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Isaiah 40:31

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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 {H6960} upon the LORD {H3068} shall renew {H2498} their strength {H3581}; they shall mount up {H5927} with wings {H83} as eagles {H5404}; they shall run {H7323}, and not be weary {H3021}; and they shall walk {H3212}, and not faint {H3286}.

but those who hope in ADONAI will renew their strength, they will soar aloft as with eagles' wings; when they are running they won't grow weary, when they are walking they won't get tired.

But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.

but they that wait for Jehovah shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint.

Commentary

Isaiah 40:31 (KJV)

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.

Commentary on Isaiah 40:31

This powerful verse is part of Isaiah's message of comfort and hope to a people facing or experiencing exile and hardship. Chapter 40 begins a section of Isaiah that emphasizes God's incomparable power, faithfulness, and plan for redemption, contrasting it with the weakness and transience of humanity and idols.

The phrase "wait upon the LORD" translates the Hebrew word qavah, which means more than just passive waiting. It implies an active hope, trust, and expectation. It suggests binding oneself to the Lord, relying on Him, and patiently enduring while looking to Him for strength and help.

The promise is profound: those who actively trust and wait on God "shall renew their strength." This renewal is vividly described with three ascending images:

  • Mount up with wings as eagles: Eagles are known for their strength and ability to soar effortlessly to great heights, using thermal currents. This image suggests rising above difficulties, having a transcendent perspective, and being lifted by divine power.
  • They shall run, and not be weary: This speaks of sustained, vigorous activity. While running requires effort, those empowered by God will not tire out in their endeavors.
  • They shall walk, and not faint: This represents the steady, day-to-day endurance. Walking is the most common mode of life, and the promise is strength for the long haul, the ability to keep going without giving up or collapsing under pressure.

The progression from soaring (eagles) to running to walking shows that God provides strength for all levels of life's challenges, from the extraordinary demands to the mundane daily grind. The key is the source of that strength: waiting upon the LORD.

Key Themes: Hope in God, Divine Strength, Endurance, Trust, God's Faithfulness, Contrast between human weakness and God's power.

Practical Application: This verse offers immense encouragement to believers facing any kind of struggle, waiting period, or demanding situation. It reminds us that our own strength is limited, but by placing our hope and trust in God, we tap into an inexhaustible source of power that enables us to rise above challenges, persevere through trials, and endure faithfully day by day.

Cross-references: Psalm 27:14 ("Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.") Lamentations 3:25-26 ("The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.") Philippians 4:13 ("I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.")

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

  • Lamentations 3:25 (312 votes)

    The LORD [is] good unto them that wait for him, to the soul [that] seeketh him.

  • Lamentations 3:26 (312 votes)

    [It is] good that [a man] should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:16 (285 votes)

    For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward [man] is renewed day by day.

  • Psalms 103:5 (224 votes)

    Who satisfieth thy mouth with good [things; so that] thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.

  • Psalms 27:13 (217 votes)

    [I had fainted], unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

  • Psalms 27:14 (217 votes)

    Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:9 (181 votes)

    And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.