The bonnets, and the ornaments of the legs, and the headbands, and the tablets, and the earrings,

ISAIAH 3:20KJV
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Isaiah 3:20 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 3:20 mean?

Isaiah 3:20 lists specific items of jewelry and clothing—bonnets, ornaments for the legs, headbands, tablets, and earrings—that will be taken away from the women of Jerusalem as part of God’s judgment. The verse highlights the loss of luxury and outward adornment as a sign of coming humiliation and hardship.

In this part of Isaiah, the prophet Isaiah is speaking to the people of Jerusalem and Judah, warning them about the consequences of their pride and moral decline. The verse is part of a longer list describing the fine things the women of Jerusalem wear, showing how their focus on outward beauty will be stripped away as a result of the nation’s unfaithfulness to God.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 3:20

  • "Bonnets" (פְּאֵרִים, pe’erim) refers to decorative headdresses or turbans, often worn as a sign of status or beauty. Mentioning these shows how even the most prized accessories will be lost.
  • "Legs" (שְׁבִיסִים, shevisim) points to ornamental bands or chains worn around the ankles, emphasizing the detailed attention given to personal adornment.
  • "Headbands" (קִשֻּׁרוֹת, kishurim) are decorative bands for the head, again highlighting luxury.
  • "Tablets" (נֶפֶשׁ, nefesh; בַּיִת, bayit) is a debated term here, but is often understood as small perfume boxes or amulets worn on the body, suggesting both wealth and superstition.
  • "Earrings" (לָחַשׁ, lachash) can mean charms or amulets, not just earrings, hinting at jewelry with supposed magical or protective qualities.

Why Isaiah 3:20 matters

  • Isaiah 3:20 helps clarify that the judgment on Jerusalem is not just about military defeat, but also about the loss of pride and luxury that the people valued.
  • The verse shows how deeply materialism and outward show had become part of the culture, making the coming loss even more significant.
  • Understanding the specific items listed helps modern readers see the historical and social context of Isaiah’s warning, making the prophet’s message about misplaced priorities more vivid.

Where else these words appear

“headbands” Hebrew H7196 · used in 2 verses

  • Jeremiah 2:32 Can a maid forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire? yet my people have forgotten me days without number.

“legs” Hebrew H6807 · used in 3 verses

  • 2 Samuel 5:24 And let it be, when thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt bestir thyself: for then shall the LORD go out before thee, to smite the host of the Philistines.
  • 1 Chronicles 14:15 And it shall be, when thou shalt hear a sound of going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt go out to battle: for God is gone forth before thee to smite the host of the Philistines.

“earrings” Hebrew H3908 · used in 5 verses

  • Ecclesiastes 10:11 Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better.
  • Isaiah 3:3 The captain of fifty, and the honourable man, and the counsellor, and the cunning artificer, and the eloquent orator.
  • Isaiah 26:16 LORD, in trouble have they visited thee, they poured out a prayer when thy chastening was upon them.

“bonnets” Hebrew H6287 · used in 7 verses

  • Exodus 39:28 And a mitre of fine linen, and goodly bonnets of fine linen, and linen breeches of fine twined linen,
  • Isaiah 61:10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.
  • Ezekiel 24:23 And your tires shall be upon your heads, and your shoes upon your feet: ye shall not mourn nor weep; but ye shall pine away for your iniquities, and mourn one toward another.