16 The Lord says,
    “The women of Zion(A) are haughty,
walking along with outstretched necks,(B)
    flirting with their eyes,
strutting along with swaying hips,
    with ornaments jingling on their ankles.
17 Therefore the Lord will bring sores on the heads of the women of Zion;
    the Lord will make their scalps bald.(C)

18 In that day(D) the Lord will snatch away their finery: the bangles and headbands and crescent necklaces,(E) 19 the earrings and bracelets(F) and veils,(G) 20 the headdresses(H) and anklets and sashes, the perfume bottles and charms, 21 the signet rings and nose rings,(I) 22 the fine robes and the capes and cloaks,(J) the purses 23 and mirrors, and the linen garments(K) and tiaras(L) and shawls.

24 Instead of fragrance(M) there will be a stench;(N)
    instead of a sash,(O) a rope;
instead of well-dressed hair, baldness;(P)
    instead of fine clothing, sackcloth;(Q)
    instead of beauty,(R) branding.(S)
25 Your men will fall by the sword,(T)
    your warriors in battle.(U)
26 The gates(V) of Zion will lament and mourn;(W)
    destitute,(X) she will sit on the ground.(Y)

In that day(Z) seven women
    will take hold of one man(AA)
and say, “We will eat our own food(AB)
    and provide our own clothes;
only let us be called by your name.
    Take away our disgrace!”(AC)

16 The Lord says:
Because Zion’s daughters applaud themselves,
    walking with their chins in the air,
    flirting with their eyes,
    tiptoeing as they walk, feet jingling—
17     the Lord will shave the heads of Zion’s daughters,
    and will expose their scalps.
18 On that day, the Lord will remove:
    the splendid ankle chains; headbands and moon-shaped pendants;
19     the earrings, bracelets, and veils;
20     the hats, bangles, and sashes;
    the amulets and charms;
21     the signet rings and nose rings;
22     the robes and capes;
    the shawls and handbags;
23     the mirrors and linen garments;
    the turbans and the veils.
24 Instead of perfume there will be a disgusting odor;
    instead of a sash, a rope;
    instead of styled hair, shaved heads;
    instead of expensive clothes, rags as mourning clothes;
    instead of beauty, shame.[a]

25 Your men will fall by the sword,
    your warriors in battle!
26 Her gates will lament and mourn;
    desolate, she will sit on the ground.

Seven women will grab one man on that day, saying, “We will eat our own bread and wear our own clothes—only let us take your name; take away our disgrace.”

Footnotes

  1. Isaiah 3:24 DSS (1QIsaa); MT lacks shame.