TRV
- English
- King James KJV
- Complete Jewish CJB
- World English WEBM
- Berean Standard BSB
- American Standard ASV
- Geneva GNV
- Young's Literal YLT
- Douay-Rheims DRC
- International
- Shqip ALB
- العربية SVD
- বাংলা BN-IRV
- မြန်မာ Judson
- 简体文 CUV-S
- 繁體中文 CUV-T
- Čeština BKR
- Nederlands STVE
- Français LSG
- Deutsch SCH
- Ελληνικά Vamvas
- ગુજરાતી GU-IRV
- Hausa HCB
- עברית Hebrew
- हिन्दी HCV
- Magyar KAROLI
- Bahasa Indonesia INDO-TB
- Italiano Diodati
- 日本語 Kougo
- 한국어 Korean
- മലയാളം MAL
- मराठी MRCV
- Norsk DNB
- فارسی OPV
- Polski BG
- Português Almeida
- Română Cornilescu
- Русский Synodal
- Español RVG
- Kiswahili Neno
- Svenska SV1917
- Tagalog TAG-ADB
- தமிழ் TCV
- తెలుగు TSA
- ภาษาไทย THAI-KJV
- Українська Ohienko
- Tiếng Việt CADMAN
- Yorùbá YCB
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Isaiah 26:1–4. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
To the prophecies of gospel grace very fitly is a song annexed, in which we may give God the glory and take to ourselves the comfort of that grace: In that day, the gospel day, which the day of the victories and enlargements of the Old Testament church was typical of (to some of which perhaps this has a primary reference), in that day this song shall be sung; there shall be persons to sing it, and cause and hearts to sing it; it shall be sung in the land of Judah, which was a figure of the gospel church; for the gospel covenant is said to be made with the house of Judah, Heb 8:8. Glorious things are here said of the church of God.
I.That it is strongly fortified against those that are bad (Isa 26:1):
We have a strong city. It is a city incorporated by the charter of the everlasting covenant, fitted for the reception of all that are made free by that charter, for their employment and entertainment; it is a strong city, as Jerusalem was, while it was a city compact together, and had God himself a wall of fire round about it, so strong that none would have believed that an enemy could ever enter into the gates of Jerusalem, Lam 4:12. The church is a strong city, for it has walls and bulwarks, or counterscarps, and those of God's own appointing; for he has, in his promise, appointed salvation itself to be its defence. Those that are designed for salvation will find that to be their protection, Pe1 1:4.
II.That it is richly replenished with those that are good, and they are instead of fortifications to it; for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, if they are such as they should be, are its strength, Zac 12:5. The gates are here ordered to be opened, that the righteous nation, which keeps the truth, may enter in, Isa 26:2. They had been banished and driven out by the iniquity of the former times, but now the laws that were made against them are repealed, and they have liberty to enter in again. Or, There is an act for a general naturalization of all the righteous, whatever nation they are of, encouraging them to come and settle in Jerusalem. When God has done great things for any place or people he expects that thus they should render according to the benefit done unto them; they should be kind to his people, and take them under their protection and into their bosom. Note,
1.It is the character of righteous men that they keep the truths of God, a firm belief of which will have a commanding influence upon the regularity of the whole conversation. Good principles fixed in the head will produce good resolutions in the heart and good practices in the life.
2.It is the interest of states to countenance such, and court them among them, for they bring a blessing with them.
III.That all who belong to it are safe and easy, and have a holy security and serenity of mind in the assurance of God's favour.
1.This is here the matter of a promise (Isa 26:3): Thou wilt keep him in peace, peace, in perfect peace, inward peace, outward peace, peace with God, peace of conscience, peace at all times, under all events; this peace shall he be put into, and kept in the possession of, whose mind is stayed upon God, because it trusts in him. It is the character of every good man that he trusts in God, puts himself under his guidance and government, and depends upon him that it shall be greatly to his advantage to do so. Those that trust in God must have their minds stayed upon him, must trust him at all times, under all events, must firmly and faithfully adhere to him, with an entire satisfaction in him; and such as do so God will keep in perpetual peace, and that peace shall keep them. When evil tidings are abroad those shall calmly expect the event, and not be disturbed by frightful apprehensions arising from them, whose hearts are fixed, trusting in the Lord, Psa 112:7.
2.It is the matter of a precept (Isa 26:4): "Let us make ourselves easy by trusting in the Lord for ever; since God has promised peace to those that stay themselves upon him, let us not lose the benefit of that promise, but repose an entire confidence in him. Trust in him for ever, at all times, when you have nothing else to trust to; trust in him for that peace, that portion, which will be for ever." Whatever we trust to the world for, it will be but for a moment: all we expect from it is confined within the limits of time. But what we trust in God for will last as long as we shall last. For in the Lord Jehovah-Jah, Jehovah, in him who was, and is, and is to come, there is a rock of ages, a firm and lasting foundation for faith and hope to build upon; and the house built on that rock will stand in a storm. Those that trust in God shall not only find in him, but receive from him, everlasting strength, strength that will carry them to everlasting life, to that blessedness which is for ever; and therefore let them trust in him for ever, and never cast away nor change their confidence.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
(Vers. 2-4.) Open the gates, and let the just nation enter, guarding the truth. The ancient error has gone away, you shall keep peace: peace, because we have hoped in you. You have hoped in the Lord in eternal ages. LXX: Open the gates, let the nation enter, guarding justice, and guarding truth, holding onto truth, and guarding peace: peace, because they have hoped in you, Lord, forever. This entire chant, which is sung on earth by those who confess and praise the holy ones, suddenly changes personas, and is woven as if through question and answer. The people of God said: 'The city of our strength, the Savior, will be built with a wall and a rampart in it.' The Lord replied, or rather commanded, not those who said this, but the angels who presided over the gates of the Lord's city, to open the gates so that a righteous nation, guarding the truth, may enter through them, or as it is said in Hebrew, Emmunim, which in our language is translated as faith in the plural number, not singular. What are the gates, which are opened by angels, so that the people of Judah, who are rejected, may not enter, but rather the righteous nation, which has received its name from the faith of the faithful? Indeed, those of which the saint speaks: Open to me the gates of righteousness, I will enter through them and give thanks to the Lord (Ps. CXVII, 19). However, no one will be able to enter these gates unless they have been freed from the gates of death; and as the Psalmist says: You who lift me up from the gates of death, that I may declare all your praise in the gates of the daughter of Zion (Ps. IX, 15). For when we have been saved from the gates of death, then at the gates of the daughter of Zion we will be able to sing all the praises of the Lord. And just as I consider the gates of death to be sins, of which it is said to Peter: The gates of hell shall not prevail against you (Matthew 16:18); so the gates of righteousness, all the works of virtue, whoever enters them will find one gate, of which it is said: This is the gate of the Lord, the righteous shall enter it (Psalm 118:19). And how is it that through many pearls one arrives at one pearl: so through many paths and gates we come to Him who says He is the way and the gate, through which we enter to the Father. After the word of God, the people answered in Hebrew 'Jeser Samuch' (which Aquila and Symmachus similarly translated) which means 'our error is removed', or 'our thought is established', which previously wavered between you and idols, so that we are not carried about by every wind of doctrine, but with our whole mind we believe in you, the Lord and Savior. In order for us to have a clearer understanding, we have translated, the old error has gone away. And since our thought has been confirmed, therefore you will keep for us the peace that you promised to the Apostles, saying: My peace I give to you, my peace I leave to you (John 14:27); and not only once, but twice, so that the secure reward that is promised in twofold language may be assured, according to what the Apostle also spoke: Rejoice, I say again, rejoice (Philippians 4:4). But the consequence of this is what is said in Leviticus: 'A man, a man, of the sons of Israel' (Lev. 17). And in the book of Numbers: 'A husband, a husband, whose wife has defiled the marriage bed' (Num. 5:12): so that a double man and a double husband may obtain double peace. And they say, 'We merit peace because we trust in you with our whole mind.' After the words of the people and the response of the Lord, the voice of the Prophet speaks again to the believers: 'You have hoped, or continue to hope, in the Lord, in everlasting ages,' and so on. According to the Septuagint, he enters the gates of the Lord, who guards justice in good works, and preserves or embraces truth in the truth of faith, so that he may attain peace through good works and faith, which surpasses all understanding, and deserve to receive that same peace; for he believed in God who is the dispenser of eternal good works (Philippians 4). Therefore, it is also written in another place: You have desired wisdom, keep the commandments, and the Lord will grant it to you (Ecclesiastes 1:33).
Continue studying Isaiah 26:3 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
Summary
Isaiah 26:3 is a profound declaration of God's unwavering faithfulness and protective care, promising a state of complete and undisturbed peace to those whose inner being is firmly fixed upon Him. This "perfect peace" (Hebrew: shalom shalom) transcends mere tranquility, encompassing a holistic well-being, wholeness, and security divinely bestowed upon individuals whose thoughts, affections, and will are steadfastly anchored in the Lord. It highlights a reciprocal relationship where human reliance on God, rooted in an unwavering trust in His character, power, and promises, unlocks His preserving and tranquilizing power amidst life's uncertainties and challenges.
Context
Literary Context
Isaiah 26 is situated within a significant prophetic section often termed the "Isaiah Apocalypse" (chapters 24-27). This segment marks a thematic shift within the book, moving from pronouncements of judgment against the nations and Israel's unfaithfulness to a glorious vision of God's ultimate triumph, the establishment of His righteous kingdom, and the restoration of His people. Specifically, chapter 25 celebrates God's decisive victory over death and sorrow, culminating in a universal feast for all peoples on Mount Zion. Chapter 26 then presents a triumphant song of praise and trust from the perspective of the redeemed community, looking forward to a time of secure reign under God. Isaiah 26:3 functions as a pivotal affirmation within this song, articulating the profound security and peace available to those who remain steadfast in their faith, starkly contrasting with the instability and ultimate downfall of the unrighteous described elsewhere in the chapter (e.g., Isaiah 26:10-11). It serves as a powerful declaration of confidence in God's protective care for His loyal remnant in the face of impending judgment and future hope.
Historical & Cultural Context
The prophecies of Isaiah were delivered during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, primarily spanning the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. This era was characterized by the looming threat of powerful empires like Assyria and, later, the rising specter of Babylon. The people of Judah frequently faced the temptation to seek security in political alliances with foreign nations or in their own military might, rather than in an exclusive trust in Yahweh. In such an environment, the concept of "peace" (Hebrew: shalom) was profoundly significant. Beyond simply the cessation of hostilities, shalom encompassed a comprehensive state of well-being, wholeness, prosperity, harmony, and completeness—a flourishing life in every dimension. Isaiah's consistent message was a fervent call for the people to return to a radical trust in Yahweh as their sole deliverer and source of security, directly challenging their cultural inclination to rely on human strength or foreign powers. The promise of "perfect peace" would have resonated deeply in a society constantly grappling with external threats, internal anxieties, and spiritual apostasy, pointing to a divine provision that transcended their immediate, often chaotic, circumstances.
Key Themes
The overarching themes in Isaiah 26, and indeed throughout the book of Isaiah, include divine sovereignty, God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people, the ultimate triumph of righteousness, and the stark contrast between those who trust in God and those who rely on human strength or idolatry. This particular verse, Isaiah 26:3, specifically contributes to the theme of divine preservation, emphasizing God's active and vigilant role in guarding and sustaining His people. It highlights the nature of true peace as a holistic, God-given state, not contingent upon external circumstances but rooted in an internal disposition. Crucially, it underscores the necessity of steadfast trust as the prerequisite for experiencing this divine peace, echoing the wisdom found in Proverbs 3:5-6, which calls for complete reliance on the Lord rather than one's own understanding. The verse also subtly touches on eschatological hope, as the ultimate "perfect peace" is fully realized in God's future, righteous kingdom.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This primitive root means "to guard, in a good sense (to protect, maintain, obey, etc.) or a bad one (to conceal, etc.)". In Isaiah 26:3, it signifies God's active, vigilant, and protective preservation. It implies a divine watchfulness and maintenance of the believer's state, safeguarding them from internal turmoil and external threats. God is the one who actively preserves and maintains this state of peace, acting as a watchful guardian.
shâlôwm means "safe, i.e. (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e. health, prosperity, peace." The repetition of shâlôwm (peace, peace) is an intensive Hebrew idiom, signifying not merely peace, but complete, utter, absolute, undisturbed, and comprehensive peace. It denotes a wholeness, completeness, and well-being that permeates every aspect of existence—spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical. This is a peace that is full, perfect, and lacking nothing, a state of profound tranquility and security.
This primitive root means "to prop (literally or figuratively); reflexively, to lean upon or take hold of (in a favorable or unfavorable sense); bear up, establish, (up-) hold, lay, lean, lie hard, put, rest self, set self, stand fast, stay (self), sustain." This word paints a vivid picture of a mind that is firmly anchored, supported, and propped up by God. It implies a conscious, deliberate act of resting one's entire mental and emotional weight on God, finding stability and unwavering support in Him, rather than being tossed by anxieties or doubts. It is a posture of steadfast reliance.
Verse Breakdown
"Thou wilt keep [him] in perfect peace"
This opening clause unequivocally establishes God as the sovereign agent and the ultimate source of this profound peace. The verb "keep" (nâtsar) underscores God's active, vigilant, and protective action. This is not a peace that humans generate through their own efforts or circumstances, but one that God actively bestows, preserves, and maintains. The phrase "perfect peace" (shalom shalom) emphasizes its comprehensive, undisturbed, and utterly complete nature, signifying a wholeness that transcends and triumphs over all external circumstances.
"[whose] mind [is] stayed [on thee]"
This clause reveals the essential human condition for receiving and experiencing God's perfect peace. The "mind" (yêtser, H3336), referring to the inner disposition, thoughts, intentions, and will, is the focal point. To be "stayed" (samak) on God means this inner being is firmly fixed, supported, and anchored in Him. It implies a deliberate, continuous, and unwavering focus and reliance on God's character, truth, and presence, preventing the mind from being swayed by fear or distraction.
"because he trusteth in thee"
This final clause provides the foundational reason and active posture that enables the mind to be "stayed" and the perfect peace to be received. "Trusteth" (batach, H982) signifies a deep, unwavering confidence, security, and reliance on God. It is not a passive intellectual assent but an active, confident leaning into God's faithfulness, power, and promises. This profound and active trust is the spiritual channel through which God's preserving and comprehensive peace flows into the steadfast mind.
Literary Devices
Isaiah 26:3 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message of divine peace and human trust. The most prominent is Repetition, specifically the doubling of the word "peace" (שָׁלֹום שָׁלֹום - shalom shalom). This intensive form is a classic Hebrew idiom used to emphasize completeness, totality, and absolute perfection, signifying a peace that is utterly whole, undisturbed, and all-encompassing, far beyond mere absence of conflict. Another key device is Metaphor, particularly evident in the phrase "whose mind is stayed on thee." The mind (yêtser) is implicitly compared to something that requires firm support, like a building needing a strong foundation or a ship needing a secure mooring. This vivid imagery powerfully conveys the idea of mental and spiritual stability that is found only when one's thoughts, intentions, and entire inner being are firmly fixed and reliant upon God. The verse also functions as a Conditional Promise, presenting a clear cause-and-effect relationship: if one's mind is stayed on God because of active trust, then God will keep them in perfect peace. This structure highlights the reciprocal nature of the divine-human relationship, where a specific human posture of faith enables a profound divine provision.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Isaiah 26:3 beautifully encapsulates the profound theological truth that true peace is not merely the absence of external conflict but an internal, divinely-imparted state of wholeness and tranquility, directly linked to one's relationship with God. This "perfect peace" is a fruit of steadfast faith and active trust, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to preserve and sustain those who fix their gaze upon Him. It underscores the biblical emphasis on the heart and mind as the control center of one's life, showing that spiritual stability and emotional well-being are contingent upon aligning one's inner being with the divine will and character. This verse serves as a timeless reminder that even amidst the world's chaos, a sanctuary of "perfect peace" is accessible through a deliberate and continuous reliance on God's faithfulness and sovereign care.
Reflection and Application
In a world often characterized by pervasive anxiety, relentless uncertainty, and constant change, Isaiah 26:3 offers a profound and immensely practical blueprint for experiencing genuine inner peace. It challenges the common misconception that peace is found by controlling external circumstances, accumulating material comforts, or achieving a state of effortless tranquility. Instead, it directs our attention inward, to the posture of our minds and hearts towards God. To cultivate and inhabit this "perfect peace," we are called to intentionally and consistently direct our thoughts, worries, and hopes towards the Lord, making Him the fixed and immovable point of our spiritual compass. This involves a conscious, daily choice to surrender our anxieties to His sovereign control, to meditate deeply on His infallible Word, and to engage in continuous, heartfelt prayer, rather than allowing our minds to be consumed by worldly pressures, self-generated fears, or distracting concerns. Ultimately, this verse invites us to deepen our active, unwavering trust in God's goodness, wisdom, and omnipotent power, recognizing that His faithfulness is the bedrock upon which our peace is built, regardless of the storms raging around us.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of the repeated word "peace" in "perfect peace"?
The repetition of the Hebrew word shalom (שָׁלֹום שָׁלֹום) is a powerful intensive grammatical construction common in biblical Hebrew. It is used to emphasize completeness, totality, or the highest possible degree of something. In Isaiah 26:3, it signifies not just ordinary peace, but a peace that is whole, complete, utterly undisturbed, and comprehensive. It denotes a state of perfect well-being, harmony, and security that permeates every aspect of one's being—spiritual, mental, emotional, and even physical. This is a peace that is full, lacking nothing, and divinely bestowed, transcending all external circumstances.
How does one "stay" their mind on God?
To "stay" one's mind on God (Hebrew: samak) means to firmly fix, anchor, support, or lean upon Him. Practically, this involves a deliberate and continuous act of directing one's thoughts, affections, and will toward God. It encompasses consistent prayer, meditating deeply on God's Word, consciously surrendering worries and anxieties to His sovereignty, and intentionally choosing to trust in His character and promises even when circumstances are challenging or seem contradictory. It's an active, ongoing posture of reliance and devotion, allowing God to be the stable, unshakeable foundation for one's inner life, as exhorted in Philippians 4:6-7.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Isaiah 26:3 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is Himself the embodiment and very source of perfect peace. While the Old Testament promise points to God's preserving power for those who trust Him, the New Testament reveals how this profound peace is made fully accessible and eternally secure through Christ's redemptive work. Jesus is our promised Prince of Peace, who, through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, broke down the wall of hostility between God and humanity (Ephesians 2:14). His death and resurrection reconcile us to God, granting us not merely a temporary truce, but a lasting peace with God through faith in Him. Furthermore, Christ promises His disciples a unique peace, distinct from the world's fleeting tranquility: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid" (John 14:27). Through the indwelling Holy Spirit, believers are empowered to keep their minds "stayed" on Christ, allowing the peace of Christ to rule in their hearts. Thus, the perfect peace promised in Isaiah is fully realized in the believer's union with Christ, who not only keeps us, but is our peace, enabling a steadfast trust that overcomes all fear and anxiety, securing our spiritual and emotional well-being in Him.