Meaning, commentary and cross references
Isaiah 26:3
“You keep him in perfect peace
whose mind is stayed on you,
because he trusts in you.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
NIV · New International Version
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
WEB · World English Bible
You will keep whoever’s mind is steadfast in perfect peace, because he trusts in you.
What does Isaiah 26:3 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Isaiah 26:3
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace,.... Peace with God in Christ through his blood, in a way of believing, and as the fruit and effect of his righteousness being received by faith; this is not always felt, received, and enjoyed in the soul; yet the foundation of it always is, and is perfect; and besides, this peace is true, real, and solid; in which sense the word "perfect" is used, in opposition to a false and imaginary one; and it will end in perfect peace in heaven: moreover, the word "perfect" is not in the Hebrew text, it is there "peace, peace"; which is doubled to denote the certainty of it, the enjoyment of it, and the constancy and continuance of it; and as expressive of all sorts…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible, on Isaiah 26:1–4
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…
Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
John Calvin · Commentaries, on Isaiah 26:3
The thought is fixed; thou wilt keep peace, peace. [156] As the Hebrew word ytsr (YEtzEr) signifies both "imagination" or "creature," and "thought," some render it, "By a settled foundation thou wilt keep peace;" as if the Prophet meant, that when men, amidst the convulsions of the world, continue to rest firmly on God, they will always be safe. Others render it, "For the fixed thought thou wilt keep peace;" which amounts to nearly the same thing, that they who have fixed their minds on God alone will at length be happy; for in no other way does God promise that he will be the guardian of his people than when they rely on his grace with settled thoughts, and without change or wavering.…
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Isaiah 26:1–6 (WEB)
1In that day, this song will be sung in the land of Judah: “We have a strong city. God appoints salvation for walls and bulwarks. 2Open the gates, that the righteous nation may enter: the one which keeps faith. 3You will keep whoever’s mind is steadfast in perfect peace, because he trusts in you. 4Trust in the LORD forever; for in the LORD, the LORD, is an everlasting Rock. 5For 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. 6The foot shall tread it down, even the feet of the poor and the steps of the needy.”
Cross references
- Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.
- John 16:33
I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble; but cheer up! I have overcome the world.”
- John 14:27
Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, I give to you. Don’t let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful.
- Jeremiah 17:7–8
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose confidence is in the LORD.
- Psalms 9:10
- Romans 5:1
Being therefore justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ;
- Psalms 85:7–8
- Romans 4:18–21
Against hope, Abraham in hope believed, to the end that he might become a father of many nations, according to that which had been spoken, “So will your offspring be.”