Isaiah 40:31

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְקוֹיֵ֤

H6960

But they that wait

to bind together (perhaps by twisting), i.e., collect; (figuratively) to expect

יְהוָה֙

H3068

upon the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

יַחֲלִ֣יפוּ

H2498

shall renew

properly, to slide by, i.e., (by implication) to hasten away, pass on, spring up, pierce or change

כֹ֔חַ

H3581

their strength

vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)

יַעֲל֥וּ

H5927

they shall mount up

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

אֵ֖בֶר

H83

with wings

a pinion

כַּנְּשָׁרִ֑ים

H5404

as eagles

the eagle (or other large bird of prey)

יָר֙וּצוּ֙

H7323

they shall run

to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush)

וְלֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#10

יִיגָ֔עוּ

H3021

and not be weary

properly, to gasp; hence, to be exhausted, to tire, to toil

#11

יֵלְכ֖וּ

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#12

וְלֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#13

יִיעָֽפוּ׃

H3286

and not faint

to tire (as if from wearisome flight)

Cross References

Related verses that illuminate this passage (hover to preview):

¹ 2 Corinthians 4:16 2 Corinthians 4:16
For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
— Inward man is renewed
² Psalms 103:5 Psalms 103:5
Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
— Renewed like the eagle

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

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