Isaiah 40:29-31 – Meaning & Devotional
"He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: 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."
What This Verse Means
Isaiah contrasts two sources of strength: human energy (which always runs out) and divine power (which never does). Even the strongest humans — youths at the peak of their physical power — eventually collapse. Human strength has a ceiling; God's doesn't.
The secret to supernatural endurance is 'waiting upon the Lord.' The Hebrew 'qavah' means to wait with expectation, to bind together — like strands twisted into a rope. Waiting on God isn't passive sitting; it's active trust that weaves your weakness into His strength.
The three results descend in intensity — soaring, running, walking — but increase in difficulty. Anyone can soar on a spiritual high. Running through crisis is harder. But walking faithfully through the mundane, day after ordinary day, without fainting? That's the ultimate test of renewed strength.
Historical Context
Isaiah wrote this to exiled Israel, who felt abandoned by God. After 39 chapters of warnings and judgments, chapter 40 begins with 'Comfort ye, comfort ye my people.' God's message: your strength is gone, but Mine is infinite. Wait for Me, and I'll renew what you've lost.
How to Apply This Today
If you're running on empty, stop trying harder and start waiting better. Waiting on God means daily trust, regular prayer, consistent Scripture intake. And expect the strength to come in stages: sometimes you'll soar, sometimes run, sometimes just walk — but you won't faint.
Related Verses
Psalm 27:14
"Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart."
2 Corinthians 12:9
"My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness."
Philippians 4:13
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
Nehemiah 8:10
"The joy of the Lord is your strength."
🙏 A Prayer from Isaiah 40:29-31
Lord, I'm faint and I have no might left. But You give power to the faint and strength to the weak. I wait upon You with expectation. Renew my strength so I can soar, run, and walk without fainting. Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Bible Questions
Common questions people ask about this passage — answered with KJV scripture.
Will There Be Animals in Heaven?
The Bible describes animals in God's renewed creation — Isaiah pictures the wolf and lamb together — though it doesn't specifically address pets in the afterlife.
Read answerWhat Does the Bible Say About Meekness?
Biblical meekness is strength under control — not weakness but power surrendered to God's will.
Read answerWhat Does the Bible Say About Strength from God?
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.
Read answerDeep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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