My people will abide …: As in verse 13, the prophet refers to the people of Judah as My people since they are his fellow citizens. He continues to build the picture of peace and harmony for his people by using three parallel phrases: in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places. It is typical of his style to use three or four synonymous phrases to emphasize a point.

In a peaceful habitation: The word peaceful renders the Hebrew term for “peace” (shalom), so it provides a link to the previous verse. The Hebrew noun for habitation generally refers to a pastoral place rather than a building. For this reason Revised English Bible renders a peaceful habitation as “tranquil country,” while New American Bible suggests “peaceful country.” Translators may also use a more generic expression, such as “a peaceful place.” Good News Translation omits habitation, which is acceptable in this context.

In secure dwellings: The Hebrew term for secure comes from the same root as the word for trust in the previous verse (see the comments there) and the adjective for “complacent” in verses 9-10. The Hebrew word rendered dwellings often refers to the Tabernacle, but here it has the sense of “homes.” It comes from the same root as the verb for “dwell” in verse 16.

In quiet resting places: The Hebrew word for quiet comes from the same root as the adjective rendered who are at ease in verses 9 and 11 (see the comments there).

Translation examples for this verse are:

• My people will live in a peaceful place,
in homes that are secure,
in restful and comfortable places….

• My people will live in a land of harmony,
in homes that offer security,
in places of rest and comfort….

Quoted with permission from Ogden, Graham S. and Sterk, Jan. A Handbook on Isaiah. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2011. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .