King James Version

What Does Isaiah 26:6 Mean?

Isaiah 26:6 in the King James Version says “The foot shall tread it down, even the feet of the poor, and the steps of the needy.” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Isaiah 26:6 · KJV

Context

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.

8

Yea, in the way of thy judgments, O LORD, have we waited for thee; the desire of our soul is to thy name, and to the remembrance of thee.

Read Isaiah 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
"The foot shall tread it down, even the feet of the poor, and the steps of the needy." This verse completes the reversal—those once oppressed by the lofty city now walk upon its ruins. "The foot shall tread it down" (תִּרְמְסֶנָּה רָגֶל/tirmesennah ragel)—tirmesennah means to trample, tread down, stamp upon, walk over. This was the ultimate humiliation in ancient warfare; victors literally walked over the ruins of conquered cities, and kings placed their feet on the necks of defeated enemies (Joshua 10:24). The singular "foot" becomes plural in the next phrase, expanding to include multitudes.

"Even the feet of the poor, and the steps of the needy" (רַגְלֵי עָנִי פַּעֲמֵי דַלִּים/raglei ani pa'amei dallim)—ani means poor, afflicted, humble, oppressed. Dallim means weak, helpless, poor, insignificant. These are the very people the lofty city once oppressed and despised. Now they trample its ruins. Pa'amei (steps, footsteps) suggests steady, purposeful walking—not fearful tiptoeing but confident striding. This is complete role reversal: the oppressed become victorious, the lowly exalted, the weak empowered. This anticipates Jesus's beatitude: "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5) and James's promise that "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble" (James 4:6).

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Historical & Cultural Context

In the ancient world's rigid class systems, the poor and needy had no voice, no power, no rights. They were trampled by the powerful. Isaiah consistently championed God's concern for the poor, condemning rulers who "grind the faces of the poor" (Isaiah 3:15). The image of the poor walking on the ruins of proud cities would have been shocking—complete reversal of the social order. This prefigures the gospel pattern where God chooses "the foolish things of the world to confound the wise...and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen" (1 Corinthians 1:27-28).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's pattern of exalting the humble and humbling the proud challenge worldly definitions of success and power?
  2. In what ways might you be aligned with the 'lofty city' rather than identifying with 'the poor and needy' before God?
  3. How should this promised reversal shape the church's treatment of the poor and marginalized today?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
תִּרְמְסֶ֖נָּה1 of 6

“shall tread it down”

H7429

to tread upon (as a potter, in walking or abusively)

רַגְלֵ֥י2 of 6

“The foot”

H7272

a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

רַגְלֵ֥י3 of 6

“The foot”

H7272

a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

עָנִ֖י4 of 6

“of the poor”

H6041

depressed, in mind or circumstances

פַּעֲמֵ֥י5 of 6

“and the steps”

H6471

a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)

דַלִּֽים׃6 of 6

“of the needy”

H1800

properly, dangling, i.e., (by implication) weak or thin

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 26:6 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 26:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 16:20Luke 10:19Joshua 10:24Revelation 2:26James 2:5Malachi 4:3

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