King James Version

What Does Isaiah 26:4 Mean?

Isaiah 26:4 in the King James Version says “Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength: everlasting: Heb. the rock of ages” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength: everlasting: Heb. the rock of ages”

Isaiah 26:4 · KJV

Eternal LifeStrength

Context

2

Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in. truth: Heb. truths

3

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. perfect: Heb. peace, peace mind: or, thought, or, imagination

4

Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength: everlasting: Heb. the rock of ages

5

For he bringeth down them that dwell on high; the lofty city, he layeth it low; he layeth it low, even to the ground; he bringeth it even to the dust.

6

The foot shall tread it down, even the feet of the poor, and the steps of the needy.

Read Isaiah 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
"Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength." This is one of Scripture's most powerful exhortations to perpetual trust. "Trust ye in the LORD for ever" (בִּטְחוּ בַיהוָה עֲדֵי־עַד/bitchu vaYHWH adei-ad)—the imperative bitchu (trust!) calls for confident reliance, secure confidence, complete dependence. The time frame adei-ad (forever and ever, perpetually, through all time) extends this trust eternally—not temporary trust during crises, but permanent, unwavering confidence in God throughout all circumstances and all ages.

"For in the LORD JEHOVAH" (כִּי בְּיָהּ יְהוָה/ki b'Yah YHWH)—this remarkable phrase combines the shortened form Yah (יָהּ) with the full tetragrammaton YHWH (יְהוָה), creating intensive emphasis on the covenant name of God. Some translate this as "in Yah, the LORD" or "in the LORD, even Yahweh." The repetition emphasizes the personal covenant God who has revealed Himself by name. "Is everlasting strength" (צוּר עוֹלָמִים/tzur olamim)—tzur literally means rock, cliff, boulder, the solid bedrock foundation that never shifts or crumbles. Olamim (ages, eternity, everlasting) pluralizes "age" to emphasize perpetuity—the Rock of all ages, eternal strength that outlasts every temporal power.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The double divine name (Yah YHWH) appears rarely in Scripture, creating special emphasis. In Isaiah's time, Judah faced the terrifying Assyrian empire—the greatest military power in the ancient world. King Ahaz had trusted in Assyrian alliance rather than God (Isaiah 7), with disastrous results. Isaiah consistently called the people back to trust in YHWH alone, not political alliances or military might. This "Rock of Ages" language became foundational for Christian hymnody, most famously in Augustus Toplady's 1776 hymn "Rock of Ages, cleft for me."

Reflection Questions

  1. What does 'forever' trust look like practically—how is it different from crisis-driven faith that emerges only when needed?
  2. How does knowing God as 'the Rock of Ages' address your deepest insecurities about the future?
  3. In what areas are you most tempted to trust in human strength, alliances, or securities rather than in YHWH alone?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
בִּטְח֥וּ1 of 9

“Trust”

H982

properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure

יְהוָ֔ה2 of 9

“JEHOVAH”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

עֲדֵי3 of 9
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

עַ֑ד4 of 9

“for ever”

H5703

properly, a (peremptory) terminus, i.e., (by implication) duration, in the sense of advance or perpetuity (substantially as a noun, either with or wit

כִּ֚י5 of 9
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

בְּיָ֣הּ6 of 9

“for in the LORD”

H3050

jah, the sacred name

יְהוָ֔ה7 of 9

“JEHOVAH”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

צ֖וּר8 of 9

“strength”

H6697

properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous)

עוֹלָמִֽים׃9 of 9

“is everlasting”

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Isaiah 26:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Isaiah 26:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 12:2Psalms 62:8Psalms 55:22Philippians 4:13Psalms 18:2Psalms 62:11

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