Isaiah 26:5
New International Version
He humbles those who dwell on high, he lays the lofty city low; he levels it to the ground and casts it down to the dust.

New Living Translation
He humbles the proud and brings down the arrogant city. He brings it down to the dust.

English Standard Version
For he has humbled the inhabitants of the height, the lofty city. He lays it low, lays it low to the ground, casts it to the dust.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
For He brings down those who dwell on high, The lofty city; He lays it low, He lays it low to the ground, He brings it down to the dust.

New American Standard Bible
“For He has brought low those who dwell on high, the unassailable city; He lays it low, He lays it low to the ground, He casts it to the dust.

NASB 1995
“For He has brought low those who dwell on high, the unassailable city; He lays it low, He lays it low to the ground, He casts it to the dust.

NASB 1977
“For He has brought low those who dwell on high, the unassailable city; He lays it low, He lays it low to the ground, He casts it to the dust.

Legacy Standard Bible
For He has laid low those who settle on high, the exalted city; He brings it low, He brings it low to the ground, He casts it to the dust.

Amplified Bible
“For He has thrown down the [arrogant] ones who dwell on high, the lofty and inaccessible city; He lays it low, He lays it low to the ground, He hurls it to the dust.

Christian Standard Bible
For he has humbled those who live in lofty places — an inaccessible city. He brings it down; he brings it down to the ground; he throws it to the dust.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For He has humbled those who live in lofty places— an inaccessible city. He brings it down; He brings it down to the ground; He throws it to the dust.

American Standard Version
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.

Contemporary English Version
God has put down our enemies in their mountain city and rubbed it in the dirt.

English Revised Version
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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He has brought down those who live high in the towering city. He levels it. He levels it to the ground and throws it into the dust.

Good News Translation
He has humbled those who were proud; he destroyed the strong city they lived in, and sent its walls crashing into the dust.

International Standard Version
For he has made drunk the inhabitants of the height, the lofty city. He lays it low to the ground casting it down to the dust,

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
Indeed, the LORD knocks down those who live in a high place, he brings down an elevated town; he brings it down to the ground, he throws it down to the dust.

New Heart English Bible
For he has brought down those who dwell on high, the lofty city. He lays it low to the ground. He casts it to the dust.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

World English Bible
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.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
For He bowed down the dwellers on high, "" A city set on high He makes low, "" He makes it low to the earth, "" He causes it to come to the dust,

Young's Literal Translation
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,

Smith's Literal Translation
For he bows down those dwelling in height; for the city set up on high he will bring it down; he will bring it down even to the earth; he will cause it to touch even to the dust.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
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.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For he will bend down those living in the heights. He will bring low the lofty city. He will lower it, even to the ground. He will tear it down, even to the dust.

New American Bible
He humbles those who dwell on high, the lofty city he brings down, Brings it down to the ground, levels it to the dust.

New Revised Standard Version
For he has brought low the inhabitants of the height; the lofty city he lays low. He lays it low to the ground, casts it to the dust.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
He brings down those that dwell on high; the lofty city, he shall lay it low, even to the ground; he brings it even to the dust.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Because he shall humble the dwellers in the high place, and the mighty city he shall lay low unto the ground, and he shall bring it unto the dust!
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
For He hath brought down them that dwell on high, The lofty city, laying it low, laying it low even to the ground, Bringing it even to the dust.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
who hast humbled and brought down them that dwell on high thou shalt cast down strong cities, and bring them to the ground.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
A Song of Trust in God's Provision
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.…

Cross References
James 4:6
But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

Proverbs 16:18
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

Matthew 23:12
For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

Luke 1:52
He has brought down rulers from their thrones, but has exalted the humble.

1 Peter 5:5
Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

2 Samuel 22:28
You save an afflicted people, but Your eyes are on the haughty to bring them down.

Job 40:11-12
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.

Psalm 18:27
For You save an afflicted people, but You humble those with haughty eyes.

Psalm 147:6
The LORD sustains the humble, but casts the wicked to the ground.

Proverbs 29:23
A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.

Ezekiel 17:24
Then all the trees of the field will know that I am the LORD. I bring the tall tree down and make the low tree tall. I dry up the green tree and make the withered tree flourish. I, the LORD, have spoken, and I have done it.’”

Daniel 4:37
Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, for all His works are true and all His ways are just. And He is able to humble those who walk in pride.

Matthew 11:23
And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day.

Luke 14:11
For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Luke 18:14
I tell you, this man, rather than the Pharisee, went home justified. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”


Treasury of Scripture

For he brings down them that 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.

bringeth

Isaiah 2:12
For the day of the LORD of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low:

Isaiah 13:11
And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible.

Isaiah 14:13
For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:

the lofty

Isaiah 25:12
And the fortress of the high fort of thy walls shall he bring down, lay low, and bring to the ground, even to the dust.

Isaiah 32:19
When it shall hail, coming down on the forest; and the city shall be low in a low place.

Isaiah 47:1
Come down, and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon, sit on the ground: there is no throne, O daughter of the Chaldeans: for thou shalt no more be called tender and delicate.

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Isaiah 26
1. Trust in God's Provision














He has humbled
The phrase "He has humbled" refers to the divine action of God bringing down those who are proud or exalted in their own eyes. The Hebrew root word here is "שָׁפֵל" (shafel), which means to bring low or to abase. This action is consistent with the biblical theme that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Historically, this reflects God's dealings with nations and individuals who exalt themselves against His will, demonstrating His sovereignty and justice.

those who dwell on high
This phrase signifies individuals or groups who occupy positions of power, authority, or pride. The imagery of "dwelling on high" suggests a sense of security and self-sufficiency, often associated with fortified cities or high places of worship. In the ancient Near Eastern context, high places were often sites of idolatry and rebellion against God. Theologically, this serves as a reminder that no earthly power can stand against the purposes of God.

the lofty city
The "lofty city" symbolizes human pride and self-reliance, often depicted in Scripture as a city with high walls and strong defenses. In Isaiah's time, cities like Babylon and Tyre were known for their grandeur and arrogance. Theologically, this represents any human system or institution that sets itself against God. The fall of such cities throughout history serves as a testament to God's ultimate authority over human affairs.

He lays it low
This phrase emphasizes God's active role in bringing down the proud and the powerful. The repetition of the action "lays it low" underscores the certainty and completeness of God's judgment. The Hebrew verb "שָׁפֵל" (shafel) is used again, reinforcing the theme of divine humbling. This serves as a warning to those who trust in their own strength and a comfort to the oppressed, assuring them that God will act on their behalf.

He casts it to the ground
The imagery of casting to the ground conveys total destruction and humiliation. This is not merely a reduction in status but a complete overthrow. In biblical history, this can be seen in the fall of cities like Jericho and Babylon, where God's judgment was executed decisively. Spiritually, it reminds believers that God will ultimately triumph over all forms of evil and rebellion.

He brings it down to the dust
The finality of "brings it down to the dust" signifies utter defeat and desolation. Dust is often associated with death and mourning in Scripture, symbolizing the end of pride and self-exaltation. Theologically, this points to the eschatological hope that all things opposed to God will be brought to nothing, paving the way for His kingdom of righteousness and peace. This serves as an encouragement for believers to remain humble and faithful, trusting in God's ultimate justice.

(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.

Verse 5. - He bringeth down; rather, he hath brought down. The redeemed praise God for his past mercies. He brought down in his own good time all the proud and lofty ones who exalted themselves against him and oppressed his saints, making cities desolate (Isaiah 24:10, 12) and giving over their inhabitants to destruction (Isaiah 24:6). Them that dwell on high; i.e. "that exalt themselves." It is net eminence, but pride, that provokes the Divine anger. The heathen judged differently (see Herod., 7:10, § 4). The lofty city (comp. Isaiah 24:10, 12; Isaiah 25:2, 3). The "world-city" (as it has been called); i.e. the idealized stronghold of the adversaries of God in this world, is intended.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
For
כִּ֤י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

He has humbled
הֵשַׁח֙ (hê·šaḥ)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7817: To bow, be bowed down, crouch

those who dwell
יֹשְׁבֵ֣י (yō·šə·ḇê)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

on high—
מָר֔וֹם (mā·rō·wm)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4791: Altitude

He lays
יַשְׁפִּילֶ֤נָּה (yaš·pî·len·nāh)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 8213: To be or become low, to be abased

the lofty
נִשְׂגָּבָ֑ה (niś·gā·ḇāh)
Verb - Nifal - Participle - feminine singular
Strong's 7682: To be, lofty, inaccessible, safe, strong

city {low}.
קִרְיָ֖ה (qir·yāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 7151: A town, city

He brings it down
יַשְׁפִּילָהּ֙ (yaš·pî·lāh)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 8213: To be or become low, to be abased

to
עַד־ (‘aḏ-)
Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

the ground;
אֶ֔רֶץ (’e·reṣ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

He casts
יַגִּיעֶ֖נָּה (yag·gî·‘en·nāh)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 5060: To touch, lay the hand upon, to reach, violently, to strike

it into
עַד־ (‘aḏ-)
Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

the dust.
עָפָֽר׃ (‘ā·p̄ār)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6083: Dust, clay, earth, mud


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OT Prophets: Isaiah 26:5 For he has brought down those who (Isa Isi Is)
Isaiah 26:4
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