Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 40:31
This Hebrew word means to collect or gather things together, and can also mean to wait patiently for something. It is used in Psalms and Proverbs to describe waiting on God.
Definition: 1) to wait, look for, hope, expect 1a) (Qal) waiting (participle) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to wait or look eagerly for 1b2) to lie in wait for 1b3) to wait for, linger for
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: gather (together), look, patiently, tarry, wait (for, on, upon). See also: Genesis 1:9; Isaiah 5:2; Psalms 25:3.
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
This Hebrew verb means to pass or change, like something sliding by quickly. It is used in the Bible to describe things like grass growing, time passing, or people moving on. It can also mean to overstep or transgress.
Definition: 1) to pass on or away, pass through, pass by, go through, grow up, change, to go on from 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass on quickly 1a2) to pass away (vanish) 1a3) to come on anew, sprout again (of grass) 1a4) to pass through 1a5) to overstep, transgress 1b) (Piel) to cause to pass, change 1c) (Hiph) 1c1) to change, substitute, alter, change for better, renew 1c2) to show newness (of tree) Aramaic equivalent: cha.laph (חֲלַף "to pass" H2499)
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: abolish, alter, change, cut off, go on forward, grow up, be over, pass (away, on, through), renew, sprout, strike through. See also: Genesis 31:7; Job 20:24; Psalms 90:5.
Koach means strength or power, referring to human, angelic, or God's might. It can also describe the strength of animals or the produce of soil.
Definition: 1) a small reptile, probably a kind of lizard, which is unclean 1a) perhaps an extinct animal, exact meaning is unknown
Usage: Occurs in 121 OT verses. KJV: ability, able, chameleon, force, fruits, might, power(-ful), strength, substance, wealth. See also: Genesis 4:12; Job 36:5; Psalms 22:16.
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
In the Bible, this word describes a bird's wing or pinion, such as a dove or eagle's, symbolizing freedom and strength.
Definition: 1) pinion, wing 1a) of bird (dove, eagle) 1b) of Babylonian king (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: (long-) wing(-ed). See also: Psalms 55:7; Isaiah 40:31; Ezekiel 17:3.
An eagle or other large bird of prey, representing strength and agility. In the Bible, eagles are often used to describe God's care and protection, as seen in Psalm 91 and Matthew 24.
Definition: eagle, vulture, griffon-vulture Aramaic equivalent: ne.shar (נְשַׁר "eagle" H5403)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: eagle. See also: Exodus 19:4; Jeremiah 4:13; Psalms 103:5.
To run or rush, often used to describe someone moving quickly, as seen in the story of the runners in Jeremiah 51:31. This verb appears in various forms, including running swiftly or darting. It is used to convey a sense of urgency or haste.
Definition: : run/runner/messenger 1) to run 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to run 1a2) runners (participle as subst) 1b) (Polel) to run swiftly, dart 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring or move quickly, hurry 1c2) to drive away from, cause to run away
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: break down, divide speedily, footman, guard, bring hastily, (make) run (away, through), post. See also: Genesis 18:2; 2 Kings 11:6; Psalms 18:30.
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
This Hebrew word means to be weary or toil, like in Exodus where the Israelites were exhausted from their labor, and is often translated as faint or labor in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to toil, labour, grow weary, be weary 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to toil, labour 1a2) to grow weary, be weary 1b) (Piel) to weary, make weary, cause to go toilsomely 1c) (Hiphil) to make to toil, make weary, cause to be weary
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: faint, (make to) labour, (be) weary. See also: Joshua 7:3; Isaiah 43:23; Psalms 6:7.
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
To faint means to become weak or tired, often from exertion or stress. In the Bible, this word is used to describe people who are weary or exhausted, like the Israelites in the wilderness. It can also mean to cause someone to become weary or to flee in exhaustion.
Definition: 1) to be or grow weary, be fatigued, be faint 1a) (Qal) to be or grow weary, be fatigued, be faint 1b) (Hophal) wearied (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: faint, cause to fly, (be) weary (self). See also: Judges 8:15; Jeremiah 2:24; Isaiah 40:28.
Context — Here Is Your God!
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
Lamentations 3:25–26 |
The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. |
| 2 |
2 Corinthians 4:16 |
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day. |
| 3 |
Psalms 27:13–14 |
Still I am certain to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD! |
| 4 |
Psalms 103:5 |
who satisfies you with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. |
| 5 |
2 Corinthians 12:9–10 |
But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. |
| 6 |
Hebrews 12:1 |
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. |
| 7 |
Galatians 6:9 |
Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. |
| 8 |
Romans 8:25 |
But if we hope for what we do not yet see, we wait for it patiently. |
| 9 |
Isaiah 30:18 |
Therefore the LORD longs to be gracious to you; therefore He rises to show you compassion, for the LORD is a just God. Blessed are all who wait for Him. |
| 10 |
Psalms 37:34 |
Wait for the LORD and keep His way, and He will raise you up to inherit the land. When the wicked are cut off, you will see it. |
Isaiah 40:31 Summary
[Isaiah 40:31 is a beautiful promise that those who trust in God and wait for His timing will be given new strength, just like an eagle soaring through the sky. This means that when we feel weak or tired, we can rely on God's power to help us keep going, as stated in Psalm 46:1. By waiting upon the LORD, we can experience freedom and empowerment, similar to what is described in Romans 8:28, and trust that He will give us the strength we need to overcome any challenge.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'wait upon the LORD' in Isaiah 40:31?
Waiting upon the LORD means to trust in and rely on God's power and timing, as seen in Psalm 27:14 and Proverbs 3:5-6, rather than trying to solve our problems on our own.
How can I renew my strength like it says in this verse?
Renewing your strength comes from trusting in God's power and promises, as stated in Isaiah 40:29, and seeking Him through prayer and meditation, as encouraged in Psalm 119:148.
Is it really possible to 'run and not grow weary' as this verse claims?
Yes, according to Isaiah 40:31, those who wait upon the LORD will experience supernatural strength, similar to what is described in Philippians 4:13, enabling them to persevere through challenges without becoming exhausted.
What is the significance of the eagle imagery in this verse?
The eagle imagery in Isaiah 40:31 represents soaring to great heights and experiencing freedom and strength, much like the eagle described in Exodus 19:4, symbolizing the empowerment that comes from trusting in God.
Reflection Questions
- In what areas of my life do I need to wait upon the LORD and trust in His power and timing?
- How can I practically apply the principle of waiting upon the LORD in my daily life, and what are the potential benefits of doing so?
- What are some things that make me feel weary or faint, and how can I apply the promises of Isaiah 40:31 to those situations?
- How does the promise of renewed strength in Isaiah 40:31 relate to my own experiences of weakness or struggle, and what does it reveal about God's character?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the Lord,.... As children on their parents, to do them honour, to obey their commands, and receive food and blessings from them; as servants on their masters, to know their
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 40:31
That wait upon the Lord; that rely upon him for strength to bear their burdens, and for deliverance from them in due time. Shall renew their strength; shall grow stronger and stronger in faith, and patience, and fortitude, whereby they shall be more than conquerors over all their enemies and adversities. They shall mount up with wings as eagles; which fly most strongly, and swiftly, and high, out of the reach of all danger. They shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint; they shall be enabled to run or walk in their way as they please, without any weariness.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 40:31
Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint.Ver. 31. Shall renew their strength.] Heb., Shall change, quotidie seipsis fortiores prodeuntes. By the new "supplies of the Spirit," they shall pass from strength to strength. "They shall mount as eagles." R. Saadias saith, that every tenth year the eagle mounteth up to the orb of the sun, singeth her wings there, and so reneweth her age, till she be a hundred.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 40:31
(31) They that wait upon the Lord.—The waiting implies, of course, the expectant attitude of faith. Shall mount up with wings.—Better, shall lift up their wings, or, shall put forth wings’ feathers, the last, like Psalms 103:5, implying the belief that the eagle renewed its plumage in extreme old age. For the faithful there is no failure, and faith knows no weariness.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 40:31
Verse 31. They shall mount up with wings as eagles - "They shall put forth fresh feathers like the moulting eagle"] It has been a common and popular opinion that the eagle lives and retains his vigour to a great age; and that, beyond the common lot of other birds, he moults in his old age, and renews his feathers, and with them his youth. "Thou shalt renew thy youth like the eagle," says the psalmist, Psalms 103:5; on which place St. Ambrose notes, Aquila longam aetatem ducit, dum, vetustis plumis fatiscentibus, nova pennarum successione juvenescit: - "The eagle lives to a very advanced age; and in moulting his youth is renewed with his new feathers." Phile, De Animalibus, treating of the eagle, and addressing himself to the emperor Michael Palaeologus junior, raises his compliment upon the same notion: - Τουτουσυ, βασιλευ, τονπολυνζωοιςβιον, Αεινεουργων, καικρατυνωντηνφυσιν. "Long may'st thou live, O king; still like the eagle Renew thy youth, and still retain thy vigour." To this many fabulous and absurd circumstances are added by several ancient writers and commentators on Scripture; see Bochart, Hieroz. II. ii. 1. Rabbi Saadias says, Every tenth year the eagle flies near the sun; and when not able any longer to bear the burning heat, she falls down into the sea, and soon loses her feathers, and thus renews her vigour. This she does every tenth year till the hundredth, when, after she has ascended near the sun, and fallen into the sea, she rises no more. How much proof do such stories require! Whether the notion of the eagle's renewing his youth is in any degree well founded or not, I need not inquire; it is enough for a poet, whether profane or sacred, to have the authority of popular opinion to support an image introduced for illustration or ornament. - L
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 40:31
31. they that wait upon the Lord (shall) renew (lit. “exchange” cf. ch. Isaiah 9:10) their strength. mount up with wings] although an excellent sense, is doubtful grammatically. The authorities are divided between the Targ. on the one hand, and LXX. and Vulg. on the other. The former has “lift up (their) wings”; the latter “put forth (lit. “cause to grow”) pinions” (LXX. πτεροφυήσουσιν). The second is by far the best. An allusion to the popular notion that the eagle renews his feathers in his old age (Cheyne) is not probable; it is even doubtful if the idea of renewal is in the metaphor at all. It is rather a description (and a very fine one) of the new kind of life which comes to him who waits on the Lord; he is borne aloft on wings of faith and hope.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the Lord - The word rendered ‘wait upon’ here (from קוה qâvâh), denotes properly to wait, in the sense of expecting.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 40:31
30, 31. Youths shall faint — Young men chosen for war or other hard service, even, lose all their vigour. But they that wait upon (or for) the Lord, however weak physically. Shall renew… strength — Become spiritually strong.
Sermons on Isaiah 40:31
| Sermon | Description |
|
The Lord Giveth
by E.V. Hill
|
In this sermon transcript, Dr. Evie Hill delivers a heartfelt message at his wife's funeral. He reflects on the 32 years they spent together and the love and support she gave him. |
|
A Touch From God (Full)
by David Wilkerson
|
This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God's presence and being willing to fully surrender to Him, leaving behind defilement and busyness. It highlights the need for a de |
|
Short Excerpt
by William Booth
|
In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of salvation and its ability to deliver and purify the soul. The sermon encourages the listener to find joy in the salvation offer |
|
Intercessory Prayer - Part 2
by Leonard Ravenhill
|
In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being zealous and passionate in spreading the word of God. He criticizes those who claim to have the best thing in the worl |
|
When the Holy Spirit Departs
by David Wilkerson
|
In the video, the preacher repeatedly emphasizes the message of "Get out." This phrase is repeated multiple times, emphasizing the urgency and importance of the message. The preach |
|
Trusting God Again Like a Child
by Francis Chan
|
Francis Chan emphasizes the importance of trusting God with childlike faith, urging leaders to genuinely love their congregations and seek God's presence in their ministry. He refl |
|
Attributes of God (Series 1): God's Immanence and Immensity
by A.W. Tozer
|
In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the marvel of how things in the world are held together. They share personal anecdotes about their younger brother's fear of falling up and |