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,

ISAIAH 3:18KJV
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Isaiah 3:18 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 3:18 mean?

Isaiah 3:18 says that God will take away the beautiful and fancy jewelry and accessories the women of Jerusalem wore, including their ankle ornaments, headbands, and crescent-shaped jewelry. This is part of a warning that their outward displays of wealth and pride will be stripped away as judgment comes.

The prophet Isaiah is speaking to the people of Jerusalem and Judah, describing what will happen "in that day" when God brings consequences for their arrogance and self-indulgence. The verse lists specific items of adornment to show how even the most personal and prized possessions will be lost, highlighting the seriousness of the coming judgment.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 3:18

  • "day" (יוֹם, yom): This word points to a specific time of reckoning or judgment, not just any ordinary day.
  • "Lord" (אֲדֹנָי, Adonai): This title emphasizes God's authority and power to act as judge over His people.
  • "bravery" (תִּפְאֶרֶת, tif'eret): Often means "beauty" or "splendor," showing that what is being removed is not just jewelry, but the pride and glory attached to it.
  • "ornaments" (עֲכָסִים, akasim): These are ankle jewelry, a detail that shows the level of luxury and attention to appearance.
  • "cauls" (שְׁבִיסִים, shevisim): Likely refers to decorative headbands or nets for the hair, another sign of wealth.
  • "moon" (שָׂהֲרוֹנִים, saharonim): Refers to crescent-shaped ornaments, probably jewelry shaped like the moon, which were fashionable and possibly carried symbolic meaning.

Why Isaiah 3:18 matters

  • Isaiah 3:18 clears up that the judgment is not just about general hardship, but specifically targets the pride and luxury that had become central in Jerusalem's society.
  • The verse emphasizes that even personal and cherished items, which people might think are secure, can be lost when a society turns away from what is right.
  • This verse connects to the larger passage by showing that God's judgment is thorough and reaches into the daily lives and values of the people, not just their public actions.

Where else these words appear

“ornaments” Hebrew H5914 · used in 2 verses

  • Proverbs 7:22 He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks;

“moon” Hebrew H7720 · used in 3 verses

  • Judges 8:21 Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, Rise thou, and fall upon us: for as the man is, so is his strength. And Gideon arose, and slew Zebah and Zalmunna, and took away the ornaments that were on their camels' necks.
  • Judges 8:26 And the weight of the golden earrings that he requested was a thousand and seven hundred shekels of gold; beside ornaments, and collars, and purple raiment that was on the kings of Midian, and beside the chains that were about their camels' necks.

“bravery” Hebrew H8597 · used in 50 verses

  • Exodus 28:2 And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty.
  • Proverbs 19:11 The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.
  • Isaiah 63:12 That led them by the right hand of Moses with his glorious arm, dividing the water before them, to make himself an everlasting name?