Bible Verse
Isaiah 40:31
Isaiah is bringing comfort to Israel, assuring them that despite their exile and weakness, God will strengthen those who trust in Him.
"But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
— Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)
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Other Translations
"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."
— ESV
"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."
— KJV
"But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint."
— NLT
Understanding the Context
Book Context
Isaiah 40 begins the 'Book of Comfort' (chapters 40-66), transitioning from judgment to consolation. This chapter emphasizes God's incomparable power and His tender care for His weary people.
Historical Background
Prophesying about the Babylonian exile (8th century BC), Isaiah assures Israel that their all-powerful God will sustain them through hardship and eventually restore them.
Verse-by-Verse Breakdown
"But those who hope in the LORD"
'Hope' (Hebrew: qavah) also means 'wait' or 'expect.' It's active trust, not passive wishing. It's confidently expecting God to act according to His character and promises, even when circumstances look bleak.
"will renew their strength"
'Renew' (chalaph) means to exchange, substitute—like changing clothes. God exchanges our weakness for His strength. This is supernatural strength, not mustered from within but received from God.
"They will soar on wings like eagles"
Eagles use thermal updrafts to soar effortlessly at great heights. Similarly, those who wait on God rise above circumstances through His power, not their own effort. It's victorious, elevated perspective and living.
"they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint"
Three activities: soaring (extraordinary), running (intense service), walking (daily routine). God's strength sustains in all seasons—mountaintops, intense ministry, and ordinary daily life. We won't collapse under the burden.
Key Themes
Applying This Verse to Your Life
- 1
When exhausted or overwhelmed, wait on the Lord rather than striving in your own strength.
- 2
Trust that God will provide strength for both the extraordinary challenges and ordinary daily life.
- 3
Develop the discipline of waiting—spending time in God's presence expecting renewal.
- 4
Remember that spiritual strength comes through dependence on God, not self-effort.
- 5
Encourage others who are weary by pointing them to the Lord as the source of renewed strength.
Questions for Reflection
- What area of your life has left you spiritually, emotionally, or physically exhausted?
- Are you waiting on the Lord for strength, or trying to manufacture it yourself?
- How can you practically 'hope in the LORD' in your current circumstances?
- What would it look like to 'soar on wings like eagles' above your current challenges?
Related Scripture
Psalm 27:14
"Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD."
2 Corinthians 12:9
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'"
Philippians 4:13
"I can do all this through him who gives me strength."
Psalm 103:5
"Who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's."
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