Isaiah 40 30

Isaiah 40:30 kjv

Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:

Isaiah 40:30 nkjv

Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall,

Isaiah 40:30 niv

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;

Isaiah 40:30 esv

Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted;

Isaiah 40:30 nlt

Even youths will become weak and tired,
and young men will fall in exhaustion.

Isaiah 40 verses

Isaiah 40 30 Meaning

Isaiah 40:30 declares the universal truth of human limitation, stating that even those at the peak of their physical strength and vitality—the youths and young men—are prone to fatigue, exhaustion, stumbling, and ultimate failure. This verse serves as a stark contrast to the immeasurable and unwavering power of God, preparing the reader for the subsequent promise of divine strength and renewal for those who wait on the Lord. It highlights the inherent frailty of humanity regardless of age or physical condition, emphasizing that relying solely on one's own capabilities will inevitably lead to weariness and defeat.

Isaiah 40 30 Context

Isaiah chapter 40 marks a significant shift in the book, moving from prophecies of judgment to messages of comfort and restoration for God's people, particularly as they anticipate and endure the Babylonian exile. The chapter opens with a tender call for comfort and immediately establishes God's incomparable glory, majesty, and eternal nature in contrast to the fleeting existence of humanity (vv. 6-8) and the impotence of idols (vv. 18-20). The rhetorical questions of verses 21-26 highlight God's creative power, wisdom, and understanding as the one who spans the heavens, commands the stars, and rules over the earth. Israel's complaint of being unseen and unheard by God (v. 27) is addressed by reminding them of His eternal power (v. 28) and His capacity to give strength to the weak (v. 29). Verse 30 specifically underscores this theme of human weakness and dependence, providing a stark demonstration of why even the most robust human strength ultimately fails, setting the stage for the glorious promise of renewal for those who put their hope in the Lord, presented in the very next verse (v. 31).

Isaiah 40 30 Word analysis

• Even youths: (נְעָרִים - ne'arim) Refers to young boys, adolescents, or young men. It denotes the segment of society typically associated with prime physical strength, energy, and endurance. The inclusion of "even" (often implied in translation) amplifies the unexpected nature of their fatigue, emphasizing that if they falter, no one can rely on human strength.

• grow tired: (יְעֵפוּ - ye'ephu) From the root "ya'eph," meaning to be exhausted, to faint, or to grow weary. It speaks of a depletion of energy, a natural consequence of sustained effort.

• and weary: (וְיִגְעוּ - v'yig'u) From the root "yaga'," meaning to toil, labor intensely, be exhausted. This word often carries the connotation of weariness resulting from strenuous work, indicating a deeper level of fatigue beyond mere tiredness. The combination with "tired" creates a sense of profound exhaustion.

• and young men: (וּבַחוּרִים - u'vachurim) Refers to select young men, often those chosen for their strength, agility, or physical beauty, such as soldiers or the elite of the population. This further emphasizes that the very strongest are susceptible to this universal human condition. It forms a poetic parallelism with "youths."

• stumble: (כָּשׁוֹל - kashol) To totter, waver, or trip. It signifies a loss of balance and stability, suggesting an unexpected faltering in one's path.

• and fall: (יִכָּשֵׁלוּ - yik'kash'elu) This is an intensified form of "stumble" (a Niph'al imperfect form), often translated as to be completely fallen or utterly defeated. It signifies total failure or collapse after the initial stumble.

• "Even youths grow tired and weary": This phrase establishes the principle that peak human vigor is not immune to fatigue. It challenges the assumption that youthful strength is unending. The double phrasing ("tired and weary") reinforces the extent of exhaustion.

• "and young men stumble and fall": This phrase functions as a parallel to the first, using a slightly different term for young men to expand the scope and intensify the outcome. The progression from "stumble" to "fall" indicates a complete collapse or inability to recover, symbolizing utter failure of human capacity.

Isaiah 40 30 Bonus section

The double parallelism in this verse ("youths"/"young men" and "tired and weary"/"stumble and fall") is a powerful Hebrew literary device designed for emphasis. It amplifies the certainty and universality of human feebleness, reinforcing that this condition applies to all people, even the seemingly strongest among us. The progression from general tiredness to a complete collapse ("stumble and fall") underscores the absolute failure of relying on one's own power. This verse can also be seen as an indirect polemic against any worldview that deifies human capability or encourages an ultimate reliance on self rather than on the divine Creator. It subtly dismantles human pride and prepares the ground for humility, which is essential for receiving God's grace and strength. Furthermore, the spiritual dimension of "tired and weary" suggests not just physical fatigue but also discouragement, despair, and a loss of hope, making the subsequent promise of strength in verse 31 all the more potent for those feeling spiritually depleted.

Isaiah 40 30 Commentary

Isaiah 40:30 stands as a foundational statement regarding human limitations, a vital theological truth necessary for a correct understanding of God's character and humanity's dependence on Him. By highlighting that even the physically robust — the youths and young men — succumb to tiredness, weariness, stumbling, and falling, the prophet utterly dismisses the notion of self-sufficiency. This is not merely a statement about physical exhaustion but serves as an allegory for spiritual and moral weakness inherent in humanity. No amount of human strength, willpower, or wisdom, no matter how great or admirable, can sustain an individual indefinitely or lead to ultimate victory in life's challenges. Our inherent finitude, our creaturely nature, means we are not designed to be self-sustaining. This verse serves as a crucial prelude to Isaiah 40:31, explaining why we need to wait on the Lord: because our own wells run dry, our own foundations crumble. It's a call to abandon self-reliance and embrace the divine source of inexhaustible power and unfailing strength. This surrender of self-trust is the gateway to receiving God's renewing power, transforming potential weakness into an opportunity for divine glory.

• Practical Examples:
  • A student burning out from trying to achieve success through their own effort, needing to learn to rest and trust in God's provision for wisdom and strength.
  • A business leader experiencing profound exhaustion from relentless work, realizing the futility of relying solely on their drive and needing to seek divine guidance and renewal.
  • An individual struggling with a persistent sin or addiction, recognizing that personal willpower is insufficient and turning to God for freedom and strength to overcome.