Isaiah 26:3-4 in Different Translations

In the book of the prophet Isaiah, chapter 26 contains a song of hope and trust in God. At its heart are words about the peace that God gives to those who fully rely on Him. Verses 3–4 are particularly well known among Christians because they reveal a profound spiritual truth: true peace does not come from circumstances, but from trust in the Lord.

Synodal Translation (Russian)

“Твердого духом Ты хранишь в совершенном мире, ибо на Тебя уповает он.
Уповайте на Господа вовеки, ибо Господь Бог есть твердыня вечная.”
(“You keep him whose spirit is steadfast in perfect peace, for he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.”)
(Isaiah 26:3–4)

This translation is widely used in Russian-speaking Christian churches. The expression “perfect peace” translates the Hebrew phrase “shalom shalom,” which literally means “peace, peace”—an emphatic form indicating complete, deep, and enduring peace.

Contemporary Russian Translation (RBS)

“Того, кто твёрд в своих помыслах и надеется на Тебя, Ты хранишь в полном мире.
Надейтесь на Господа всегда, потому что Господь есть вечная скала.”
(“The one who is steadfast in his thoughts and hopes in You, You keep in complete peace. Hope in the Lord always, because the Lord is an eternal rock.”)
(Isaiah 26:3–4)

In this translation, the emphasis is placed on a person’s inner state—“steadfast in his thoughts.” This highlights the idea that spiritual stability and trust in God are closely connected.

English King James Version (KJV)

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength.”
(Isaiah 26:3–4)

The phrase “perfect peace” in this English translation has become a famous biblical expression. It conveys the idea of complete inner rest that God grants to those whose minds are steadfastly fixed on Him.

Ukrainian Translation by Ivan Ohienko

“Думку, оперту на Тебе, збережеш Ти у повнім спокої, бо на Тебе надію вона покладає.
Надійтеся завжди на Господа, бо в Господі, у Господі вічна твердиня!”
(“A mind leaning on You, You will keep in complete peace, for on You it sets its hope. Hope in the Lord always, for in the Lord, in the Lord is an everlasting rock!”)
(Isaiah 26:3–4)

Here, the thought of “a mind leaning on God” is beautifully captured, depicting a mind that rests upon the Lord as the very foundation of life.