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 26:5KJV
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Isaiah 26:5 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 26:5 mean?

Isaiah 26:5 describes how God brings down those who are proud and secure in their power, symbolized by a "lofty city," reducing them to the ground and even to the dust. The verse emphasizes that no matter how high or secure people or nations may seem, God has the power to humble them completely.

In context, Isaiah is speaking to the people of Judah, offering a vision of God's justice against arrogant powers that oppose Him. The "lofty city" likely represents any city or nation that exalts itself in pride and self-reliance. The verse reassures the faithful that God can and will humble the proud, no matter how strong they appear.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 26:5

  • "lofty" (שָׂגָב, sagav): This word means "exalted" or "high," often used for something lifted up in pride or strength. Here, it highlights the arrogance of the city or people being brought down.
  • "city" (קִרְיָה, qiryah): This word simply means "city," but in this context, it stands for a powerful, fortified place—likely a symbol for proud nations or centers of human strength.
  • "low" (שָׁפֵל, shaphel): Used twice for emphasis, this word means "to bring low" or "to humble." The repetition stresses the thoroughness of God's action—He doesn't just lower the city, He brings it all the way down to the dust.
  • "dust" (עָפָר, afar): This word means "dust" or "dirt," showing the complete humiliation and destruction of what was once exalted.

Why Isaiah 26:5 matters

  • Isaiah 26:5 clarifies that no human power is too great for God to humble, countering any belief that earthly strength or pride can stand against Him.
  • The verse connects to the larger theme in Isaiah 26 of God's ultimate justice and the security of those who trust in Him, as opposed to those who trust in their own might.
  • By using vivid language about bringing the proud "to the dust," Isaiah 26:5 highlights the total reversal of fortunes that can happen when God acts, reminding readers that pride and self-reliance are temporary.

Where else these words appear

“lofty” Hebrew H7682 · used in 20 verses

  • Deuteronomy 2:36 From Aroer, which is by the brink of the river of Arnon, and from the city that is by the river, even unto Gilead, there was not one city too strong for us: the LORD our God delivered all unto us:
  • Psalms 91:14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
  • Proverbs 29:25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

“down” Hebrew H7817 · used in 21 verses

  • Job 9:13 If God will not withdraw his anger, the proud helpers do stoop under him.
  • Psalms 42:6 O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar.
  • Isaiah 2:11 The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.

“low” Hebrew H8213 · used in 27 verses

  • 1 Samuel 2:7 The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.
  • Proverbs 25:7 For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen.
  • Isaiah 25:11 And he shall spread forth his hands in the midst of them, as he that swimmeth spreadeth forth his hands to swim: and he shall bring down their pride together with the spoils of their hands.

“city” Hebrew H7151 · used in 31 verses

  • Numbers 21:28 For there is a fire gone out of Heshbon, a flame from the city of Sihon: it hath consumed Ar of Moab, and the lords of the high places of Arnon.
  • Proverbs 11:10 When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting.
  • Isaiah 29:1 Woe to Ariel, to Ariel, the city where David dwelt! add ye year to year; let them kill sacrifices.