Explanation of the Bible verse Isaiah 40:31
Isaiah 40:31 (KJV):
“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.”
1. Context First
The people of Israel were tired—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. They had been through suffering and exile, and many were wondering if God had forgotten them. Earlier in the chapter, Isaiah reminds them of God’s power, greatness, and care.
Then comes this promise: Those who wait on the Lord will be strengthened and lifted. It’s a divine reminder that your waiting is not wasted.
2. Breakdown of Key Phrases
“But they that wait upon the Lord…”
Wait doesn’t mean sitting around. In Hebrew, it means to hope, expect, and trust. It’s a posture of faith-filled anticipation. It’s saying, “God, I trust You. I’m leaning on You. I’m not moving without You.”
Waiting on God is not passive—it’s powerful.
“Shall renew their strength…”
Renew = exchange. You give God your weariness, and He gives you His strength. Not recycled strength—but fresh, divine power for the journey ahead.
When your strength runs out, God supplies more.
“They shall mount up with wings as eagles…”
Eagles don’t flap frantically—they soar. They rise high above the storm, letting the wind carry them. God says, “You won’t just survive—you’ll rise.”
You’ll gain vision, perspective, and lift in the Spirit.
“They shall run, and not be weary…”
This is for the fast seasons—when you’re chasing a calling, leading, building, running after purpose. God promises stamina to keep going without burning out.
“They shall walk, and not faint.”
This is for the slow seasons—when you’re in the daily grind, showing up in obedience. Even when life moves slow, God says you won’t collapse.
Whether you’re soaring, running, or walking—God gives you grace for every pace.
3. Then & Now
Then: Israel needed strength to endure hardship and keep believing in God’s promises. Isaiah reminded them that God never grows tired, and He empowers those who lean on Him.
Now: We live in a time where people are constantly drained—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. This verse still speaks: “Your help doesn’t come from hustle. It comes from Heaven.”
4. Practical Takeaways
Ask yourself: Am I waiting on the Lord—or trying to work things out on my own? What areas of my life need fresh strength from God? Am I trusting His timing, even when I feel delayed?
Rest is not weakness—it’s how warriors are renewed.
5. Spirit-Led Insight
Sometimes the strength you need is not to run faster—but to not quit. God sees your weariness, and He offers His strength in exchange. The longer you wait on Him, the higher He lifts you.
He’s not just giving you energy—He’s giving you endurance and elevation.
Final Word
Isaiah 40:31 is God’s promise of supernatural renewal. It says:
“If you trust Me, I’ll strengthen you. If you wait on Me, I’ll lift you. I’ve got grace for your walk, power for your run, and wings for your rise.”
Say it as a faith declaration:
“I wait on the Lord. My strength is being renewed. I will rise like an eagle. I will run and not grow weary. I will walk and not faint. God is with me, and He is my strength.”