He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights that God's strength is given not to those who already feel capable, but precisely to those who are acutely aware of their weakness. Their very sense of inadequacy is the starting point for receiving His power and having their strength multiplied.
He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The prophet Isaiah is speaking to the people of Israel, who are in exile in Babylon and feeling forgotten by God. He's rebuking their despair and reminding them of God's infinite power and faithfulness, contrasting it with their own weakness and despair. This verse offers a powerful promise of divine strength for those who feel utterly depleted and incapable.
Ever feel like you're running on empty? This verse shows how our weakness isn't a roadblock to God's power, but an open door.
This verse speaks directly to those who feel utterly depleted, those who believe they have 'no might' left. The incredible truth here is that God's power is revealed not in spite of our weakness, but often because of it.
The Condition for Strength
Notice the specific wording: 'He giveth power to the faint', and 'to him who has no might he increases strength.' This isn't about magically fixing a problem before God steps in. It's about recognizing our own limitations. Our consciousness of feebleness is precisely the place where God loves to work.
Divine Paradox
It's a divine paradox: the less we rely on our own perceived strength, the more we can depend on His. When we're at our end, He is just beginning. This is His design – to show that all true strength comes from Him.
What if your strength wasn't a finite resource, but an ever-replenishing wellspring? This verse reveals the inexhaustible nature of God's power.
Isaiah 40 is painting a picture of God's immense and boundless capacity. He isn't limited like we are. While human strength fades – even the strength of the young shall fail – God's strength is eternal and ever-available.
More Than Enough
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The wording 'increaseth strength' suggests not just a one-time boost, but a continuous, growing supply. He doesn't just give enough to get by; He provides abundantly, ensuring we have what we need, when we need it.
Sustaining Strength
This is the promise for those who 'wait upon the Lord,' as the following verses in Isaiah show. It’s about trusting His timing and His provision. He has the power to sustain His people through every trial, to help them bear their burdens and overcome challenges.
Understand the original words
ya'eph · Hebrew Adjective
Describes the state of losing strength, becoming weak, or succumbing to the physical and spiritual limitations of human nature.
koach · Hebrew Noun
The inherent capacity, effectiveness, or dynamic capability of God that He imparts to His people to enable them to endure beyond their natural limits.
These words of comfort and strength in Isaiah 40:29 were spoken to a people in the depths of despair during the Babylonian exile. They served as a powerful reminder that God's power is limitless, especially for those who feel utterly weak and helpless in their circumstances.
722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The Northern Kingdom of Israel falls to the Neo-Assyrian Empire, leading to the deportation of its people and the scattering of the ten tribes.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Invasion of Judah
King Sennacherib of Assyria invades Judah, capturing many fortified cities and besieging Jerusalem. The Southern Kingdom survives, but is heavily impacted.
597 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Babylon under Nebuchadnezzar II deports King Jehoiachin and a large segment of Jerusalem's elite, including the prophet Ezekiel. The Southern Kingdom of Judah continues to exist under Babylonian rule.
586 BC— this verse
Destruction of Jerusalem
Nebuchadnezzar II destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling most of the remaining population to Babylon. This marks the end of the Davidic monarchy and the Kingdom of Judah.
c. 550 BC
Rise of Cyrus the Great
Cyrus the Great begins his conquests, eventually establishing the Persian Empire and paving the way for the return of the Jewish exiles.
539 BC
Fall of Babylon
Cyrus the Great conquers Babylon, ending the Neo-Babylonian Empire.
538 BC
Edict of Cyrus
Cyrus issues a decree allowing the Jewish exiles in Babylon to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple.
Paul directly echoes this idea, finding God's strength made perfect in his own weakness, highlighting that God's power is most evident when human might is absent.
Psalm 103:5This Psalm speaks of God renewing strength and youth, likening it to the powerful flight of an eagle, reinforcing the imagery of God providing incredible, soaring strength.
Matthew 11:28Jesus offers rest to those who are weary and burdened, a comforting parallel to God giving strength to those who feel they have none.
Galatians 6:9While not about physical strength, this passage speaks to persevering in spiritual good, assuring that there is a divine strengthening available for those who continue doing what is right, even when tired.
bensonIsaiah 40:29: "He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength."
Isaiah 40:29-31 . He giveth power to the faint — He hath strength enough, not only for himself, but for all, even the weakest of his creatures, whom he can easily strengthen to bear all their burdens, and to vanquish all their oppressors. The prophet seems to speak with an especial reference to those among God’s people whose faith and hope were very low, which he would support, even until the ti…
barnesIsaiah 40:29: "He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength."
He giveth power to the faint - To his weak and feeble people. This is one of his attributes; and his people, therefore, should put their trust in him, and look to him for aid (compare 2 Corinthians 12:9 ). The design of this verse is to give consolation to the afflicted and down-trodden people in Babylon, by recalling to their minds the truth that it was one of the characteristics of God that he…
The verse highlights that God's strength is given not to those who already feel capable, but precisely to those who are acutely aware of their weakness. Their very sense of inadequacy is the starting point for receiving His power and having their strength multiplied.
The prophet Isaiah is speaking to the people of Israel, who are in exile in Babylon and feeling forgotten by God. He's rebuking their despair and reminding them of God's infinite power and faithfulness, contrasting it with their own weakness and despair. This verse offers a powerful promise of divine strength for those who feel utterly depleted and incapable.
The prophet Isaiah is speaking to the people of Israel, who are in exile in Babylon and feeling forgotten by God. He's rebuking their despair and reminding them of God's infinite power and faithfulness, contrasting it with their own weakness and despair. This verse offers a powerful promise of divine strength for those who feel utterly depleted and incapable.
"He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength." — The verse highlights that God's strength is given not to those who already feel capable, but precisely to those who are acutely aware of their weakness. Their very sense of inadequacy is the starting…
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Last reviewed October 2026