Isaiah 40:8
The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.
Original Language Analysis
יָבֵ֥שׁ
withereth
H3001
יָבֵ֥שׁ
withereth
Strong's:
H3001
Word #:
1 of 8
to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)
צִ֑יץ
the flower
H6731
צִ֑יץ
the flower
Strong's:
H6731
Word #:
4 of 8
properly, glistening, i.e., a burnished plate; a wing (as gleaming in the air)
וּדְבַר
but the word
H1697
וּדְבַר
but the word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
5 of 8
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
אֱלֹהֵ֖ינוּ
of our God
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֖ינוּ
of our God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
6 of 8
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
Cross References
Mark 13:31Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.1 Peter 1:25But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.Matthew 24:35Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.Matthew 5:18For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.John 10:35If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;Isaiah 59:21As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the LORD; My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith the LORD, from henceforth and for ever.Zechariah 1:6But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets, did they not take hold of your fathers? and they returned and said, Like as the LORD of hosts thought to do unto us, according to our ways, and according to our doings, so hath he dealt with us.John 12:34The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man?
Historical Context
Isaiah ministered during political upheaval when nations rose and fell rapidly. His message emphasized that human kingdoms, no matter how powerful, are temporary—but God's word endures eternally. This truth sustained Israel through Babylonian exile and has encouraged believers through every subsequent age. The preservation of Scripture itself through millennia, despite attempts to destroy it, testifies to this promise's reliability.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the eternal nature of God's word affect your daily decisions and long-term priorities?
- In what areas are you tempted to trust temporary, 'grass-like' things rather than God's enduring promises?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
In contrast to grass that withers and flowers that fade, God's word stands forever, unchanging and reliable. The Hebrew word 'dabar' encompasses both God's spoken word and His promises—everything He has declared remains eternally true and effective. Peter quotes this verse (1 Peter 1:23-25) to emphasize the eternal nature of the gospel message by which believers are born again. In a world of constant change and uncertainty, God's word provides an immovable foundation.