Isaiah 40:6

The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh [is] grass, and all the goodliness thereof [is] as the flower of the field:

The voice {H6963} said {H559}, Cry {H7121}. And he said {H559}, What shall I cry {H7121}? All flesh {H1320} is grass {H2682}, and all the goodliness {H2617} thereof is as the flower {H6731} of the field {H7704}:

A voice says, "Proclaim!" And I answer, "What should I proclaim?" "All humanity is merely grass, all its kindness like wildflowers:

A voice says, “Cry out!” And I asked, “What should I cry out?” “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field.

The voice of one saying, Cry. And one said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field.

Commentary

Isaiah 40:6 introduces a profound contrast that forms a cornerstone of the "Book of Consolation" within the prophet Isaiah's writings. Following the divine command to "Cry!", a prophetic voice questions what message should be proclaimed. The answer immediately shifts the focus to the fleeting nature of humanity, setting the stage for the enduring power of God's word.

Context

This verse marks a pivotal transition in the book of Isaiah. Chapters 1-39 largely contain messages of judgment and warning, especially concerning Judah's impending exile to Babylon. However, Isaiah chapter 40 opens with words of comfort and hope, signaling the end of the exile and the promise of restoration. The "voice" here is often understood as a divine messenger or prophetic summons, preparing the way for the Lord's return to His people. The question, "What shall I cry?", anticipates the fundamental truth that must be declared to a people in despair: the temporary nature of all human glory versus the eternal truth of God.

Key Themes

  • Human Frailty and Transience: The central message is the impermanence of human life, strength, and beauty. Comparing "all flesh" to "grass" and "all the goodliness thereof" to "the flower of the field" vividly illustrates how quickly human existence and achievements fade away. This imagery was common in ancient Near Eastern thought to convey brevity and decay.
  • The Call to Proclaim Truth: The initial command "Cry!" (Hebrew: qara') underscores the urgency of delivering God's message. It's not merely an observation but a foundational truth that must be boldly declared to a world that often places its trust in temporary things.
  • Contrast with Divine Eternity: While not fully articulated in this verse, the subsequent verses (especially Isaiah 40:8, which states that "the word of our God shall stand for ever") complete the thought, establishing a stark contrast between human impermanence and God's everlasting nature and promises.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "flesh" is basar, which broadly refers to humanity in its physical, mortal state, emphasizing its weakness and dependency. "Goodliness" translates a Hebrew word related to beauty, glory, or splendor, implying the fleeting nature of human appearance, strength, or achievements. The imagery of grass and flowers is a powerful metaphor for the ephemeral nature of life, seen in various biblical texts (e.g., Psalm 103:15-16, which also uses this comparison).

Practical Application

Isaiah 40:6 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today:

  • Humility and Perspective: It encourages humility, reminding us that our lives, accomplishments, and physical beauty are temporary. This perspective helps us to not place ultimate trust in fleeting earthly things.
  • Focus on the Eternal: Understanding the brevity of "all flesh" should prompt us to invest in what is eternal. Our hope and security should be found not in human strength or worldly success, but in the unchanging character and promises of God, particularly His Word.
  • Urgency of the Gospel: Just as the voice was commanded to "Cry!", this verse implicitly calls believers to proclaim the enduring truth of God's salvation and His eternal kingdom, especially in a world preoccupied with temporary pursuits. This message finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament, where 1 Peter 1:24-25 directly quotes this passage to emphasize the living and abiding Word of God, which is the gospel itself.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 103:15 (13 votes)

    [As for] man, his days [are] as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.

  • Psalms 103:16 (13 votes)

    For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.

  • 1 Peter 1:24 (13 votes)

    ¶ For all flesh [is] as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:

  • 1 Peter 1:25 (13 votes)

    But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

  • James 1:10 (12 votes)

    But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.

  • James 1:11 (12 votes)

    For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.

  • Psalms 102:11 (12 votes)

    My days [are] like a shadow that declineth; and I am withered like grass.