Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Context:The term "mincing" refers to a delicate or affected manner of walking, often characterized by short, dainty steps. In a biblical context, it is used to describe a particular behavior that is associated with vanity and pride. The word is notably found in the book of Isaiah, where it is used to critique the haughty demeanor of certain women in Jerusalem.
Biblical Reference:The primary biblical reference to "mincing" is found in
Isaiah 3:16-17. The Berean Standard Bible translates this passage as follows:
"The LORD also says: 'Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, walking with heads held high and wanton eyes, prancing and mincing as they go, jingling their anklets, therefore the Lord will bring sores on the heads of the daughters of Zion, and the LORD will make their foreheads bare.'"
Analysis:In this passage, the prophet Isaiah conveys a message from the LORD concerning the behavior of the "daughters of Zion." The term "mincing" is used to describe their affected and ostentatious manner of walking, which is part of a broader critique of their pride and vanity. The "jingling of anklets" further emphasizes their focus on outward adornment and superficial beauty.
The context of this passage is a prophetic warning against the moral and spiritual decay of the people of Jerusalem. The behavior of the women, as described by Isaiah, symbolizes a deeper societal issue of arrogance and self-indulgence. The LORD's response, as prophesied by Isaiah, is one of judgment and correction, highlighting the consequences of such prideful behavior.
Theological Implications:From a theological perspective, the use of "mincing" in Isaiah serves as a caution against vanity and the elevation of external appearances over inner righteousness. It underscores the biblical principle that God values humility and a contrite heart over outward displays of wealth and beauty. The passage calls believers to examine their own lives for signs of pride and to seek a humble and sincere relationship with God.
Cultural and Historical Context:In ancient Near Eastern cultures, including that of Israel, physical appearance and adornment were often seen as indicators of social status and wealth. The critique of the "daughters of Zion" reflects a broader societal tendency to prioritize these external markers over spiritual and moral integrity. Isaiah's prophecy serves as a reminder of the transient nature of such worldly attributes and the enduring value of spiritual virtues.
Application:The message of
Isaiah 3:16-17 remains relevant for contemporary believers, encouraging a focus on inner character and humility. It challenges individuals to resist the temptation to conform to societal standards of beauty and success that are contrary to biblical values. Instead, believers are called to cultivate a spirit of modesty and to prioritize their relationship with God above all else.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
(Hebrews taphoph,
Isaiah 3:16), taking affectedly short and quick steps. Luther renders the word by "wag" or "waggle," thus representing "the affected gait of coquettish females."
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
a.) That minces; characterized by primness or affected nicety.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
MINCINGmin'-sing (Taphaph): "Taking short steps," "walking trippingly." Only inIsaiah 3:16, "walking and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling (a jingling of the metal anklets) with their feet." Compare OHL.
Strong's Hebrew
2952. taphaph -- to trip, take small quick steps... Definition: steps. Word Origin a prim. root Definition to trip, take small
quick steps NASB Word Usage
mincing steps (1). mince. A
...Library
1 Timothy ii. 10-Aug
... of wealth, as gold, and pearls, and costly array; how much more those things which
imply studied ornament, as painting, coloring the eyes, amincing gait, the...
A Compendious view of the Christian Life.
... For they must not do as some, who, imitating the acting of comedy, and practising
themincing motions of dancers, conduct themselves in society as if on the...
So Great Blindness, Moreover, Hath Occupied Men's Minds...
... and from that pravity of way into which he had fallen; the very way of religion
in which is salvation for all men, they by breaking andmincing the authority...
Ridicule of the Studies of the Greeks.
... Why do you, as in a boxing match, make their sounds clash together with yourmincing
Attic way of speaking, whereas you ought to speak more according to nature...
The World's Hatred, as Christ Saw It
... There is nomincing of the matter in the antithesis which Christ here draws; no
hesitation, as if there were a great central mass, too bad for a blessing...
Letter Li to the virgin Sophia
... And if the daughters of Belial reproach you, those who walk with stretched forth
necksmincing as they go (Isaiah 3:16), decked out and adorned like the Temple...
Apostolic Exhortation
... affectionately but graciously must we deal with men. Far hence be all trimming
andmincing of matters. Accursed let him be that takes away...
Pricked in their Heart
... All along he spake very boldly, withoutmincing the truth"Ye with wicked hands
have crucified and slain him whom God has highly exalted....
In Memoriam.
... Church discipline, and many other subjects. And there was nomincing of
matters at these discussions. Foremost amongst us was Dr...
Face to Face with Shams
... sewed pillows to all armholes,' and abounded in wimples and crisping pins; to see
deaconesses at once bold andmincing, to see them forward, intriguing...
Thesaurus
Mincing (1 Occurrence)... (a.) That minces; characterized by primness or affected nicety. Int. Standard Bible
Encyclopedia.
MINCING.
... Multi-Version Concordance
Mincing (1 Occurrence).
...Minas (9 Occurrences)
Wantonly (8 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 3:16 Moreover the LORD said: because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and
walk with stretched-forth necks and wanton eyes, walking andmincing as they...
Wanton (20 Occurrences)
... 3:16 Moreover the LORD saith, Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk
with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking andmincing as they go...
Tinkling (4 Occurrences)
... 3:16 Moreover the LORD saith, Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk
with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking andmincing as they go...
Tinkle (1 Occurrence)
... Isaiah 3:16 Moreover the LORD said: because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and
walk with stretched-forth necks and wanton eyes, walking andmincing as they...
Round (664 Occurrences)
... See Guide to Pronunciation, / 11. 9. (a.) Outspoken; plain and direct; unreserved;
unqualified; notmincing; as, a round answer; a round oath. 10....
Deceiving (18 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 3:16 Because that daughters of Zion have been haughty, And they walk stretching
out the neck, And deceiving 'with' the eyes, Walking andmincing they go...
Bracelet (5 Occurrences)
... Isaiah, predicting the day when Yahweh will smite the haughty daughters of Zion,
who "walk with outstretched necks and wanton eyes, walking andmincing as they...
Stretched-forth (1 Occurrence)
... Isaiah 3:16 Moreover Jehovah said, Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and
walk with outstretched necks and wanton eyes, walking andmincing as they go...
Resources
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