Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:

ISAIAH 26:4KJV
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Isaiah 26:4 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 26:4 mean?

Isaiah 26:4 calls for lasting trust in the LORD because his strength does not wear out. The reason for trust is found in who the LORD is, rather than in a temporary show of power.

The verse is part of a song to be sung in Judah. After the promise of peace in verse 3, the song addresses its hearers directly. The KJV’s phrase “everlasting strength” also carries the picture of a rock, a solid place of safety.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 26:4

  • “strength” — צוּר (tsur): The Hebrew word often means “rock.” Here the KJV expresses the rock’s quality of strength, while the image also suggests firmness and shelter.
  • “LORD” — יָהּ (yah): This is a shortened form of the LORD’s name. In “LORD JEHOVAH,” the shortened form stands next to the full name, giving the name special emphasis.

Why Isaiah 26:4 matters

  • The verse gives a reason for its call to trust. The word “for” connects that call to the LORD’s “everlasting strength.”
  • The song speaks to a community, not just one person. “Trust ye” addresses its hearers together, fitting the song’s setting among the people of Judah.
  • The rock image gains contrast from the verses that follow. Isaiah 26:5 describes a lofty city brought low, while verse 4 presents the LORD as a source of strength that lasts.

Where else these words appear

“LORD” Hebrew H3050 · used in 45 verses

  • Exodus 15:2 The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.
  • Psalms 112:1 Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.
  • Psalms 135:3 Praise the LORD; for the LORD is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant.

“ever” Hebrew H5703 · used in 49 verses

  • Exodus 15:18 The LORD shall reign for ever and ever.
  • Psalms 48:14 For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.
  • Psalms 145:2 Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever.

“strength” Hebrew H6697 · used in 74 verses

  • Exodus 17:6 Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.
  • 1 Chronicles 11:15 Now three of the thirty captains went down to the rock to David, into the cave of Adullam; and the host of the Philistines encamped in the valley of Rephaim.
  • Psalms 78:35 And they remembered that God was their rock, and the high God their redeemer.

“Trust” 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: