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
I remember the first time I heard this verse as a kid, I thought it was the coolest sounding verse in the Bible. But I had no idea what it really meant. The meaning of Isaiah 40:31 is incredible, and it paints a powerful picture of what God does for his people.
This verse should encourage you as you strive to follow God. “To soar on wings like eagles” and “to run and not grow weary” are images that will offer encouragement for whatever you are going through.
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The Context Of Isaiah 40:31
The book of Isaiah is one of the most famous books of prophecy and one of the most important books in the Bible. This book is regularly quoted throughout the New Testament and one of Jesus’ go-to books to quote.
Isaiah 40 starts off with powerful words, “Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.” (Isaiah 40:1)
Israel was in difficult seasons of division within their nation and invasion from outside their nation by the Assyrians. They were tempted to think God had left them, and their hope was shrinking.
In this chapter Isaiah is encouraging his people to continue to place their trust in God. Though things might seem hopeless God is still in control, and he will lead them through.
In Isaiah 40:27-31 we see Isaiah drive his point home. And Isaiah 40:31 is an incredible promise of what God will do for his people.
Let’s take a closer look at the Isaiah 40:31 meaning.
The Meaning Of Isaiah 40:31
There is an incredible promise in this verse and three powerful images of what this promise looks like. To help you better understand the meaning of Isaiah 40:31 I want to take a look at each of these promises and see how it applies to our lives today.
But Those Who Hope In The Lord Will Renew Their Strength Meaning
“Those who hope in the Lord” can also be translated as “those who wait upon the Lord.” Either way the message of this verse is the same.
Dr Tom Constable says this, “This expression [“those who wait for the Lord”] implies two things: complete dependence on God and a willingness to allow him to decide the terms.”
Remember the context, Israel is facing all sorts of hardships, and they are struggling to trust God through it all. Isaiah is encouraging his readers to wait on God, to place their hope in him. Things might be difficult, but God will come through.
The message here is that when we place our complete trust in God he will sustain us, our strength will be renewed.
Isaiah isn’t done yet; next he gives us three powerful images to help us better understand what this means.
They Will Soar On Wings Like Eagles Meaning
Eagles are known for their strength and ability to soar above the clouds and through the storms; they are powerful creatures. In ancient culture eagles were revered as mighty and courageous warriors who would fight for their young.
Isaiah is comparing this majestic and noble creature to those who remain faithful to God. To soar, or mount up, on wings like eagles means that God will bring his people through the storms they are facing.
This is an incredible image of what God’s people have to look forward to. God will not only renew their strength, but he will bring them through all the obstacles they are facing. They will soar like eagles. All God’s people need to do is trust in him.
They Will Run And Not Grow Weary Meaning
Isaiah isn’t done painting this incredible picture. For those who place their hope in the Lord they will run and not grow weary.
Whenever you run you eventually will grow weary. It doesn’t matter how good of shape you are in, at some point you will become tired and unable to continue on.
What Isaiah is saying is that for God’s people they will not grow weary. Now, he’s not talking about running a race. Rather he’s promising that God will give them the strength they need to sustain them through the trials they are facing.
They Will Walk And Not Be Faint Meaning
For forty years God’s people wandered in the desert. They walked and walked and walked. Despite all the wandering God not only provided for them, he sustained them. They walked and did not faint.
Isaiah is telling his readers that they too can experience God’s power at work in their life. Just as God delivered their ancestors he can, and will, deliver them too.
If they remain faithful and wait on God they will soar like eagles, run and not grow weary, and walk and not be faint.
Applying Isaiah 40:31 To You Life
So how does the meaning of Isaiah 40:31 apply to our lives today?
While this verse was written to the nation of Israel who were facing difficult hardships, the same principles apply to us today. Our call is still to place our hope in, and wait on, God. Whatever we are facing we are called to trust in God, and he will sustain us.
The promise of Isaiah 40:31 is found all throughout the New Testament. In Ephesians 3:20 Paul tells his readers that God’s power is at work in us. In James 1:12 we see that great is the reward for those who trust in God through trials. And in Hebrews 12:2 we are told to run the race with perseverance.
Just as God provided for the nation of Israel God still provides for his people today. And the message of the Bible is clear, trust in him. There will be dark days and tough trials, but for those who place their hope in the Lord and wait upon him, he will lead them through. God’s people will soar on wings like eagles.
BA in Biblical Studies - Ozark Christian College (2012)
MA in Theology - Regent University (2019)
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