Back to Today
Isaiah 40:31
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.
Permalink Verse page
Interpretation

The prophet calls a renewal that is worked out in study and play in Isaiah 40:31—look for "those" and "who". Choose renewal in the use of resources—season power with mercy.

Context

Isaiah speaks here as prophetic oracle writing, developing renewal. Read in Isaiah 40, its force becomes clearer. It also intersects creation & new creation. Listen for “those” alongside “who”.

Authorship & Historical Background

Long‑standing tradition credits Isaiah to Isaiah son of Amoz. Many scholars judge Isaiah as follows: Many propose layered composition across exilic and post‑exilic periods.. Scholars commonly date Isaiah 8th–5th century BC. Creation & New Creation is especially relevant in this line. Exilic voices promise a renewed people. Chs 40–55 commonly exilic (Deutero). Chs 56–66 commonly post‑exilic (Trito). A long compositional arc is often proposed (Proto/Deutero/Trito).

More details
Traditional:Isaiah son of Amoz
Modern scholarship:Multiple authors (Proto‑, Deutero‑, Trito‑Isaiah).
Date:8th–5th century BC
  • Chs 40–55 commonly exilic (Deutero).
  • Chs 56–66 commonly post‑exilic (Trito).
Manuscripts & Textual Witnesses
Found in the Great Isaiah Scroll (1QIsa^a) from Qumran, matching the Masoretic Text almost perfectly. The only variation: Qumran has 'those who wait' while Masoretic has 'waiters.' The verb 'mount up' (ya'alu) and the eagle imagery are consistent across all manuscripts. The Septuagint translation supports the Hebrew. This passage shows less than 1% variation across 2,100 years of manuscripts.
Sources & witness notes
MT1QIsa
Cross References1
  • Psalms 27:14
    Wait for Yahweh. Be strong, and let your heart take courage. Yes, wait for Yahweh.
    CuratedWait for the LORD (Ps 27:14)