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16 Moreover Yahweh said, “Because the daughters of Zion are arrogant,
    and walk with outstretched necks and flirting eyes,
    walking to trip as they go,
    jingling ornaments on their feet;
17 therefore the Lord brings sores on the crown of the head of the women of Zion,
    and Yahweh will make their scalps bald.”

18 In that day the Lord will take away the beauty of their anklets, the headbands, the crescent necklaces, 19 the earrings, the bracelets, the veils, 20 the headdresses, the ankle chains, the sashes, the perfume containers, the charms, 21 the signet rings, the nose rings, 22 the fine robes, the capes, the cloaks, the purses, 23 the hand mirrors, the fine linen garments, the tiaras, and the shawls.

24 It shall happen that instead of sweet spices, there shall be rottenness;
    instead of a belt, a rope;
    instead of well set hair, baldness;
    instead of a robe, a wearing of sackcloth;
    and branding instead of beauty.
25 Your men shall fall by the sword,
    and your mighty in the war.
26 Her gates shall lament and mourn.
    She shall be desolate and sit on the ground.

Seven women shall take hold of one man in that day, saying, “We will eat our own bread, and wear our own clothing. Just let us be called by your name. Take away our reproach.”

A Warning to Jerusalem

16 The Lord says, “Beautiful Zion[a] is haughty:
craning her elegant neck,
    flirting with her eyes,
walking with dainty steps,
    tinkling her ankle bracelets.
17 So the Lord will send scabs on her head;
    the Lord will make beautiful Zion bald.”

18 On that day of judgment
    the Lord will strip away everything that makes her beautiful:
ornaments, headbands, crescent necklaces,
19     earrings, bracelets, and veils;
20 scarves, ankle bracelets, sashes,
    perfumes, and charms;
21 rings, jewels,
22     party clothes, gowns, capes, and purses;
23 mirrors, fine linen garments,
    head ornaments, and shawls.

24 Instead of smelling of sweet perfume, she will stink.
    She will wear a rope for a sash,
    and her elegant hair will fall out.
She will wear rough burlap instead of rich robes.
    Shame will replace her beauty.[b]
25 The men of the city will be killed with the sword,
    and her warriors will die in battle.
26 The gates of Zion will weep and mourn.
    The city will be like a ravaged woman,
    huddled on the ground.

In that day so few men will be left that seven women will fight for each man, saying, “Let us all marry you! We will provide our own food and clothing. Only let us take your name so we won’t be mocked as old maids.”

Footnotes

  1. 3:16 Or The women of Zion (with corresponding changes to plural forms through verse 24); Hebrew reads The daughters of Zion; also in 3:17.
  2. 3:24 As in Dead Sea Scrolls; Masoretic Text reads robes / because instead of beauty.