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.Isaiah 40:31
What does Isaiah 40:31 mean?
Isaiah promises that those who wait on the LORD will have their strength renewed, pictured through the imagery of eagles soaring, and runners and walkers who don't grow weary. Waiting on God is presented as the source of sustained endurance, not just a burst of energy.
Context
Isaiah 40 opens a section of the book focused on comfort, reminding a weary and discouraged people of God's greatness and power over creation and nations (Isaiah 40:1, 12-26). Verse 31 closes the chapter with this promise, contrasting the LORD's everlasting strength with the way that 'even the youths shall faint and be weary' (v.30) — human strength runs out, but strength renewed by waiting on God does not.
Key themes
Related Bible verses
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Bible study
- What does it mean to 'wait upon the LORD' — is it passive or active?
- Why do you think Isaiah uses three images (eagles, runners, walkers) to describe renewed strength?
- How does the contrast with human weariness in verse 30 sharpen the promise in verse 31?
Prayer
A short devotional prayer inspired by this verse — not scripture
LORD, I wait on You today. Renew my strength — help me to rise, to run, and to walk without growing weary or faint. Amen.
Memorize this verse
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.
Share this verse
Frequently asked questions
What does 'mount up with wings as eagles' mean?
It's an image of soaring strength and freedom, contrasting weary human effort with the renewed strength God gives to those who wait on Him.
What is Isaiah 40 about as a whole?
It opens a major section of Isaiah focused on comfort and reassurance, reminding a discouraged people of God's greatness, power, and faithfulness.