Isaiah 40:8
Isaiah 40:8 in Multiple Translations
The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.”
The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.
The grass withereth, the flower fadeth; but the word of our God shall stand forever.
The grass is dry, the flower is dead; but the word of our God is eternal.
However, even though the grass wilts and the flower fades, the word of our God will endure forever.”
The grasse withereth, the floure fadeth: but the worde of our God shall stand for euer.
Withered hath grass, faded the flower, But a word of our God riseth for ever.
The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God stands forever.”
The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall shall stand forever.
The grass is withered, and the flower is fallen: but the word of our Lord endureth for ever.
The grass withers and the flowers dry up, but what our God promises will last forever.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 40:8
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Isaiah 40:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יָבֵ֥שׁ
חָצִ֖יר
נָ֣בֵֽל
צִ֑יץ
וּ/דְבַר
אֱלֹהֵ֖י/נוּ
יָק֥וּם
לְ/עוֹלָֽם
יָבֵ֥שׁ
yâbêsh
H3001
to wither
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
חָצִ֖יר
châtsîyr
H2682
grass
N-ms
נָ֣בֵֽל
nâbêl
H5034
be senseless
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
צִ֑יץ
tsîyts
H6731
flower
N-ms
וּ/דְבַר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Conj | N-ms
אֱלֹהֵ֖י/נוּ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
יָק֥וּם
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לְ/עוֹלָֽם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
forever
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 40:8
יָבֵ֥שׁ
yâbêsh
H3001
"to wither"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to wither or dry up, like a plant without water. It can also mean to be ashamed or disappointed. The Bible uses it to describe things that have lost their freshness or vitality.
Definition: 1) to make dry, wither, be dry, become dry, be dried up, be withered 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be dry, be dried up, be without moisture 1a2) to be dried up 1b) (Piel) to make dry, dry up 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to dry up, make dry 1c1a) to dry up (water) 1c1b) to make dry, wither 1c1c) to exhibit dryness
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: be ashamed, clean, be confounded, (make) dry (up), (do) shame(-fully), [idiom] utterly, wither (away). See also: Genesis 8:7; Jeremiah 6:15; Psalms 22:16.
חָצִ֖יר
châtsîyr
H2682
"grass"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word can mean grass or a type of plant, like a leek. It appears in Numbers 5:18, describing a ritual involving holy water and a grain offering.
Definition: 1a) grass 1b) of the quickly perishing (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: grass, hay, herb, leek. See also: Numbers 11:5; Psalms 147:8; Psalms 37:2.
נָ֣בֵֽל
nâbêl
H5034
"be senseless"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To wither means to lose strength or fade away, and can also describe someone acting foolishly or wickedly. It is used to convey a sense of decline or failure.
Definition: 1) to be senseless, be foolish 1a) (Qal) to be foolish 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to regard or treat as foolish 1b2) to treat with contempt
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: disgrace, dishounour, lightly esteem, fade (away, -ing), fall (down, -ling, off), do foolishly, come to nought, [idiom] surely, make vile, wither. See also: Exodus 18:18; Isaiah 28:1; Psalms 1:3.
צִ֑יץ
tsîyts
H6731
"flower"
N-ms
This word can mean a feather, wing, or flower, often describing something bright or gleaming. It is used to describe the beauty of nature, like blossoms or flowers.
Definition: 1) flower, bloom 1a) flower, bloom 1b) shining thing (of gold plate on high priest's mitre) (metaph.) Also means: tsi.tsah (צִיצָה "flower" H6733)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: blossom, flower, plate, wing. See also: Exodus 28:36; 1 Kings 6:35; Psalms 103:15.
וּ/דְבַר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Conj | N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
אֱלֹהֵ֖י/נוּ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
יָק֥וּם
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
לְ/עוֹלָֽם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
"forever"
Prep | N-ms
This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.
Definition: : old/ancient 1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world 1a) ancient time, long time (of past) 1b) (of future) 1b1) for ever, always 1b2) continuous existence, perpetual 1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity
Usage: Occurs in 413 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare H5331 (נֶצַח), H5703 (עַד). See also: Genesis 3:22; 1 Kings 8:13; Psalms 5:12.
Study Notes — Isaiah 40:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 40:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 40:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 40:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 40:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 40:8
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 40:8
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 40:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 40:8
- Sermons on Isaiah 40:8
Context — The Enduring Word
6A voice says, “Cry out!” And I asked, “What should I cry out?” “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field.
7The grass withers and the flowers fall when the breath of the LORD blows on them; indeed, the people are grass.
8The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.”
9Go up on a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good news. Raise your voice loudly, O Jerusalem, herald of good news. Lift it up, do not be afraid! Say to the cities of Judah, “Here is your God!” 10Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might, and His arm establishes His rule. His reward is with Him, and His recompense accompanies Him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mark 13:31 | Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away. |
| 2 | 1 Peter 1:25 | but the word of the Lord stands forever.” And this is the word that was proclaimed to you. |
| 3 | Matthew 24:35 | Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away. |
| 4 | Psalms 119:89–91 | Your word, O LORD, is everlasting; it is firmly fixed in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues through all generations; You established the earth, and it endures. Your ordinances stand to this day, for all things are servants to You. |
| 5 | Matthew 5:18 | For I tell you truly, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. |
| 6 | Isaiah 55:10–11 | For just as rain and snow fall from heaven and do not return without watering the earth, making it bud and sprout, and providing seed to sow and food to eat, so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it. |
| 7 | Isaiah 46:10–11 | I declare the end from the beginning, and ancient times from what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’ I summon a bird of prey from the east, a man for My purpose from a far-off land. Truly I have spoken, and truly I will bring it to pass. I have planned it, and I will surely do it. |
| 8 | John 10:35 | If he called them gods to whom the word of God came—and the Scripture cannot be broken— |
| 9 | Isaiah 59:21 | “As for Me, this is My covenant with them,” says the LORD. “My Spirit will not depart from you, and My words that I have put in your mouth will not depart from your mouth or from the mouths of your children and grandchildren, from now on and forevermore,” says the LORD. |
| 10 | Zechariah 1:6 | But did not My words and My statutes, which I commanded My servants the prophets, overtake your fathers? They repented and said, ‘Just as the LORD of Hosts purposed to do to us according to our ways and deeds, so He has done to us.’” |
Isaiah 40:8 Summary
[Isaiah 40:8 tells us that everything in this world is temporary and will eventually fade away, like grass and flowers that wither and fall, but God's Word is different - it stands forever, providing a solid foundation for our lives. This means we can trust God's Word to guide us and give us hope, even when everything else seems uncertain, as Jesus reminds us in Matthew 24:35 that His words will never pass away. By focusing on God's eternal Word, we can find peace and strength in the midst of life's challenges, knowing that God's promises are unchanging and eternal, as seen in Psalm 119:89.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the grass withers and the flowers fall?
This phrase is a metaphor for the fleeting nature of human life and earthly things, as seen in Isaiah 40:6-7, where all flesh is compared to grass and flowers that wither away, but it contrasts with the eternal nature of God's Word, as stated in Isaiah 40:8, which stands forever, much like the Word of God is described in Psalm 119:89.
How can we be certain that the word of our God stands forever?
We can be certain because the Bible, which is the Word of God, is described as eternal and unchanging in Isaiah 40:8, and this is reinforced in other passages such as Matthew 24:35, where Jesus says that His words will never pass away, and in 1 Peter 1:25, which also affirms the enduring nature of God's Word.
What does this verse teach us about the importance of God's Word in our lives?
This verse teaches us that, unlike the transient things of this world, God's Word is eternal and unchanging, providing a firm foundation for our lives, as also seen in Psalm 119:105, where the Word is described as a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, guiding us through life's journey.
How does this verse relate to our daily struggles and challenges?
This verse reminds us that, even in the midst of struggles and challenges, God's Word stands forever, offering us hope, comfort, and guidance, as expressed in Romans 8:28, where we are told that all things work together for good for those who love God, and in Isaiah 41:10, where God promises to strengthen and help us in times of need.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I have been focusing on fleeting, earthly things rather than on the eternal Word of God?
- How can I apply the truth of Isaiah 40:8 to my daily life, especially when faced with challenges and uncertainties?
- What does it mean for me to stand on the eternal Word of God, and how can I practically live out this truth in my relationships and decisions?
- In what ways can I use the eternal nature of God's Word to bring hope and comfort to those around me who are struggling?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 40:8
The grass withereth, the flower fadeth,.... Which is repeated, to raise attention to it, as being a matter of importance, and for the confirmation of it: but the word of our God shall stand for ever;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 40:8
The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 40:8
Whatsoever God hath said shall infallibly come to pass.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 40:8
Isaiah 40:8 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.Ver. 8. But the word of our God shall stand for ever,] q.d., Though the elect also as well as others are grass, frail and fading creatures, yet the grace of God wrought in their hearts by the gospel is stable and lasting. See 1 Peter 1:23. And so necessary is this whole doctrine here delivered, that the ministers of the gospel are commanded here not to write it only, but to speak it: nor that only, but to cry it also with all possible affection and power of enforcement.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 40:8
8. the word of our God] is the word spoken by the prophets to Israel, the announcement of Jehovah’s immutable purpose in the world; this is the one permanent factor in human history. It is a mistake to limit the reference to the word of promise just declared by the prophet; the statement is general, although the implied argument is that as the threatening predictions of earlier prophets have been fulfilled, so this new word of comfort shall stand, because it proceeds from the same God, who can dissolve the mightiest combinations of human power (Isaiah 40:23).
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 40:8
The grass withereth ... - This is repeated from the former verse for the sake of emphasis, or strong confirmation.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 40:8
6-8. Cry — Isaiah again hears a voice crying. Not the same voice. That was the herald’s cry. This one belongs to another subject.
Sermons on Isaiah 40:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Reformation Within Protestantism): Real and Practical Beliefs by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the radical changes that have occurred in the world since Jesus' time, such as the industrial and communicational revolutions. These changes h |
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Pulling Down Strongholds by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for a revolution in the pulpit and the church. He highlights the importance of prayer in both the church and the pulpit. The preach |
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(Guidelines) Is the Bible Important by J. Vernon McGee | The sermon transcript describes the goal of the through the Bible ministry, which is to give the entire Bible, the word of God, to men as they are. The speaker shares stories of ho |
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(Guidelines) Proof That the Bible Is the Word of God by J. Vernon McGee | J. Vernon McGee addresses the question of how we can be certain that the Bible is the Word of God, emphasizing the importance of both internal evidence and scriptural examination. |
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(Guidelines) Inspiration Ii by J. Vernon McGee | J. Vernon McGee emphasizes the concept of verbal plenary inspiration, asserting that every word of the Scriptures is divinely inspired and authoritative. He references early Church |
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The Prophetic Word by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the negative impact of the film industry and commercialization on society. He emphasizes how the pursuit of money and profit has corrupted th |
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George Whitefield - His Life and Ministry by J.C. Ryle | I apologize, but I am unable to watch videos or access specific content. However, if you provide me with a transcript or any written information from the video, I would be more tha |