prophecies frequently targeted the leaders and people of Jerusalem. 4. Women of Zion The specific group addressed in this passage, representing the affluent and prideful women of Jerusalem who were more concerned with outward adornment than inner righteousness. 5. Prophetic Judgment The broader context of Isaiah 3 is a prophecy of judgment against Judah and Jerusalem for their pride and moral decay. Teaching Points The Danger of VanityThe focus on external adornment can lead to spiritual neglect. Isaiah 3:23 serves as a warning against prioritizing physical beauty over spiritual health. True Beauty in God's Eyes God values inner beauty and righteousness over outward appearances. Believers are encouraged to cultivate a heart that reflects God's character. Cultural Reflections The cultural emphasis on appearance is not new. Isaiah's message is relevant today, urging Christians to resist societal pressures and focus on spiritual growth. Judgment and Repentance Isaiah's prophecy serves as a call to repentance. Recognizing areas of pride and superficiality in our lives can lead to spiritual renewal. Role of Women in Scripture The Bible consistently elevates the role of women who fear the Lord and live righteously, offering a counter-narrative to cultural standards of beauty. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Isaiah 3:23?2. How does Isaiah 3:23 reflect God's judgment on pride and vanity? 3. What cultural practices in Isaiah's time led to the judgment in Isaiah 3:23? 4. How can Isaiah 3:23 guide us in valuing inner beauty over outward adornment? 5. What other scriptures warn against excessive focus on material possessions and appearance? 6. How can we apply Isaiah 3:23 to promote humility in our daily lives? 7. What is the significance of the items listed in Isaiah 3:23 in biblical times? 8. How does Isaiah 3:23 reflect the cultural values of ancient Israel? 9. Why does Isaiah 3:23 focus on material possessions and adornments? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 3? 11. Why does Isaiah 33 describe miraculous healing and renewed stability when no archaeological or scientific evidence supports such events on a large scale? 12. In Isaiah 63:1-3, how can the imagery of garments stained with blood be reconciled with the prophet's claim of divine justice without external historical evidence? 13. Why does the text emphasize mourning rituals in Isaiah 15:2-3 if the city's destruction was as instantaneous as indicated? 14. Isaiah 63:7-9 speaks of God's lovingkindness and mercy; how can this be harmonized with the violent imagery earlier in the chapter? What Does Isaiah 3:23 Mean Their mirrorsIsaiah 3:23 includes “their mirrors”. Hand-held mirrors symbolized personal beauty, status, and self-focus—items the wealthy women of Zion would never leave behind. By promising to take them away, the Lord exposes the root issue: pride. • Exodus 38:8 shows how women once surrendered their mirrors for the tabernacle’s laver; here, the mirrors are clutched for vanity, not worship. • James 1:23-24 pictures a hearer of the word who forgets his reflection; Judah’s daughters are equally forgetful of God’s standards. • 1 Timothy 2:9 reminds believers that outward adornment must not eclipse “modesty and self-control.” The loss of mirrors means an end to self-admiration and the beginning of shame (Isaiah 3:24). Linen garments Next come the “linen garments”. Fine linen, cool and costly, marked luxury (Luke 16:19; Revelation 18:16). God vows to strip this comfort away. • Ezekiel 16:10 records the Lord clothing Jerusalem in linen as a gift; now He removes it because she trusted the gift instead of the Giver. • Revelation 19:8 contrasts worldly linen with the “fine linen, bright and clean” that stands for righteous acts; Judah’s linen is merely showy fabric. Their linen will be replaced by sackcloth (Isaiah 3:24), turning elegance into humiliation. Tiaras The word “tiaras” points to decorative headpieces worn by the elite. They proclaimed honor and social rank. • Ezekiel 21:26 echoes this judgment: “Remove the turban, take off the crown.” • Proverbs 16:18 warns that pride precedes a fall; the removal of tiaras fulfills that axiom. • 1 Peter 5:5 urges believers to “clothe yourselves with humility,” a stark contrast to the proud display of these ornaments. When God removes the tiara, status symbols crumble, revealing the emptiness of human glory. Shawls Finally, the “shawls”—outer wraps that completed a fashionable ensemble—will be confiscated. • Hosea 2:13 shows the Lord taking back the very apparel Israel used “to worship the Baals.” • Isaiah 61:3 offers the true alternative: a “garment of praise” in place of despair. Without shawls, the women face the elements and the gaze of others, underscoring vulnerability and the loss of protection that only God can provide (Psalm 91:1-2). Summary Isaiah 3:23 forms part of the Lord’s larger indictment against Judah’s pride. Each luxury—mirrors, linen garments, tiaras, and shawls—highlights self-gratification that displaced devotion. Their removal is literal judgment and a timeless warning: outward beauty, comfort, rank, and style vanish under God’s hand, while humility, righteousness, and praise endure. (23) The glasses--i.e., the polished metal mirrors (as in Exodus 38:3; Job 37:18; 1Corinthians 13:12; James 1:23), which the Eastern lady carried in her hand, that she might adjust her toilet. The LXX. rendering, "Laconian [Spartan] garments," i.e., indecently transparent, is curious enough to deserve notice, as throwing light on the social life of Alexandria, if not of Israel.The fine linen--i.e., the chemise worn under the tunic next the skin. The Heb. sedin, like the Greek ?????? (Mark 14:51), seems to imply a commerce with India; so our muslin (mosul) and calico (calicut) bear record of their origin. In Sanscrit, sindhu is the term for fine linen. . . . Verse 23. - The glasses; rather, the mirrors. In ancient times these were not made of glass, but of some metal which took a high polish. Most commonly, the material seems to have been bronze. Many such mirrors have been found in Egypt, a few in Assyria, in Etruria a considerable number. They are of small size, intended to be carried in the hand, and have for that purpose a metal or a wooden handle, which is sometimes highly artistic. The fine linen; rather, the muslin robes. Sedin, the Hebrew word used, is probably a corruption or analogue of sin-don, the Greek name for Indian fabrics. It is only used here and in Judges 14:12, 13; Proverbs 31:24. The hoods, and the vails; or, the turbans and the scarfs. The word translated" hood" is nearly the same as that which designates the head-dress of the high priest in Exodus (Exodus 28:4, 37, 39; Exodus 29:6, etc.) and Leviticus (Leviticus 8:9; Leviticus 16:4), which seems to have been a "turban" (see note on Exodus 28:4). The other word, here translated "vail," occurs only in this place and Song of Solomon 5:7. Its exact meaning is uncertain; but it can scarcely be a veil; since "veils" have been already mentioned (ver. 19).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew and [their] mirrors,וְהַגִּלְיֹנִים֙ (wə·hag·gil·yō·nîm) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 1549: A tablet for, writing, a mirror linen garments, וְהַסְּדִינִ֔ים (wə·has·sə·ḏî·nîm) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 5466: A wrapper, shirt tiaras, וְהַצְּנִיפ֖וֹת (wə·haṣ·ṣə·nî·p̄ō·wṯ) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 6797: A head-dress and shawls. וְהָרְדִידִֽים׃ (wə·hā·rə·ḏî·ḏîm) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 7289: A wide wrapper, large veil Links Isaiah 3:23 NIVIsaiah 3:23 NLT Isaiah 3:23 ESV Isaiah 3:23 NASB Isaiah 3:23 KJV Isaiah 3:23 BibleApps.com Isaiah 3:23 Biblia Paralela Isaiah 3:23 Chinese Bible Isaiah 3:23 French Bible Isaiah 3:23 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Isaiah 3:23 The hand mirrors the fine linen garments (Isa Isi Is) |
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