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

ISAIAH 26:3KJV
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Isaiah 26:3 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 26:3 mean?

Isaiah 26:3 describes how God promises to keep a person in perfect peace when that person's mind is firmly fixed on God, because they trust in Him. The verse highlights a connection between trust in God and a deep, lasting sense of peace.

In the book of Isaiah, the prophet is speaking to people facing trouble and uncertainty, assuring them that God can provide true peace even in hard times. The verse uses the image of a mind “stayed” or anchored on God, showing that peace comes not from circumstances, but from steady trust in God’s character and care.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 26:3

  • "keep" (נָצַר, natsar): This word often means to guard or protect carefully, suggesting that God actively watches over those who trust Him, not just leaving them to find peace on their own.
  • "perfect peace" (שָׁלוֹם שָׁלוֹם, shalom shalom): The phrase repeats the word for peace, which is a Hebrew way of expressing completeness or fullness. This is not just a lack of conflict, but a deep, whole well-being.
  • "mind" (יֵצֶר, yetser): This word refers to a person's thoughts, intentions, or frame of mind, emphasizing that the inner life—what someone dwells on—matters for experiencing peace.
  • "stayed" (סָמַךְ, samakh): This means to lean on or support oneself with something, showing that the peace described comes from relying on God as a steady foundation.
  • "trusteth" (בָּטַח, batach): This word means to have confidence or feel secure, highlighting that the peace is rooted in a relationship of trust, not just belief in facts about God.

Why Isaiah 26:3 matters

  • The verse clarifies that “perfect peace” is not just an absence of trouble, but a deep sense of well-being that comes from trusting God, even when life is uncertain.
  • By repeating the word for peace, Isaiah emphasizes the completeness and sufficiency of the peace God gives, which goes beyond ordinary calm or comfort.
  • The focus on the mind being “stayed” on God shows that peace is connected to where a person’s thoughts and trust are anchored, not just to outward circumstances.

Where else these words appear

“mind” Hebrew H3336 · used in 9 verses

  • Genesis 6:5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
  • Deuteronomy 31:21 And it shall come to pass, when many evils and troubles are befallen them, that this song shall testify against them as a witness; for it shall not be forgotten out of the mouths of their seed: for I know their imagination which they go about, even now, before I have brought them into the land which I sware.
  • Psalms 103:14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.

“stayed” Hebrew H5564 · used in 47 verses

  • Genesis 27:37 And Isaac answered and said unto Esau, Behold, I have made him thy lord, and all his brethren have I given to him for servants; and with corn and wine have I sustained him: and what shall I do now unto thee, my son?
  • Leviticus 8:22 And he brought the other ram, the ram of consecration: and Aaron and his sons laid their hands upon the head of the ram.
  • Psalms 51:12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

“keep” Hebrew H5341 · used in 62 verses

  • Exodus 34:7 Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.
  • Psalms 119:33 HE. Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.
  • Proverbs 7:10 And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart.

“trusteth” Hebrew H982 · used in 117 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:52 And he shall besiege thee in all thy gates, until thy high and fenced walls come down, wherein thou trustedst, throughout all thy land: and he shall besiege thee in all thy gates throughout all thy land, which the LORD thy God hath given thee.
  • Psalms 41:9 Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.
  • Isaiah 30:12 Wherefore thus saith the Holy One of Israel, Because ye despise this word, and trust in oppression and perverseness, and stay thereon: