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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse describes a beautiful progression of strength, moving from soaring like eagles to running without weariness, and finally to walking without fainting. This isn't about a single burst of power, but a sustained ability to face life's journey, with each stage of movement reflecting a different level of spiritual endurance and grace.
In these verses, Isaiah is addressing the people of Israel, who are feeling forgotten and abandoned by God during their exile in Babylon. He rebukes their despair, reminding them of God's power and faithfulness, and contrasts their weakness with God's infinite strength, which is available to those who trust in Him. This promise of renewed strength and soaring flight is the climax of a section that begins with God's majestic power displayed in creation and culminates in His unfailing care for His people.
We often hear 'wait on the Lord,' but what does that really mean? Is it passive resignation or something more?
The Hebrew word for 'wait' (qavah) here doesn't mean sitting around doing nothing. It's an active, expectant trust. Think of a farmer waiting for the harvest, but actively tilling the soil and planting seeds. Waiting on the Lord means trusting Him for the outcome while diligently using the means He provides. It's about placing our hope in Him, even when circumstances are tough, and actively engaging in His ways.
The promise is to 'renew their strength.' What does this renewal truly entail?
The original Hebrew word for 'renew' can also mean 'exchange.' This suggests a profound transformation. It’s not just getting a little more energy, but like exchanging old, worn-out clothes for new ones. When we wait on the Lord, we exchange our weakness, our weariness, our limitations for His inexhaustible strength. This is a divine transaction, a profound shift in our capacity to face life's challenges.
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Why the imagery of eagles soaring? What does this powerful picture teach us about our spiritual journey?
The image of eagles mounting up with wings is incredibly vivid. Eagles are known for their incredible eyesight, their powerful flight, and their ability to soar to great heights, riding the thermals. When we wait on the Lord, we too are called to:
Understand the original words
qavah · Hebrew Verb
In this context, it implies a confident, expectant, and patient trust in God's promises. It is not passive inactivity, but an active, faithful reliance on God's timing and character while enduring circumstances.
Yahweh · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the covenant God of Israel, the self-existent One who is faithful to His people and fulfills His promises. He is the sovereign Creator and Redeemer.
koach · Hebrew Noun
Often used to describe physical or spiritual power and vitality. In the context of divine provision, it represents the vigor and capacity granted by God to endure or accomplish His purpose.
chalaph · Hebrew Verb
To grow or sprout anew; to exchange old for new. In Scripture, it signifies the supernatural restoration of vitality or ability that comes through communion with God.
alah · Hebrew Verb
To ascend or fly upward. In this context, it serves as a metaphor for spiritual elevation and being lifted above the trials and exhaustion of the world.
nesher · Hebrew Noun
In the biblical worldview, the eagle is associated with divine protection, swiftness, and strength. It represents a perspective that rises above earthly obstacles.
yaga · Hebrew Verb
A state of becoming exhausted, depleted, or drained of energy. Biblically, it refers to the loss of both physical endurance and spiritual resolve in the face of ongoing hardship.
ayef · Hebrew Verb
To grow weak, exhausted, or lose heart. It often carries the sense of failing to persist or giving up under the weight of trials.
This prophecy in Isaiah was given during the Babylonian exile, a time when God's people felt forgotten. The promise of renewed strength and soaring like eagles was a profound message of hope, especially when Cyrus the Great's decree allowed their return and the rebuilding of the Temple.
c. 586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
The Babylonians conquer Jerusalem, destroy the Temple, and deport many Judeans, initiating the Babylonian exile. This event plunges the people of God into a period of profound despair and a sense of abandonment.
c. 550 BC
Rise of Cyrus the Great
Cyrus the Great begins his military campaigns, rapidly expanding the Persian Empire and setting the stage to challenge Babylonian dominance.
539 BC
Cyrus the Great Conquers Babylon
Cyrus conquers Babylon, marking the end of the Babylonian Empire and creating a new geopolitical reality for the exiles.
538 BC— this verse
Edict of Cyrus Allows Return
Cyrus issues a decree permitting the Jewish exiles to return to Judah and rebuild their Temple. This edict offers a glimmer of hope after decades of exile.
This Psalm explicitly uses the imagery of the eagle to describe God's renewing power, directly paralleling Isaiah's promise of renewed strength.
Lamentations 3:25-26This passage echoes the theme of waiting on the Lord for deliverance and strength in times of distress, highlighting the goodness of God to those who hope in Him.
Galatians 6:9Paul encourages believers not to grow weary in doing good, which resonates with Isaiah's promise that those who wait on the Lord will not faint in their spiritual walk.
Romans 8:28This verse assures believers that God works all things for good for those who love Him, providing a foundational reason why waiting on Him leads to strength and perseverance, even amidst trials.
Philippians 4:13This verse offers a direct affirmation that Christ strengthens believers, underscoring the source of the power promised in Isaiah to overcome weariness and faintness.
cambridgeIsaiah 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."
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)…
barnesIsaiah 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."
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. The phrase, 'to wait on Yahweh,' means to wait for his help; that is, to trust in him, to put our hope or confidence in him. It is applicable to those who are in circ…
The verse describes a beautiful progression of strength, moving from soaring like eagles to running without weariness, and finally to walking without fainting. This isn't about a single burst of power, but a sustained ability to face life's journey, with each stage of movement reflecting a different level of spiritual endurance and grace.
In these verses, Isaiah is addressing the people of Israel, who are feeling forgotten and abandoned by God during their exile in Babylon. He rebukes their despair, reminding them of God's power and faithfulness, and contrasts their weakness with God's infinite strength, which is available to those who trust in Him. This promise of renewed strength and soaring flight is the climax of a section that begins with God's majestic power displayed in creation and culminates in His unfailing care for His people.
In these verses, Isaiah is addressing the people of Israel, who are feeling forgotten and abandoned by God during their exile in Babylon. He rebukes their despair, reminding them of God's power and faithfulness, and contrasts their weakness with God's infinite strength, which is available to those who trust in Him. This promise of renewed strength and soaring flight is the climax of a section that begins with God's majestic power displayed in creation and culminates in His unfailing care for His people.
"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 verse describes a beautiful progression of strength, moving from soaring like eagles to running without weariness, and finally to walking without fainting. This isn't about a single burst of powe…
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