Isaiah 26:4

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Trust {H982} ye in the LORD {H3068} for ever {H5703}: for in the LORD {H3050} JEHOVAH {H3068} is everlasting {H5769} strength {H6697}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Trust in ADONAI forever, because in Yah ADONAI, is a Rock of Ages."

Berean Standard Bible

Trust in the LORD forever, because GOD the LORD is the Rock eternal.

American Standard Version

Trust ye in Jehovah for ever; for in Jehovah, even Jehovah, is an everlasting rock.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 26:4 is a profound call to perpetual trust in the Lord, grounded in the unshakeable reality of His eternal nature and enduring strength. This verse serves as a foundational declaration of divine reliability, inviting believers to find ultimate security and refuge in God alone, whose character as the "Rock of Ages" provides an unwavering anchor amidst the transience and instability of the world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a significant section of Isaiah (chapters 24-27), often termed "Isaiah's Apocalypse" due to its eschatological themes of universal judgment and the ultimate restoration of God's faithful remnant. This "apocalypse" contrasts the destruction of the wicked with the secure dwelling of the righteous. Immediately preceding [Isaiah 26:4](/isaiah/26-4 "Isaiah 26:4 - Trust in the Lord"), verses [Isaiah 26:1-3](/isaiah/26-1 "Isaiah 26:1-3 - The Strong City of God") describe a "strong city" that God has established for His people, whose peace is maintained because "their mind is stayed on thee" and "they trust in thee." Thus, [Isaiah 26:4](/isaiah/26-4 "Isaiah 26:4 - The Everlasting Strength of God") functions as the theological bedrock for this promised security and peace, articulating *why* such trust is not only warranted but eternally beneficial. It shifts the focus from the security of the city to the immutable character of the God who secures it.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Isaiah ministered during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, primarily facing the existential threat of the Assyrian Empire (8th century BCE). Later, his prophecies would also speak to the coming Babylonian exile and eventual return. In this volatile environment, nations often relied on military might, political alliances, or fortified cities for security. Against this backdrop, Isaiah consistently calls Israel to trust in the Lord alone, rather than in human strength or fleeting treaties. The imagery of God as a "rock" or "fortress" was common in the ancient Near East to denote strength, stability, and refuge, but Isaiah elevates this to an unparalleled level by associating it with the eternal, self-existent God of Israel, distinguishing Him from any transient earthly power or idol.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully encapsulates several core themes prevalent in Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Enduring Trust**, presenting trust in God not as a temporary measure but as a perpetual, unwavering commitment, echoing the wisdom found in [Proverbs 3:5](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart"). Secondly, it highlights **God's Immutable Nature**, emphasized by the unique divine name "LORD JEHOVAH," signifying His self-existence, eternality, and unchanging faithfulness, which forms the very basis for such trust. Finally, the theme of **Everlasting Strength and Security** is central, portraying God as the ultimate, unshakeable source of stability and refuge, a theme consistently found throughout the Psalms, where God is often depicted as a [Rock and Fortress](/psalms/18-2 "Psalm 18:2 - The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer"). This verse assures believers that their foundation is eternal and unyielding.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Trust (Hebrew, _bâṭach'_):** This primitive root signifies properly "to hide for refuge," but figuratively, it means "to be confident or sure." It implies a deep sense of security and reliance, a confident leaning upon someone or something. In this context, it is an active, ongoing posture of confident dependence on God, rather than a passive hope.
* **LORD JEHOVAH (Hebrew, _Yâhh Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This unique KJV rendering combines two forms of God's covenant name. **Yâhh** (H3050) is a contraction of **Yᵉhôvâh** (H3068), which itself derives from the verb "to be" (hayah), signifying "the self-Existent or Eternal." The doubling of these sacred names ("Jah Jehovah") in the Hebrew original (Yah Yahweh) serves as an intense emphasis on God's absolute sovereignty, self-existence, eternality, and covenant faithfulness. It underscores that He is the unchanging, ever-present God who keeps His promises.
* **strength (Hebrew, _tsûwr'_):** While translated as "strength" here, the primary meaning of this word is "a cliff" or "sharp rock." Figuratively, it denotes a refuge, a place of safety and an emblem of enduring power. The phrase "everlasting strength" (Hebrew: *tsur olamim*) literally means "Rock of Ages" or "Everlasting Rock," powerfully conveying God as an unyielding, impenetrable, and eternal foundation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Trust ye in the LORD for ever":** This is an imperative command, a direct instruction to God's people. The call to "trust" (bâṭach) implies a confident reliance and security, while "for ever" (ʻad) emphasizes the perpetual, unending nature of this trust. It is not a temporary act but a continuous lifestyle of faith, acknowledging God's eternal faithfulness.
* **"for in the LORD JEHOVAH":** This clause provides the foundational reason for the command to trust. The repetition and unique combination of God's covenant names (Yah Yahweh) underscore His immutable character. He is the self-existent, eternal, and covenant-keeping God, whose very being is the guarantee of His trustworthiness.
* **"[is] everlasting strength":** This final declaration reveals the substance of God's character that warrants eternal trust. The Hebrew "tsur olamim" ("Rock of Ages") powerfully portrays God as an unshakeable, eternal, and unyielding source of power, stability, and refuge. He is the ultimate, enduring foundation upon which all true security rests.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 26:4 is rich with literary artistry that amplifies its theological message. The most prominent device is **Metaphor**, where God is described as "everlasting strength," which in Hebrew is "Rock of Ages" (*tsur olamim*). This metaphor portrays God as an unyielding, immovable, and eternal fortress, providing ultimate refuge and stability. The **Repetition** of the divine name "LORD" (Yahweh) and its contraction "JEHOVAH" (Yah) in the Hebrew original creates an emphatic declaration of God's unique and supreme nature, underscoring His self-existence and covenant faithfulness. Furthermore, the verse employs an **Imperative** ("Trust ye"), which serves as a direct, authoritative command, calling the audience to an active and perpetual posture of faith. This direct address, combined with the profound imagery, makes the verse both an exhortation and a powerful theological statement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 26:4 stands as a theological cornerstone, asserting God's absolute immutability and His role as the ultimate source of security. It grounds human trust not in fleeting circumstances or human capacity, but in the unchanging, eternal character of God Himself. This verse highlights that because God is eternally strong and faithful, our trust in Him can also be eternal, providing an unshakeable foundation for life. It speaks to God's steadfastness amidst a world of constant flux, offering profound comfort and a clear directive for where true hope is found. The "everlasting strength" is not merely a quality God possesses, but a description of His very being, making Him the eternal refuge for all who believe.

* [Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - God is the Rock, His work is perfect")
* [Psalm 18:2](/psalms/18-2 "Psalm 18:2 - The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer")
* [Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world characterized by relentless change, economic instability, social upheaval, and personal uncertainties, Isaiah 26:4 offers a profound and stabilizing truth. It calls us to re-evaluate the objects of our trust, shifting our reliance from temporary human systems, our own limited abilities, or fleeting circumstances to the eternal, unshakeable nature of God. When we anchor our souls in the "Rock of Ages," we gain an unfailing stability that transcends earthly storms. This trust is not passive but an active, conscious decision to lean into God's sovereign power and perfect wisdom, knowing that His strength will never diminish and His faithfulness will never waver. This verse encourages a deep, abiding peace that comes from surrendering control and embracing the divine promise of everlasting security, empowering us to face any challenge with courage and hope.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God as "everlasting strength" impact your response to personal anxieties or global uncertainties?**
* **In what areas of your life are you currently tempted to place your trust in temporary things rather than in God's eternal nature?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to cultivate a deeper, more "everlasting" trust in the Lord, as exhorted in this verse?**

### FAQ
**Why does the KJV uniquely use "LORD JEHOVAH" in Isaiah 26:4?**

Answer: The KJV's rendering "LORD JEHOVAH" for the Hebrew *Yah Yahweh* (יָהּ יְהוָה) is a distinctive translation that emphasizes the divine name. *Yah* (H3050) is a shortened form of *Yahweh* (H3068), which is God's covenant name, often translated as "LORD" (in all caps) in English Bibles to respect the Jewish tradition of not pronouncing the sacred name. *Yahweh* itself is derived from the Hebrew verb "to be," signifying God's self-existence and eternality, as revealed in [Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - I AM WHO I AM"). The doubling of these forms in Isaiah 26:4—*Yah Yahweh*—serves as an intense theological emphasis on God's absolute sovereignty, immutability, and His unwavering covenant faithfulness. It is a powerful declaration of His unique and eternal nature, reinforcing that He is the unchanging God who always fulfills His promises.

**What does "everlasting strength" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "everlasting strength" in Isaiah 26:4 translates the Hebrew *tsur olamim* (צוּר עוֹלָמִים), which literally means "Rock of Ages" or "Everlasting Rock." The word *tsur* (H6697) fundamentally means "a cliff" or "rock," and figuratively, it conveys the idea of a secure, unyielding fortress, a place of refuge, and an emblem of enduring power. The addition of *olamim* (H5769), meaning "eternity" or "forever," emphasizes that this strength is not temporary or finite but infinite and perpetual. Therefore, "everlasting strength" signifies God as the ultimate, unshakeable, and eternal foundation for His people. He is an unchanging refuge, an inexhaustible source of power, and an utterly reliable anchor in every circumstance, as reflected in passages like [Psalm 62:7](/psalms/62-7 "Psalm 62:7 - My salvation and my glory depend on God; He is my strong Rock and my refuge").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 26:4, with its powerful declaration of God as "everlasting strength" or the "Rock of Ages," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament speaks of Yahweh as the unshakeable Rock, the New Testament reveals that Jesus is the very embodiment of this eternal stability and strength. As the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), Jesus is the one upon whom all true trust must be built. He is the [Chief Cornerstone](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ Jesus Himself being the chief cornerstone") of God's spiritual temple, the solid foundation upon which believers can build their lives without fear of collapse ([1 Corinthians 3:11](/1_corinthians/3-11 "1 Corinthians 3:11 - No other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ")). The Apostle Paul explicitly identifies Christ as the spiritual Rock that accompanied Israel in the wilderness ([1 Corinthians 10:4](/1_corinthians/10-4 "1 Corinthians 10:4 - The spiritual Rock that followed them was Christ")), demonstrating His pre-existence and eternal nature. In Christ, the promises of God's everlasting strength and faithfulness find their resounding "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All the promises of God in Him are Yes")). He is the [same yesterday, today, and forever](/hebrews/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever"), offering an eternal and unshakeable refuge for all who trust in Him, securing them in His hand from which [no one can snatch them](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - No one can snatch them out of My hand").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 12:2

Behold, God [is] my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH [is] my strength and [my] song; he also is become my salvation.

Psalms 62:8

¶ Trust in him at all times; [ye] people, pour out your heart before him: God [is] a refuge for us. Selah.

Psalms 55:22

Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Psalms 18:2

The LORD [is] my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, [and] my high tower.

Psalms 62:11

God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power [belongeth] unto God.

Psalms 46:1

¶ To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth. God [is] our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.