Bible Dictionary
Mincing
Mincing means walking with short, affected, or tripping steps. Isaiah uses the description in criticizing the proud display and mannerisms of certain women of Jerusalem.
Definition
Mincing means walking with short, quick, affected, or tripping steps. The term can describe an affected gait or manner of walking.
Biblical Usage
Isaiah uses the description of women who walked in an affected manner while making a jingling sound with their feet.
Historical Background
The jingling was associated with metal anklets. The expression has also been understood as describing the coquettish gait of women.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
(Heb. taphoph, Isa. 3:16), taking affectedly short and quick steps. Luther renders the word by “wag” or “waggle,” thus representing “the affected gait of coquettish females.”
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>min'-sing (Taphaph): "Taking short steps," "walking trippingly." Only in Isa 3:16, "walking and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling (a jingling of the metal anklets) with their feet." Compare OHL.</p>