Isaiah 40:7
The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass.
Original Language Analysis
יָבֵ֤שׁ
withereth
H3001
יָבֵ֤שׁ
withereth
Strong's:
H3001
Word #:
1 of 12
to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)
צִ֔יץ
the flower
H6731
צִ֔יץ
the flower
Strong's:
H6731
Word #:
4 of 12
properly, glistening, i.e., a burnished plate; a wing (as gleaming in the air)
כִּ֛י
H3588
כִּ֛י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
5 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
ר֥וּחַ
because the spirit
H7307
ר֥וּחַ
because the spirit
Strong's:
H7307
Word #:
6 of 12
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
7 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אָכֵ֥ן
upon it surely
H403
אָכֵ֥ן
upon it surely
Strong's:
H403
Word #:
10 of 12
firmly; figuratively, surely; also (adversative) but
Historical Context
In the context of Babylonian exile, this reminded Israel that mighty Babylon would also wither under God's judgment, while His covenant people would endure through His faithfulness.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse challenge your tendency to rely on human solutions rather than divine provision?
- What does it mean to live with awareness that God sustains every breath you take?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The withering grass metaphor is intensified by identifying the cause: 'the spirit (breath) of the LORD blows upon it.' This echoes Genesis 2:7 where God's breath gave life, now showing He can also remove it. Human existence is entirely contingent on God's sovereign will—a theme reinforcing the futility of trusting in human power or wisdom.