Isaiah 26:4
Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:
Original Language Analysis
בִּטְח֥וּ
Trust
H982
בִּטְח֥וּ
Trust
Strong's:
H982
Word #:
1 of 9
properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure
יְהוָ֔ה
JEHOVAH
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
JEHOVAH
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עֲדֵי
H5704
עֲדֵי
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
3 of 9
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
עַ֑ד
for ever
H5703
עַ֑ד
for ever
Strong's:
H5703
Word #:
4 of 9
properly, a (peremptory) terminus, i.e., (by implication) duration, in the sense of advance or perpetuity (substantially as a noun, either with or wit
כִּ֚י
H3588
כִּ֚י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
5 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יְהוָ֔ה
JEHOVAH
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
JEHOVAH
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
7 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
Isaiah 12:2Behold, 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 62:8Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.Psalms 55:22Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.Psalms 18:2The 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.Philippians 4:13I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.Psalms 62:11God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.Psalms 46:1God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.1 Samuel 2:2There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.Isaiah 50:10Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.Isaiah 32:2And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.
Historical Context
The double divine name (Yah YHWH) appears rarely in Scripture, creating special emphasis. In Isaiah's time, Judah faced the terrifying Assyrian empire—the greatest military power in the ancient world. King Ahaz had trusted in Assyrian alliance rather than God (Isaiah 7), with disastrous results. Isaiah consistently called the people back to trust in YHWH alone, not political alliances or military might. This "Rock of Ages" language became foundational for Christian hymnody, most famously in Augustus Toplady's 1776 hymn "Rock of Ages, cleft for me."
Questions for Reflection
- What does 'forever' trust look like practically—how is it different from crisis-driven faith that emerges only when needed?
- How does knowing God as 'the Rock of Ages' address your deepest insecurities about the future?
- In what areas are you most tempted to trust in human strength, alliances, or securities rather than in YHWH alone?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
"Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength." This is one of Scripture's most powerful exhortations to perpetual trust. "Trust ye in the LORD for ever" (בִּטְחוּ בַיהוָה עֲדֵי־עַד/bitchu vaYHWH adei-ad)—the imperative bitchu (trust!) calls for confident reliance, secure confidence, complete dependence. The time frame adei-ad (forever and ever, perpetually, through all time) extends this trust eternally—not temporary trust during crises, but permanent, unwavering confidence in God throughout all circumstances and all ages.
"For in the LORD JEHOVAH" (כִּי בְּיָהּ יְהוָה/ki b'Yah YHWH)—this remarkable phrase combines the shortened form Yah (יָהּ) with the full tetragrammaton YHWH (יְהוָה), creating intensive emphasis on the covenant name of God. Some translate this as "in Yah, the LORD" or "in the LORD, even Yahweh." The repetition emphasizes the personal covenant God who has revealed Himself by name. "Is everlasting strength" (צוּר עוֹלָמִים/tzur olamim)—tzur literally means rock, cliff, boulder, the solid bedrock foundation that never shifts or crumbles. Olamim (ages, eternity, everlasting) pluralizes "age" to emphasize perpetuity—the Rock of all ages, eternal strength that outlasts every temporal power.