Head-tires, also referred to as headbands or headdresses, are mentioned in the Bible as part of the attire worn by women, particularly in the context of ancient Israelite culture. These items were often ornamental and served both practical and symbolic purposes. The term "head-tire" is derived from the Hebrew word "tsaniph," which can denote a turban or a type of head covering.

Biblical References:

1. Isaiah 3:18-20 : In this passage, the prophet Isaiah speaks of the judgment that will come upon the daughters of Zion, highlighting the removal of their luxurious adornments. "In that day the Lord will take away the finery of their anklets and headbands and crescents, their pendants, bracelets, and veils, their headdresses, ankle chains, and sashes, their perfume bottles and charms." Here, head-tires are listed among the various items of finery that symbolize the pride and vanity of the people, which will be stripped away as a form of divine judgment.

2. Ezekiel 24:17 : The prophet Ezekiel is instructed by God to refrain from mourning in the traditional manner, which includes not wearing a head-tire. "Groan quietly; do not mourn for the dead. Keep your turban fastened and your sandals on your feet; do not cover your mustache or eat the bread of mourners." This instruction underscores the cultural significance of head-tires as part of mourning customs, indicating their role in expressing grief and loss.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Near Eastern societies, head-tires were not merely decorative but also signified social status, wealth, and identity. They were often made from fine materials and could be adorned with jewels or intricate embroidery. The use of head-tires was prevalent among women of higher social standing, and they were considered a symbol of beauty and elegance.

The Bible's references to head-tires often carry a deeper spiritual message, particularly in the prophetic books. The removal of head-tires, as seen in Isaiah, symbolizes the stripping away of pride and the humbling of those who have placed their trust in outward appearances rather than in God. This theme is consistent with the biblical emphasis on inner beauty and humility over external adornment.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the mention of head-tires in the Bible serves as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly beauty and the dangers of vanity. The prophets' warnings against excessive adornment reflect a call to focus on spiritual virtues rather than material possessions. This aligns with New Testament teachings, such as those found in 1 Peter 3:3-4 , which encourage believers to cultivate inner beauty: "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."

In summary, head-tires in the Bible are emblematic of cultural practices related to beauty and status, while also serving as a vehicle for conveying spiritual truths about humility, repentance, and the prioritization of inner character over external appearances.Head-tires (4 Occurrences)

Exodus 28:40
And for Aaron's sons thou shalt make coats, and thou shalt make for them girdles, and head-tires shalt thou make for them, for glory and for beauty.
(ASV JPS)

Exodus 29:9
And thou shalt gird them with girdles, Aaron and his sons, and bind head-tires on them: and they shall have the priesthood by a perpetual statute: and thou shalt consecrate Aaron and his sons.
(ASV JPS)

Exodus 39:28
and the mitre of fine linen, and the goodly head-tires of fine linen, and the linen breeches of fine twined linen,
(ASV JPS)

Leviticus 8:13
And Moses brought Aaron's sons, and clothed them with coats, and girded them with girdles, and bound head-tires upon them; as Jehovah commanded Moses.
(ASV JPS)

Headtires (2 Occurrences)
...Headtires (2 Occurrences). Isaiah 3:20 the headtires, and the ankle chains, and
the sashes, and the perfume-boxes, and the amulets; (ASV JPS). ...
/h/headtires.htm - 6k

Head-tires (4 Occurrences)
Head-tires. Headtires, Head-tires. Headwaiter . Multi-Version Concordance ... (ASV
JPS). Headtires, Head-tires. Headwaiter . Reference Bible.
/h/head-tires.htm - 7k

Bonnet (1 Occurrence)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary (Hebrews peer), Exodus 39:28 (RV, "head-tires");
Ezek. 44:18 (RV, "tires"), denotes properly a turban ...
/b/bonnet.htm - 10k

Tunics (16 Occurrences)
... Exodus 28:40 And for Aaron's sons thou shalt make coats, and thou shalt make for
them girdles, and head-tires shalt thou make for them, for glory and for beauty ...
/t/tunics.htm - 10k

Queen-mother (2 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 13:18 Say thou unto the king and to the queen-mother, Humble yourselves,
sit down; for your headtires are come down, even the crown of your glory. ...
/q/queen-mother.htm - 7k

Leg (24 Occurrences)
... where the King James Version reads: "the bonnets, and the ornaments of the legs,"
the Revised Version (British and American) corrects: "the headtires (ts`adhah ...
/l/leg.htm - 19k

Goodly (46 Occurrences)
... goodly horse" (Zechariah 10:3); others imply beauty, ornament, such as peer "goodly
bonnets," the Revised Version (British and American) "headtires" (Exodus 39 ...
/g/goodly.htm - 25k

Perfume-boxes (1 Occurrence)
... Perfume-boxes (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 3:20 the headtires, and the ankle chains, and
the sashes, and the perfume-boxes, and the amulets; (ASV BBE). ...
/p/perfume-boxes.htm - 6k

Principality (3 Occurrences)
... Here the King James Version margin "headtires" is properly preferred by the Revised
Version (British and American) for mera'ashoth (from ro'sh, "head"), "head ...
/p/principality.htm - 12k

Boxes (3 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 3:20 the headtires, and the ankle chains, and the sashes, and the
perfume-boxes, and the amulets; (ASV BBE DBY YLT NAS RSV). ...
/b/boxes.htm - 7k

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