Isaiah 40:7

The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people [is] grass.

The grass {H2682} withereth {H3001}, the flower {H6731} fadeth {H5034}: because the spirit {H7307} of the LORD {H3068} bloweth {H5380} upon it: surely {H403} the people {H5971} is grass {H2682}.

the grass dries up, the flower fades, when a wind from ADONAI blows on it. Surely the people are grass!

The grass withers and the flowers fall when the breath of the LORD blows on them; indeed, the people are grass.

The grass withereth, the flower fadeth, because the breath of Jehovah bloweth upon it; surely the people is grass.

Commentary

Isaiah 40:7 is part of the powerful opening chapter of the section of Isaiah often called the "Book of Comfort" (chapters 40-66). After prophecies of judgment, this chapter begins with a message of hope and restoration for Israel. Verse 7 starkly contrasts the fleeting nature of humanity with the enduring power and word of God, setting the stage for the declaration of God's glory and faithfulness.

Context

This verse appears within a passage that announces the coming glory of the LORD and prepares the way for His appearing. The preceding verses speak of preparing a highway in the wilderness for God. Verse 6 asks for a voice to cry out, and the answer is given: "All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field." Verse 7 elaborates on this, explaining *why* the grass and flower fade – because the "spirit of the LORD" (which can also be translated as the "wind of the LORD") blows upon them. This imagery serves to humble humanity by highlighting its extreme fragility and temporary existence in contrast to the eternal God.

Key Themes

  • The Transience of Human Life: The primary theme is the brief and delicate nature of human existence, likened to grass and flowers that quickly wither and fade.
  • The Sovereignty and Power of God: The fading is attributed to the "spirit of the LORD blowing upon it," indicating that even the natural processes of decay and mortality are under God's powerful control. His presence or action causes human strength and beauty to vanish.
  • Contrast Between Human Frailty and Divine Permanence: This verse sets up a dramatic contrast with what follows, particularly the promise of God's enduring word in the next verse (Isaiah 40:8), emphasizing that while humanity fades, God and His truth remain forever.

Linguistic Insights

The word translated "spirit" (Χ¨Χ•ΦΌΧ—Φ· - ruach) in "the spirit of the LORD" can mean wind, breath, or spirit. In this context, the imagery of a powerful wind or blast from God causing the vegetation to wither is potent. It suggests that even a mere breath or action from God is enough to demonstrate the weakness and temporary nature of all human strength, beauty, and glory. It's not necessarily the life-giving Spirit but the powerful, sometimes destructive, force associated with God's presence or judgment.

Related Scriptures

The Bible frequently uses the metaphor of grass to describe the brevity and frailty of human life. Psalm 103:15-16 says, "As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more." The New Testament echoes this sentiment in James 1:10-11 concerning the rich man's fleeting glory and in 1 Peter 1:24-25, which directly quotes Isaiah 40:6-8 to contrast perishing flesh with the everlasting Word of God.

Reflection and Application

Isaiah 40:7 serves as a powerful reminder of our human limitations and mortality. In a world often focused on temporary achievements, physical appearance, and fleeting success, this verse calls us to humility. It teaches us not to place our ultimate hope or trust in human strength, beauty, or power, as they are easily swept away by the breath of God's sovereignty. Instead, it implicitly points us toward that which *does* endure: God Himself and His eternal word, as highlighted in the subsequent verse. Our focus should be on aligning our lives with His permanent truth rather than chasing the transient glories of this world.

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Cross-References

  • Job 41:21 (3 votes)

    His breath kindleth coals, and a flame goeth out of his mouth.