Bible Strands
Isaiah 3:20
their headdresses, ankle chains, and sashes; their perfume bottles and charms;
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The prophet Isaiah addresses Judah and Jerusalem as part of a prophetic indictment detailing the removal of societal luxuries. He lists these items alongside pendants, bracelets, veils, signet rings, and nose rings to illustrate the scope of coming deprivation.
The words — The Hebrew פְּאֵרִים (pe’erîm) literally means "head-dresses" or "ornaments," while לְחָשִׁים (leḥāšîm) translates directly to "amulets" or "charms." These terms anchor the verse’s focus on personal adornment and protective objects.
The thread — The inventory of adornments parallels Exodus 32:2 and Genesis 35:4, where earrings and personal ornaments are gathered, surrendered, or buried. These passages consistently treat such items as markers of wealth, identity, or covenant loyalty.
Why it lands — The text catalogues specific garments and trinkets before any theological conclusion, establishing the concrete objects of divine judgment. It demands recognition that material status and perceived security are temporary provisions subject to removal.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
The bonnets, and the ornaments of the legs, and the headbands, and the tablets, and the earrings,
Cross-references
- Exodus 39:28 as well as the turban of fine linen, the ornate headbands and undergarments of finely spun linen,
- Genesis 35:4 So they gave Jacob all their foreign gods and all their earrings, and Jacob buried them under the oak near Shechem.
- Exodus 32:2 So Aaron told them, “Take off the gold earrings that are on your wives and sons and daughters, and bring them to me.”
- Ezekiel 16:12 I put a ring in your nose, earrings on your ears, and a beautiful crown upon your head.
- Hosea 2:13 I will punish her for the days of the Baals when she burned incense to them, when she adorned herself with rings and jewelry, and went after her lovers. But Me she forgot,” declares the LORD.