Mincing
Summary
An affected, coquettish manner of walking characterized by small, quick steps, condemned by Isaiah as evidence of the pride of Jerusalem's women.
☩Isaiah's Rebuke
The prophet Isaiah denounced the 'daughters of Zion' who were 'haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling with their feet' (Isaiah 3:16). This combination of proud posture, seductive glances, affected walk, and jingling ankle ornaments painted a picture of thorough vanity.
☩Hebrew Meaning
The Hebrew word taphaph refers to taking small and quick steps—the affected pace of a coquettish woman. The Arabic cognate taf has the same meaning. The passage might be rendered 'they walk and trip along.' This gait involved swaying the body while walking, creating an attention-seeking display.
☩Judgment Pronounced
Isaiah immediately pronounced judgment on this vanity: the Lord would 'smite with a scab the crown of the head of the daughters of Zion' and 'discover their secret parts' (Isaiah 3:17). Their elaborate ornaments would be taken away—their chains, bracelets, bonnets, earrings, rings, and changeable suits of apparel (Isaiah 3:18-23). 'Instead of sweet smell there shall be stink... and instead of well set hair baldness... and burning instead of beauty' (Isaiah 3:24).
Related Verses1 mention
Isaiah· 1 verse
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Mincing," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VI (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).