Lexical Summary realah: Trembling, quaking Original Word: רַעֲלָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance muffler Feminine of ra'al; a long veil (as fluttering) -- muffler. see HEBREW ra'al NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom raal Definition probably a veil NASB Translation veils (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [רְעָלָה] noun [feminine] probably veil (compare Arabic above); — plural הָֽרְעָלוֺת Isaiah 3:19, in list of finery. מַרְעֲלָה see above. Topical Lexicon Word Overview רַעֲלָה is the term rendered “veils” in Isaiah 3:19. It refers to an ornamental covering worn on or about the head and face—an accessory associated with feminine beauty and social status in ancient Judah. Though it occurs only once in the Hebrew canon, its single appearance is strategically placed within a prophetic oracle that uses women’s apparel to portray the pride of an entire nation. Scriptural Context and Usage Isaiah 3 describes the impending judgment on Jerusalem and Judah. In verses 16–26 the prophet turns to “the daughters of Zion,” whose ostentatious adornments symbolize the nation’s arrogance. Verse 19 lists “their pendants, bracelets, and veils,” announcing that these tokens of elegance will be stripped away by the Lord. The veil (רַעֲלָה) therefore becomes an emblem of misplaced confidence—beauty that is about to be exposed as fleeting when divine discipline falls. The passage mirrors the broader biblical pattern in which external ornaments represent inner attitudes (compare Genesis 35:2–4; Exodus 33:4–6). Cultural and Historical Background In Near Eastern society veils served multiple purposes: Isaiah addresses a time of relative affluence under Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, when urban elites accumulated luxury goods imported through burgeoning trade routes. Archaeological finds from eighth-century Judean tombs include gold and silver filigree pieces that plausibly adorned veils like the רַעֲלָה. By highlighting such items, Isaiah confronts societal excess that flourished on the eve of Assyrian threats. Theological Significance 1. Divine Ownership of Beauty. Isaiah’s oracle reminds readers that every adornment, even the delicate veil, belongs ultimately to the Lord who can withdraw it at will (Job 1:21). Lessons for Ministry and Discipleship • Call to Humility. Leaders should help congregations evaluate cultural trends that elevate appearance above character, echoing James 1:11. Related Biblical Themes Adornment and Judgment—Exodus 33:4–6; Ezekiel 23:26. True Beauty—Proverbs 31:30; 1 Timothy 2:9–10. God Removing Security—Isaiah 22:8; Hosea 2:11–13. Forms and Transliterations וְהָֽרְעָלֽוֹת׃ והרעלות׃ veHareaLot wə·hā·rə·‘ā·lō·wṯ wəhārə‘ālōwṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Isaiah 3:19 HEB: הַנְּטִיפ֥וֹת וְהַשֵּׁיר֖וֹת וְהָֽרְעָלֽוֹת׃ NAS: dangling earrings, bracelets, veils, KJV: and the bracelets, and the mufflers, INT: dangling bracelets veils 1 Occurrence |
    |