Isaiah 40:31 — What Does It Mean?
"But those who wait for Yahweh will renew their strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run, and not be weary. They will walk, and not faint."
Isaiah 40:31, World English Bible
Who is this written to?
Isaiah 40 opens a section of the book addressing Israelites in or facing exile, and the verse right before this one records their actual complaint: "My way is hidden from Yahweh, and the justice due me is disregarded by my God" (Isaiah 40:27). Verse 31 is God's answer to that specific discouragement, not a general statement detached from a real grievance.
What does it actually mean?
"Wait" here carries the sense of hopeful expectation, not passive idleness — the same Hebrew root is used elsewhere for eager anticipation. The three images build in an interesting order: soaring (dramatic, effortless), running (sustained exertion), then walking (the most ordinary, daily activity) — suggesting the promise covers both peak moments and plain, everyday persistence.
Common questions about this verse
Does "wait" mean I should just do nothing?
The immediate context is about outlook and trust rather than literal inactivity — the verses just before describe God's power over nations and stars (Isaiah 40:15–26) as the basis for why waiting on him specifically makes sense.
Why eagles specifically?
Eagles were familiar in the region for effortlessly riding air currents to gain height with minimal visible effort — a fitting image for strength that isn't self-generated through struggle, but received.
Related reading
Strength in Trials · Hope & Encouragement · All popular verses