What Does the Bible Say About Strength from God — In Biblical Context
The Bible promises that God is the strength of His people — those who wait on Him renew their strength, and His power is made perfect in human weakness.
The Bible promises that God is the strength of His people — those who wait on Him renew their strength, and His power is made perfect in human weakness.
"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." — Isaiah 40:31 (KJV)
The Biblical Context
Physical and spiritual strength in the Bible ultimately come from God. Isaiah 40:31 is perhaps the most beloved promise: '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.' Psalm 46:1 declares, 'God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.' Paul's famous declaration, 'I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me' (Philippians 4:13), is often quoted but rarely understood in context — Paul was speaking of enduring any circumstance, not achieving any ambition. When Paul begged God to remove his 'thorn in the flesh,' God answered, 'My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness' (2 Corinthians 12:9). Nehemiah told the people, 'the joy of the LORD is your strength' (Nehemiah 8:10). David found strength in God when his own men threatened to stone him (1 Samuel 30:6). Biblical strength is not self-reliance but God-reliance — admitting weakness and tapping into infinite power.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Isaiah 40:31, sits inside Isaiah 40. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"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."
Supporting Passages
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness."
Explore this question from another angle
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 — Meaning & Devotional
Courageous Living
What Does the Bible Say About Living Together Before Marriage?
Marriage & Family
1 Corinthians 10:31 Commentary
In-depth study • Living for God's Glory
What Does the Bible Say About Love?
Daily Living
How Do You Forgive Others According to the Bible?
Daily Living
Facing Temptation
Scriptures to strengthen your resolve when temptation pulls you away from God's
Keep Going
Continue Exploring Scripture
You've found one resource — here are more ways to go deeper into God's Word.
Today's Verse
Start each day with a hand-picked KJV verse and reflection.
Verses by Topic
Find what the Bible says about love, anxiety, strength, and 500+ more topics.
Bible Miracles
Discover the signs and wonders of God recorded in Scripture.
Angels & Spiritual Warfare
Angels, demons, and the armor of God — what the KJV really teaches about the unseen battle.
Bible Genealogies & Family Trees
Visual KJV family trees — the line of Jesus, the sons of Noah, the twelve tribes, and more.
Women of the Bible
Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary — the matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples of Scripture.