Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted;
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse isn't just saying that everyone gets tired; it's highlighting that even the absolute peak of human strength, the most vigorous young men chosen for their prowess, will inevitably collapse under their own efforts. This sets the stage for a radical contrast: true, lasting strength comes not from our own capabilities, but from divine empowerment.
Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted;
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse is part of a larger argument where God contrasts His own infinite power with human frailty, especially after the people of Israel have questioned if God has forgotten them. The prophet is setting up a powerful comparison: even the strongest and most vigorous young adults, who represent peak human strength, will eventually grow tired and fall, demonstrating the limits of mortal power. This immediately leads into the promise that those who wait on the Lord, unlike these exhausted young men, will renew their strength.
We often rely on our own energy and abilities, thinking we can handle anything. But what happens when even the strongest among us can't go on?
This verse paints a vivid picture of exhaustion. It's not just about feeling a little tired; it's about reaching the absolute limit of physical and mental stamina.
The Pinnacle of Power:
Isaiah specifically calls out 'youths' and 'young men.' These aren't the frail or the aged. These are the individuals at the peak of their physical prime – the ones we’d expect to have the most resilience and endurance. The Hebrew word for 'young men' here can even imply 'chosen' or 'select' ones, men picked for their exceptional strength and vigor.
The Inevitable Fade:
Despite their peak condition, the text says they will 'faint,' 'be weary,' and 'fall exhausted.' This isn't a temporary setback; it's a declaration that even the best human strength has its breaking point. Left to themselves, without an external source of power, even the most capable will eventually run out of steam.
If human strength always fails, why does the Bible even bother mentioning it? It's setting the stage for something much greater.
Isaiah 40:30 isn't just a statement about human weakness; it's the crucial setup for a profound promise. By detailing the absolute limits of our own capabilities, the prophet clears the way for God's unlimited power.
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The Contrast:
The verse is designed to create a stark contrast. Look at the verses immediately following (Isaiah 40:31): 'but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.'
The Purpose:
The message is clear: When our own strength runs out, when we've fainted and fallen, that's precisely when we are in the perfect position to experience God's strength. The exhaustion described here isn't the end of the story; it's the beginning of realizing we need Him. It's a call to stop relying on our own 'youthful vigor' and to 'wait for the LORD.'
Understand the original words
kashal · Hebrew Verb
A complete state of physical or spiritual depletion; it signifies the end of human self-reliance and the point of utter incapacity.
This passage echoes Isaiah's sentiment about the fleeting nature of human strength, comparing life to a flower that quickly withers, underscoring the theme of human frailty.
Galatians 6:9While Isaiah highlights the exhaustion of physical strength, Paul warns against growing weary in doing good, pointing to a spiritual weariness that can also set in.
1 Corinthians 1:27This verse offers a profound contrast by showing that God often chooses the weak and foolish, meaning that even in our exhausted state, God's strength can be made perfect.
Philippians 4:13This verse directly counters the despair of Isaiah 40:30 by declaring the believer's ability to do all things through Christ who strengthens them, offering a divine solution to human exhaustion.
Romans 8:37Though in all circumstances, including exhaustion, believers may feel pressed, this verse assures us that we are more than conquerors through Christ, implying that even ultimate defeat is overcome.
cambridgeIsaiah 40:30: "Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:"
30 . Even the youths shall faint …] Better: And though youths faint and are weary and choice young men stumble (the protasis to Isaiah 40:31 ). Natural strength at its best is exhausted, but—
barnesIsaiah 40:30: "Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:"
Even the youths shall faint - The most vigorous young men, those in whom we expect manly strength, and who are best suited to endure hardy toil. They become weary by labor. Their powers are soon exhausted. The design here is, to contrast the most vigorous of the human race with God, and to show that while all their powers fail, the power of God is unexhausted and inexhaustible. And the young men - Th…
This verse isn't just saying that everyone gets tired; it's highlighting that even the absolute peak of human strength, the most vigorous young men chosen for their prowess, will inevitably collapse under their own efforts. This sets the stage for a radical contrast: true, lasting strength comes not from our own capabilities, but from divine empowerment.
This verse is part of a larger argument where God contrasts His own infinite power with human frailty, especially after the people of Israel have questioned if God has forgotten them. The prophet is setting up a powerful comparison: even the strongest and most vigorous young adults, who represent peak human strength, will eventually grow tired and fall, demonstrating the limits of mortal power. This immediately leads into the promise that those who wait on the Lord, unlike these exhausted young men, will renew their strength.
This verse is part of a larger argument where God contrasts His own infinite power with human frailty, especially after the people of Israel have questioned if God has forgotten them. The prophet is setting up a powerful comparison: even the strongest and most vigorous young adults, who represent peak human strength, will eventually grow tired and fall, demonstrating the limits of mortal power. This immediately leads into the promise that those who wait on the Lord, unlike these exhausted young men, will renew their strength.
"Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted;" — This verse isn't just saying that everyone gets tired; it's highlighting that even the absolute peak of human strength, the most vigorous young men chosen for their prowess, will inevitably collaps…
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Last reviewed October 2026