isaiah 40 31 meaning
Isaiah 40:31 Meaning: Renewed Strength While Waiting
Isaiah 40:31 promises renewed strength to people who wait for the LORD. The surrounding chapter addresses exhausted exiles and contrasts human frailty with the Creator's tireless power; its images include soaring, running, and ordinary walking.
A place to begin
Waiting here is hopeful dependence, not proof that a person will always feel energetic. The verse gathers a communal message of comfort and restoration into an image of strength supplied by God.
Three passages to read
01
Isaiah 40:1–11
“Comfort, comfort my people,” says your God. “Speak comfortably to Jerusalem, and call out to her that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received of the LORD’s hand double for all her sins.” The voice of one who calls out, “Prepare the way of the LORD in the wilderness! Make a level highway in the desert for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low. The uneven shall be made level, and the rough places a plain. The LORD’s glory shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of the LORD has spoken it.” The voice of one saying, “Cry out!” One said, “What shall I cry?” “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, because the LORD’s breath blows on it. Surely the people are like grass. The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God stands forever.” You who tell good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who tell good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with strength! Lift it up! Don’t be afraid! Say to the cities of Judah, “Behold, your God!” Behold, the Lord GOD will come as a mighty one, and his arm will rule for him. Behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will gather the lambs in his arm, and carry them in his bosom. He will gently lead those who have their young.
World English Bible · engwebp-source-2026-09-12
Context
The chapter begins with comfort, good news, God's coming rule, and a shepherd who gently gathers and carries the vulnerable.
How does the chapter's opening define the character of the one for whom people wait?
02
Isaiah 40:25–31
“To whom then will you liken me? Who is my equal?” says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high, and see who has created these, who brings out their army by number. He calls them all by name. By the greatness of his might, and because he is strong in power, not one is lacking. Why do you say, Jacob, and speak, Israel, “My way is hidden from the LORD, and the justice due me is disregarded by my God”? Haven’t you known? Haven’t you heard? The everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, doesn’t faint. He isn’t weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the weak. He increases the strength of him who has no might. Even the youths faint and get weary, and the young men utterly fall; but those who wait for the LORD will renew their strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run, and not be weary. They will walk, and not faint.
World English Bible · engwebp-source-2026-09-12
Context
The closing movement contrasts the incomparable, tireless Creator with weary people who receive renewed strength.
Which image—soaring, running, or walking—best matches faithful endurance now?
03
Psalm 103:1–5
Praise the LORD, my soul! All that is within me, praise his holy name! Praise the LORD, my soul, and don’t forget all his benefits, who forgives all your sins, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies, who satisfies your desire with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
World English Bible · engwebp-source-2026-09-12
Context
The psalm calls the self to remember forgiveness, healing, redemption, steadfast love, and renewed strength.
What good gift needs to be remembered without denying present fatigue?
A simple practice
- Read Isaiah 40 from its opening word of comfort through verse 31.
- Name the weariness plainly and release the need to perform strength.
- Choose the pace available today—soaring, running, or simply walking—and ask for enough strength for that step.
Questions for reading
Does Isaiah 40:31 promise I will not feel tired?
No. It directly addresses weariness and faintness, promising God's sustaining renewal rather than constant physical energy.
What does it mean to wait for the LORD?
It means hopeful trust and dependence on God's character and action, held by a people who cannot restore themselves.