Isaiah 3:21

Translations

Modern

…their signet rings and nose rings;

Traditional

The rings, and nose jewels,

Literal

…the signet rings, and nose rings,

Latin

…et annulos, et gemmas in fronte pendentes,

Original

Hebrew

English

…their signet rings and nose rings;

Notes

Isaiah 3:17–25

take away their finery: In a reversal of fortune, the affluent (wealthy) and proud people of Jerusalem would suffer disgrace (public shame). Wealthy women often wore expensive and beautiful clothing or jewelry (Isaiah 3:18).

This finery probably included amulets (small objects people believed could protect them from evil). The people wore these items to keep harm away. But these objects could not prevent the disaster of judgment.

These beautiful items were also status symbols. They showed wealth, importance, and financial security. The people trusted in these outward signs of success.

Isaiah 3:16–4:1

TThis passage applies the prophet’s teaching on arrogance (see Isaiah 2:11–12) to the people of Jerusalem. An alternate understanding is that this passage applies specifically to the women of Jerusalem.

Isaiah 2:5–4:1

Isaiah condemned Israel and Judah for their pride and self-importance. He warned them that only God should be honored. All attempts by humans to lift themselves up will actually result in humiliation.

Theme notes and profiles

Isaiah Salvation in Isaiah The Day of the Lord

Events

Prophecies of Isaiahc. 759 BC

Related verses

Genesis 24:47
Then I asked her, ‘Whose daughter are you?’ She replied, ‘The daughter of Bethuel son of Nahor, whom Milcah bore to him.’ So I put the ring on her nose and the bracelets on her wrists.
1 Peter 3:3–4
Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes,
Esther 8:12
The single day appointed throughout all the provinces of King Xerxes was the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar.
Ezekiel 16:12
I put a ring in your nose, earrings on your ears, and a beautiful crown upon your head.
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.
James 2:2
Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in.
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,
Song of Solomon 5:14
His arms are rods of gold set with beryl. His body is polished ivory bedecked with sapphires.
Luke 15:22
But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.

Glossary

Amulet Baldness Beauty Isaiah, Book of Jewelry, Jewels

Topics

Jewels: Regarded by Jacob As Obnoxious to Holiness Nose: Jewels For Pride: General Scriptures Concerning Ring: Worn in the Nose Rings were Worn in the Nose Rings: Women of Rank Adorned With Woman of Distinction: Fond of Dress and Ornaments Women: Ornaments of Women: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To

Isaiah 3:21

Translations?

Original?

Notes?

Events?

Related verses?

Glossary?

Topics?