King James Version

What Does Isaiah 26:5 Mean?

Isaiah 26:5 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Isaiah 26:5 · KJV

Context

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.

7

The way of the just is uprightness: thou, most upright, dost weigh the path of the just.

Read Isaiah 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
"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." This verse explains why God is trustworthy (note the causal "for")—He brings down every competing power. The repetitive structure hammers home God's sovereign reversal of human pride. "He bringeth down them that dwell on high" (כִּי הֵשַׁח יֹשְׁבֵי מָרוֹם/ki heshach yoshvei marom)—heshach means to bow down, bring low, humble. Yoshvei marom (dwellers on high) refers both to literal elevated cities built for defense and to proud people exalting themselves.

"The lofty city, he layeth it low" (קִרְיָה נִשְׂגָּבָה יַשְׁפִּילֶנָּה/qiryah nisgabah yashpilennah)—nisgabah means exalted, lofty, inaccessible, set on high. Yashpilennah means to bring low, humble, abase. The threefold repetition that follows—"he layeth it low, even to the ground; he bringeth it even to the dust"—uses Hebrew poetic intensification. Each phrase descends further: high → low → ground → dust, dramatizing total and complete humiliation. What human pride elevates to the heavens, God brings down to dust. This echoes Mary's Magnificat: "He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree" (Luke 1:52).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Isaiah witnessed Assyria's systematic destruction of fortified cities throughout the ancient Near East. Cities like Samaria (722 BCE) and Lachish (701 BCE) fell to Assyrian siege engines despite strong fortifications. Yet Isaiah prophesied that Assyria itself—the 'lofty city' of proud human power—would fall. This was fulfilled when God destroyed 185,000 Assyrian soldiers besieging Jerusalem (Isaiah 37:36). Later, Babylon—another 'lofty city'—fell to Persia (539 BCE). The pattern continues through history: every proud empire eventually crumbles. Only God's city stands forever.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'lofty cities' (powers, institutions, ideologies) in our culture seem invincible but are destined for God's humbling?
  2. How does this promise of God bringing down the proud shape your response to seemingly overwhelming opposition?
  3. Where might pride be building 'lofty cities' in your own heart that need to be brought low?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
כִּ֤י1 of 13
H3588

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

הֵשַׁח֙2 of 13

“For he bringeth down”

H7817

to sink or depress (reflexive or causative)

יֹשְׁבֵ֣י3 of 13

“them that dwell”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

מָר֔וֹם4 of 13

“on high”

H4791

altitude, i.e., concretely (an elevated place), abstractly (elevation, figuratively (elation), or adverbially (aloft)

קִרְיָ֖ה5 of 13

“city”

H7151

a city

נִשְׂגָּבָ֑ה6 of 13

“the lofty”

H7682

to be (causatively, make) lofty, especially inaccessible; by implication, safe, strong; used literally and figuratively

יַשְׁפִּילָהּ֙7 of 13

“he layeth it low”

H8213

to depress or sink (especially figuratively, to humiliate, intransitive or transitive)

יַשְׁפִּילָהּ֙8 of 13

“he layeth it low”

H8213

to depress or sink (especially figuratively, to humiliate, intransitive or transitive)

עַד9 of 13
H5704

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

אֶ֔רֶץ10 of 13

“even to the ground”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

יַגִּיעֶ֖נָּה11 of 13

“he bringeth”

H5060

properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive

עַד12 of 13
H5704

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

עָפָֽר׃13 of 13

“it even to the dust”

H6083

dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud

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 26:5 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 26:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 51:37Revelation 18:2Job 40:11-13Isaiah 13:11Jeremiah 51:64Jeremiah 51:25-26

Test Your Knowledge

Isaiah 26 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterIsaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Isaiah 26 with CommentaryAll Isaiah ChaptersComplete Isaiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes