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.
What does Isaiah 40:31 mean?
The people of God are reproved for their unbelief and distrust of God. Let them remember they took the names Jacob and Israel, from one who found God faithful to him in all his straits.
Key themes
Read with
Keep this verse inside Isaiah 40:28-31 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the Lord - The word rendered 'wait upon' here (from qavah), denotes properly to wait, in the sense of expecting. The phrase, 'to wait on Yahweh,' means to wait for his help; that is, to trust in him, to put our hope or confidence in him. It is applicable to those who are in circumstances of danger or want, and who look to him for his merciful interposition. Here it properly refers to those who were suffering a long and grievous captivity in Babylon, and who had no prospect of deliverance but in him.
Context in Isaiah 40
Show chapter context
Isaiah 40 belongs to the middle movement of the book, especially the section often described as comfort and the servant songs. Isaiah is one of Scripture’s grandest prophetic books, moving from holy judgment to consolation, servant imagery, and new-creation hope. Read this chapter with the wider themes of holiness, judgment, and remnant in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
Related topics
Explore by topic
Passages on strength from God, courage under pressure, endurance in weakness, and the difference between divine strength and self-confidence.
Bible verses about patience and waiting
Key passages on delay, endurance, watchfulness, and the hard discipline of waiting on God without despair.
A collection of passages on hope under pressure, future inheritance, resurrection expectation, and confidence in God’s final faithfulness.
Encouraging passages for graduates, commencement speeches, and graduation cards — verses on wisdom, new beginnings, and trusting God with the future.
Bible verses about justice and mercy
Key texts on public righteousness, neighbor-love, social ethics, compassion, and the prophetic refusal to separate worship from justice.
Who quoted Isaiah 40:31?
Find out who used Isaiah 40:31 in their speeches and writings. Which famous people quoted Isaiah 40:31?
Quotes found on Wikiquote (match for «they that wait upon the LORD»):