Isaiah 26:5
Isaiah 26:5 in Multiple Translations
For He has humbled those who dwell on high; He lays the lofty city low. He brings it down to the ground; He casts it into the dust.
¶ 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.
For he hath brought 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.
For he has made low those who are lifted up, all the people of the town of pride: he makes it low, crushing it down to the earth; he makes it low in the dust.
He brings down those who live so high and mighty; he demolishes the proud city with its high walls, bringing it down to the ground, into the dust.
For hee will bring downe them that dwell on hie: the hie citie he will abase: euen vnto the ground wil he cast it downe, and bring it vnto dust.
For He bowed down the dwellers on high, A city set on high He maketh low, He maketh it low unto the earth, He causeth it to come unto the dust,
For he has brought down those who dwell on high, the lofty city. He lays it low. He lays it low even to the ground. He brings it even to the dust.
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.
For he shall bring down them that dwell on high, the high city he shall lay low. He shall bring it down even to the ground, he shall pull it down even to the dust.
He humbles proud people and destroys cities whose people are arrogant. He causes those cities to collapse into the dust/dirt.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 26:5
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Isaiah 26:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֤י
הֵשַׁח֙
יֹשְׁבֵ֣י
מָר֔וֹם
קִרְיָ֖ה
נִשְׂגָּבָ֑ה
יַשְׁפִּילֶ֤/נָּה
יַשְׁפִּילָ/הּ֙
עַד
אֶ֔רֶץ
יַגִּיעֶ֖/נָּה
עַד
עָפָֽר
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
הֵשַׁח֙
shâchach
H7817
to bow
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
יֹשְׁבֵ֣י
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
V-Qal
מָר֔וֹם
mârôwm
H4791
height
N-ms
קִרְיָ֖ה
qiryâh
H7151
town
N-fs
נִשְׂגָּבָ֑ה
sâgab
H7682
to exalt
V-Niphal
יַשְׁפִּילֶ֤/נָּה
shâphêl
H8213
to abase
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff
יַשְׁפִּילָ/הּ֙
shâphêl
H8213
to abase
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
אֶ֔רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs
יַגִּיעֶ֖/נָּה
nâgaʻ
H5060
to touch
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
עָפָֽר
ʻâphâr
H6083
dust
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 26:5
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
הֵשַׁח֙
shâchach
H7817
"to bow"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
To bow down means to sink or depress oneself, often in humility or worship, as seen in the story of King David in 1 Samuel. It can also mean to crouch or be prostrated, like an animal in a lair, and is used to describe a range of emotions and postures.
Definition: 1) to bow, crouch, bow down, be bowed down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be bowed down, be prostrated, be humbled 1a2) to bow (in homage) 1a3) to bow (of mourner) 1a4) to crouch (of wild beast in lair) 1b) (Niphal) to be prostrated, be humbled, be reduced, be weakened, proceed humbly, be bowed down 1c) (Hiphil) to prostrate, lay low, bow down 1d) (Hithpolel) to be cast down, be despairing
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: bend, bow (down), bring (cast) down, couch, humble self, be (bring) low, stoop. See also: Job 9:13; Proverbs 14:19; Psalms 10:10.
יֹשְׁבֵ֣י
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
V-Qal
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
מָר֔וֹם
mârôwm
H4791
"height"
N-ms
This word refers to a high or elevated place, either physically or figuratively. It can describe a location, such as a mountain, or a state of being, like pride or haughtiness. It is used in various books of the Bible.
Definition: 1) height 1a) height, elevation, elevated place 1a1) in a high place (adv) 1b) height 1c) proudly (adv) 1d) of nobles (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: (far) above, dignity, haughty, height, (most, on) high (one, place), loftily, upward. See also: Judges 5:18; Isaiah 22:16; Psalms 7:8.
קִרְיָ֖ה
qiryâh
H7151
"town"
N-fs
This word refers to a town or city, a place where people live and work. It is used in the Bible to describe various urban areas.
Definition: 1) city, town 1a) in general 1b) in specific 1c) collective 1d) indefinite Aramaic equivalent: qir.yah (קִרְיָה "town" H7149)
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: city. See also: Numbers 21:28; Isaiah 22:2; Psalms 48:3.
נִשְׂגָּבָ֑ה
sâgab
H7682
"to exalt"
V-Niphal
To exalt means to make something or someone lofty or strong, often used to describe God's power. It can also mean to defend or set something on high. This concept is found in Psalms and other books.
Definition: 1) to be high, be inaccessibly high 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be (too) high (for capture) 1a2) to be high (of prosperity) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be high 1b2) to be set on high, be (safely) set on high 1b3) to be exalted (of God) 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to set on high, set (securely) on high 1c2) to exalt, exalt (in effective hostility) 1d) (Pual) to be set (securely) on high 1e) (Hiphil) to act exaltedly
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: defend, exalt, be excellent, (be, set on) high, lofty, be safe, set up (on high), be too strong. See also: Deuteronomy 2:36; Proverbs 18:10; Psalms 20:2.
יַשְׁפִּילֶ֤/נָּה
shâphêl
H8213
"to abase"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff
To humble or abase oneself, to lower one's expectations or pride. In the Bible, it can mean to bring someone or something down, like in Proverbs 29:23, where a person's pride is humbled.
Definition: 1) to be or become low, sink, be humbled, be abased 1a) (Qal) to be or become low 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to lay or bring low, humiliate 1b2) to set in a lower place, show abasement 1b3) to make low, sit down
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: abase, bring (cast, put) down, debase, humble (self), be (bring, lay, make, put) low(-er). See also: 1 Samuel 2:7; Isaiah 2:17; Psalms 18:28.
יַשְׁפִּילָ/הּ֙
shâphêl
H8213
"to abase"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff
To humble or abase oneself, to lower one's expectations or pride. In the Bible, it can mean to bring someone or something down, like in Proverbs 29:23, where a person's pride is humbled.
Definition: 1) to be or become low, sink, be humbled, be abased 1a) (Qal) to be or become low 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to lay or bring low, humiliate 1b2) to set in a lower place, show abasement 1b3) to make low, sit down
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: abase, bring (cast, put) down, debase, humble (self), be (bring, lay, make, put) low(-er). See also: 1 Samuel 2:7; Isaiah 2:17; Psalms 18:28.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
אֶ֔רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
יַגִּיעֶ֖/נָּה
nâgaʻ
H5060
"to touch"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to touch or reach something, and can also mean to strike or defeat someone. It is used in Exodus to describe God's power and in Psalms to describe human emotions. The word has various translations, including beat, bring, and plague.
Definition: 1) to touch, reach, strike 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to touch 1a2) to strike 1a3) to reach, extend to 1a4) to be stricken 1a4a) stricken (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be stricken, be defeated 1c) (Piel) to strike 1d) (Pual) to be stricken (by disease) 1e) (Hiphil) to cause to touch, reach, approach, arrive 1e1) to cause to touch, apply 1e2) to reach, extend, attain, arrive, come 1e3) to approach (of time) 1e4) to befall (of fate)
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: beat, ([idiom] be able to) bring (down), cast, come (nigh), draw near (nigh), get up, happen, join, near, plague, reach (up), smite, strike, touch. See also: Genesis 3:3; 2 Chronicles 3:12; Psalms 32:6.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
עָפָֽר
ʻâphâr
H6083
"dust"
N-ms
Aphar means dust or dry earth, and is also used to describe clay, earth, or mortar. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) dry earth, dust, powder, ashes, earth, ground, mortar, rubbish 1a) dry or loose earth 1b) debris 1c) mortar 1d) ore
Usage: Occurs in 103 OT verses. KJV: ashes, dust, earth, ground, morter, powder, rubbish. See also: Genesis 2:7; Job 28:6; Psalms 7:6.
Study Notes — Isaiah 26:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 26:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 26:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 26:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 26:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 26:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 26:5
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 26:5
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 26:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 26:5
- Sermons on Isaiah 26:5
Context — A Song of Salvation
3You will keep in perfect peace the steadfast of mind, because he trusts in You.
4Trust in the LORD forever, because GOD the LORD is the Rock eternal.
5For He has humbled those who dwell on high; He lays the lofty city low. He brings it down to the ground; He casts it into the dust.
6Feet trample it down— the feet of the oppressed, the steps of the poor. 7The path of the righteous is level; You clear a straight path for the upright.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 51:37 | Babylon will become a heap of rubble, a haunt for jackals, an object of horror and scorn, without inhabitant. |
| 2 | Revelation 18:2 | And he cried out in a mighty voice: “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a lair for demons and a haunt for every unclean spirit, every unclean bird, and every detestable beast. |
| 3 | Job 40:11–13 | Unleash the fury of your wrath; look on every proud man and bring him low. Look on every proud man and humble him; trample the wicked where they stand. Bury them together in the dust; imprison them in the grave. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 51:64 | Then you are to say, ‘In the same way Babylon will sink and never rise again, because of the disaster I will bring upon her. And her people will grow weary.’” Here end the words of Jeremiah. |
| 5 | Isaiah 13:11 | I will punish the world for its evil and the wicked for their iniquity. I will end the haughtiness of the arrogant and lay low the pride of the ruthless. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 51:25–26 | “Behold, I am against you, O destroying mountain, you who devastate the whole earth, declares the LORD. I will stretch out My hand against you; I will roll you over the cliffs and turn you into a charred mountain. No one shall retrieve from you a cornerstone or a foundation stone, because you will become desolate forever,” declares the LORD. |
| 7 | Isaiah 14:13 | You said in your heart: “I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God. I will sit on the mount of assembly, in the far reaches of the north. |
| 8 | Isaiah 2:12 | For the Day of the LORD of Hosts will come against all the proud and lofty, against all that is exalted— it will be humbled— |
| 9 | Isaiah 47:1 | “Go down and sit in the dust, O Virgin Daughter of Babylon. Sit on the ground without a throne, O Daughter of Chaldea! For you will no longer be called tender or delicate. |
| 10 | Isaiah 32:19 | But hail will level the forest, and the city will sink to the depths. |
Isaiah 26:5 Summary
Isaiah 26:5 tells us that God brings down those who are proud and arrogant, humbling them and casting them into the dust. This shows us that God is a just and righteous God, who hates pride and loves humility, as seen in Proverbs 16:18. When we trust in God and humble ourselves, He will lift us up and give us peace, as promised in Isaiah 26:3. By remembering God's character and promises, we can have confidence in His sovereignty and justice, even in difficult times (Psalm 37:7-9).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to humble those who dwell on high in Isaiah 26:5?
This refers to God's judgment on the proud and arrogant, bringing them down from their lofty positions, as seen in similar passages like Isaiah 2:12 and Proverbs 16:18.
What is the lofty city in Isaiah 26:5?
The lofty city represents any system or structure that exalts itself against God, similar to Babylon in Isaiah 13:19 or the tower of Babel in Genesis 11:1-9.
How does God's action in Isaiah 26:5 relate to His character?
God's humbling of the proud demonstrates His justice and righteousness, as stated in Psalm 146:7-9, where He lifts up the oppressed and brings down the wicked.
What is the significance of God casting the city into the dust?
Casting the city into the dust signifies complete devastation and destruction, much like the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19:24-25, serving as a warning to those who rebel against God.
Reflection Questions
- How have you seen God humble the proud in your own life or in the lives of others?
- What are some ways you can trust in God's sovereignty and justice, especially when faced with injustice or oppression?
- In what ways can you identify with the 'lofty city' in your own heart, and how can you surrender those areas to God?
- How does the promise of God's judgment on the proud encourage you to stand firm in your faith, even in the face of adversity?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 26:5
For he bringeth down them that dwell on high, the lofty city,.... That dwell on high in the high city, so the accents require the words to be rendered; and accordingly the Targum is, "for he will
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 26:5
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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 26:5
He bringeth down, Heb. he hath brought down, which yet may be put for the future, he will bring down, &c. You may trust him; for he can and doth raise some, and throw down others, according to his own good pleasure. Them that dwell on high; he speaks not so much of height of place as of dignity and power, in which sense also he mentions the lofty city, in the next clause. The lofty city; which may be understood either of proud Babylon; or collectively, of all the strong and stately cities of God’ s enemies.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 26:5
Isaiah 26:5 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.Ver. 5. For he bringeth down those that dwell on high.] Even all adverse power, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God. The lofty city he layeth it low.] This Museulus understands of Babylon, that towering city; as also of Rome, that spiritual Babylon, to which it was long since said - “ Versa eris in cineres quasi nunquam Roma fuisses. ”
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 26:5
(5) The lofty city, he layeth it low . . .—The “city” is probably the great imperial “city of confusion” that had exalted itself against God and his people. To that city, Moab, in all its pride, was but as a tributary.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 26:5
5, 6. Jehovah has proved himself to be a Rock by the destruction of “the lofty city”; see on ch. Isaiah 25:2. The principal pause in Isaiah 26:5 should be after the word “city.”
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 26:5
The lofty city, he layeth it low - The city of Babylon (see the note at Isaiah 25:12; compare Isa. 13, note; Isaiah 14:1, note)
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 26:5
5-7. He bringeth down them that dwell on high — The argument is, Why not trust such a One who has overwhelmed imperial oppressive cities, and abolished nearer gainsaying peoples.
Sermons on Isaiah 26:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(The Word for Today) Isaiah 20:1 - Part 3 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the importance of standing up for righteousness in a fallen world. He introduces his new book, "Standing Up in a Fallen World," which i |
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The Word in a Recession by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of placing our confidence solely in God, rather than in worldly possessions or external factors. He warns against being foole |
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(Isaiah) Judgment of the Nations by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the fall of Babylon as described in the book of Isaiah. He emphasizes the vividness and power of God's word, which conveys the panic and terr |
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Are You One of the Chosen Ones? by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the influence of ideas and philosophy in shaping our society. He points out that in today's generation, ther |
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Church of Vidor Saturday by David Ravenhill | David Ravenhill emphasizes the urgent need for the church to undergo a cleansing process, drawing parallels between the spiritual state of the church today and the historical clean |
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Crucified Unto Me by Watchman Nee | Watchman Nee emphasizes the necessity of separation from the world and dedication to God as foundational principles of Christian living. He illustrates the stark contrast between B |
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America Is Finished, unless... by Pierre Bynum | Pierre Bynum preaches about the impending judgment on America due to its sins and departure from God, emphasizing the need for national repentance and a God-sent Awakening to avert |