Isaiah 3:23
New International Version
and mirrors, and the linen garments and tiaras and shawls.

New Living Translation
mirrors, fine linen garments, head ornaments, and shawls.

English Standard Version
the mirrors, the linen garments, the turbans, and the veils.

Berean Standard Bible
and their mirrors, linen garments, tiaras, and shawls.

King James Bible
The glasses, and the fine linen, and the hoods, and the vails.

New King James Version
     and the mirrors; The fine linen, the turbans, and the robes.

New American Standard Bible
papyrus garments, undergarments, headbands, and veils.

NASB 1995
hand mirrors, undergarments, turbans and veils.

NASB 1977
hand mirrors, undergarments, turbans, and veils.

Legacy Standard Bible
hand mirrors, undergarments, turbans, and shawls.

Amplified Bible
hand mirrors, [fine linen] undergarments, headbands, and veils [covering the entire body].

Christian Standard Bible
garments, linen clothes, turbans, and shawls.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
garments, linen clothes, turbans, and veils.

American Standard Version
the hand-mirrors, and the fine linen, and the turbans, and the veils.

English Revised Version
the hand mirrors, and the fine linen, and the turbans, and the veils.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
mirrors, underwear, headdresses, and veils.

Good News Translation
their revealing garments, their linen handkerchiefs, and the scarves and long veils they wear on their heads.

International Standard Version
mirrors, linen garments, tiaras, and veils.

Majority Standard Bible
and their mirrors, linen garments, tiaras, and shawls.

NET Bible
garments, vests, head coverings, and gowns.

New Heart English Bible
the hand mirrors, the fine linen garments, the tiaras, and the shawls.

Webster's Bible Translation
The glasses, and the fine linen, and the hoods, and the vails.

World English Bible
the hand mirrors, the fine linen garments, the tiaras, and the shawls.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Of the mirrors, and of the linen garments, "" And of the hoods, and of the veils,

Young's Literal Translation
Of the mirrors, and of the linen garments, And of the hoods, and of the vails,

Smith's Literal Translation
The mirrors and the shirts and the turbans and the veils.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And looking-glasses, and lawns, and headbands, and fine veils.

Catholic Public Domain Version
and the mirrors, and scarves, and ribbons, and their sparse clothing.

New American Bible
the lace gowns, linen tunics, turbans, and shawls.

New Revised Standard Version
the garments of gauze, the linen garments, the turbans, and the veils.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
The long outer garments, the purple robes, the scarlet robes, the wardrobe of all their adornments.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And their long garments and all their dark blue and scarlet and red and their ornaments
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
and the gauze robes, and the fine linen, and the turbans, and the mantles.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
and those made of fine linen, and the purple ones, and the scarlet ones, and the fine linen, interwoven with gold and purple, and the light coverings for couches.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
A Warning to Jerusalem
22their festive robes, capes, cloaks, and purses; 23and their mirrors, linen garments, tiaras, and shawls. 24Instead of fragrance there will be a stench; instead of a belt, a rope; instead of styled hair, baldness; instead of fine clothing, sackcloth; instead of beauty, shame.…

Cross References
Ezekiel 16:10-13
I clothed you in embroidered cloth and gave you sandals of fine leather. I wrapped you in fine linen and covered you with silk. / I adorned you with jewelry, and I put bracelets on your wrists and a chain around your neck. / I put a ring in your nose, earrings on your ears, and a beautiful crown upon your head. ...

1 Peter 3:3-4
Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, / but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight.

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, / but with good deeds, as is proper for women who profess to worship God.

Revelation 18:11-13
And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, because there is no one left to buy their cargo— / cargo of gold, silver, precious stones, and pearls; of fine linen, purple, silk, and scarlet; of all kinds of citron wood and every article of ivory, precious wood, bronze, iron, and marble; / of cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, and frankincense; of wine, olive oil, fine flour, and wheat; of cattle, sheep, horses, and carriages; of bodies and souls of slaves.

Proverbs 31:30
Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

Jeremiah 4:30
And you, O devastated one, what will you do, though you dress yourself in scarlet, though you adorn yourself with gold jewelry, though you enlarge your eyes with paint? You adorn yourself in vain; your lovers despise you; they want to take your life.

1 Samuel 16:7
But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.”

Matthew 6:19-21
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

1 John 2:15-17
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. / For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. / The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever.

Zephaniah 1:8
“On the Day of the LORD’s sacrifice I will punish the princes, the sons of the king, and all who are dressed in foreign apparel.

Luke 12:22-23
Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. / For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.

James 5:1-3
Come now, you who are rich, weep and wail over the misery to come upon you. / Your riches have rotted and moths have eaten your clothes. / Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and consume your flesh like fire. You have hoarded treasure in the last days.

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.

1 Corinthians 7:31
and those who use the things of this world, as if not dependent on them. For this world in its present form is passing away.

1 Kings 10:22
For the king had the ships of Tarshish at sea with Hiram’s fleet, and once every three years the ships of Tarshish would arrive bearing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks.


Treasury of Scripture

The glasses, and the fine linen, and the hoods, and the veils.

glasses

Exodus 38:8
And he made the laver of brass, and the foot of it of brass, of the lookingglasses of the women assembling, which assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

fine linen

Genesis 41:42
And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck;

1 Chronicles 15:27
And David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, and all the Levites that bare the ark, and the singers, and Chenaniah the master of the song with the singers: David also had upon him an ephod of linen.

Ezekiel 16:10
I clothed thee also with broidered work, and shod thee with badgers' skin, and I girded thee about with fine linen, and I covered thee with silk.

vails

Genesis 24:65
For she had said unto the servant, What man is this that walketh in the field to meet us? And the servant had said, It is my master: therefore she took a vail, and covered herself.

Ruth 3:15
Also he said, Bring the vail that thou hast upon thee, and hold it. And when she held it, he measured six measures of barley, and laid it on her: and she went into the city.

Song of Solomon 5:7
The watchmen that went about the city found me, they smote me, they wounded me; the keepers of the walls took away my veil from me.

Jump to Previous
Fair Fine Flowing Garments Gauze Hand Head-Dresses High Linen Mantles Mirrors Robes Shawls Turbans Undergarments Veils
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Fair Fine Flowing Garments Gauze Hand Head-Dresses High Linen Mantles Mirrors Robes Shawls Turbans Undergarments Veils
Isaiah 3
1. The great calamities which come by sin
10. The different rewards of the righteous and wicked
12. The oppression and covetousness of the rulers
16. The judgments which shall be for the pride of the women
25. The general desolation














and their mirrors
Mirrors in ancient times were typically made of polished bronze or other metals, not glass as we know today. They were considered luxury items, often used by the wealthy to maintain their appearance. The mention of mirrors here highlights the vanity and self-focus of the people, which is a recurring theme in Isaiah's prophecies. This focus on outward appearance rather than inner righteousness is condemned throughout Scripture, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:7, where God emphasizes looking at the heart rather than outward appearance.

linen garments
Linen was a fine, costly fabric often associated with wealth and status. In biblical times, linen garments were worn by the upper class and priests, symbolizing purity and holiness. The reference to linen garments in this context underscores the opulence and materialism of the people, contrasting with the call to humility and righteousness. Linen is also significant in the priestly garments described in Exodus 28, indicating a misuse of what was meant to be holy.

tiaras
Tiaras, or headbands, were ornamental headpieces worn by women of high status. They symbolize authority and beauty, often associated with royalty or nobility. The use of tiaras in this passage points to the pride and self-exaltation of the people, which is a common theme in Isaiah's critique of Judah's leaders and elite. This pride is contrasted with the humility and servant leadership exemplified by Jesus Christ, who, though King, came to serve (Mark 10:45).

and shawls
Shawls were used as outer garments for warmth and modesty, often made of fine materials. They were part of the attire that signified wealth and social standing. The mention of shawls, along with other luxurious items, highlights the focus on external adornment rather than spiritual integrity. This emphasis on material wealth and appearance is critiqued throughout the Bible, as seen in 1 Peter 3:3-4, which encourages inner beauty and a gentle spirit over outward adornment.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Isaiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah's ministry spanned the reigns of several kings of Judah. He is known for his prophecies concerning both judgment and redemption.

2. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, which Isaiah primarily addressed. During Isaiah's time, Judah was facing social and spiritual decline.

3. Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah, often symbolic of the nation's spiritual state. Isaiah's prophecies frequently targeted the leaders and people of Jerusalem.

4. Women of Zion
The specific group addressed in this passage, representing the affluent and prideful women of Jerusalem who were more concerned with outward adornment than inner righteousness.

5. Prophetic Judgment
The broader context of Isaiah 3 is a prophecy of judgment against Judah and Jerusalem for their pride and moral decay.
Teaching Points
The Danger of Vanity
The focus on external adornment can lead to spiritual neglect. Isaiah 3:23 serves as a warning against prioritizing physical beauty over spiritual health.

True Beauty in God's Eyes
God values inner beauty and righteousness over outward appearances. Believers are encouraged to cultivate a heart that reflects God's character.

Cultural Reflections
The cultural emphasis on appearance is not new. Isaiah's message is relevant today, urging Christians to resist societal pressures and focus on spiritual growth.

Judgment and Repentance
Isaiah's prophecy serves as a call to repentance. Recognizing areas of pride and superficiality in our lives can lead to spiritual renewal.

Role of Women in Scripture
The Bible consistently elevates the role of women who fear the Lord and live righteously, offering a counter-narrative to cultural standards of beauty.(23) The glasses--i.e., the polished metal mirrors (as in Exodus 38:3; Job 37:18; 1Corinthians 13:12; James 1:23), which the Eastern lady carried in her hand, that she might adjust her toilet. The LXX. rendering, "Laconian [Spartan] garments," i.e., indecently transparent, is curious enough to deserve notice, as throwing light on the social life of Alexandria, if not of Israel.

The fine linen--i.e., the chemise worn under the tunic next the skin. The Heb. sedin, like the Greek ?????? (Mark 14:51), seems to imply a commerce with India; so our muslin (mosul) and calico (calicut) bear record of their origin. In Sanscrit, sindhu is the term for fine linen. . . .

Verse 23. - The glasses; rather, the mirrors. In ancient times these were not made of glass, but of some metal which took a high polish. Most commonly, the material seems to have been bronze. Many such mirrors have been found in Egypt, a few in Assyria, in Etruria a considerable number. They are of small size, intended to be carried in the hand, and have for that purpose a metal or a wooden handle, which is sometimes highly artistic. The fine linen; rather, the muslin robes. Sedin, the Hebrew word used, is probably a corruption or analogue of sin-don, the Greek name for Indian fabrics. It is only used here and in Judges 14:12, 13; Proverbs 31:24. The hoods, and the vails; or, the turbans and the scarfs. The word translated" hood" is nearly the same as that which designates the head-dress of the high priest in Exodus (Exodus 28:4, 37, 39; Exodus 29:6, etc.) and Leviticus (Leviticus 8:9; Leviticus 16:4), which seems to have been a "turban" (see note on Exodus 28:4). The other word, here translated "vail," occurs only in this place and Song of Solomon 5:7. Its exact meaning is uncertain; but it can scarcely be a veil; since "veils" have been already mentioned (ver. 19).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
and [their] mirrors,
וְהַגִּלְיֹנִים֙ (wə·hag·gil·yō·nîm)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1549: A tablet for, writing, a mirror

linen garments,
וְהַסְּדִינִ֔ים (wə·has·sə·ḏî·nîm)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5466: A wrapper, shirt

tiaras,
וְהַצְּנִיפ֖וֹת (wə·haṣ·ṣə·nî·p̄ō·wṯ)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 6797: A head-dress

and shawls.
וְהָרְדִידִֽים׃ (wə·hā·rə·ḏî·ḏîm)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 7289: A wide wrapper, large veil


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OT Prophets: Isaiah 3:23 The hand mirrors the fine linen garments (Isa Isi Is)
Isaiah 3:22
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