King James Version

What Does Isaiah 40:29 Mean?

Isaiah 40:29 in the King James Version says “He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 40 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.

Isaiah 40:29 · KJV


Context

27

Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid from the LORD, and my judgment is passed over from my God?

28

Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.

29

He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.

30

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

31

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. renew: Heb. change


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse promises divine empowerment for human weakness. God doesn't merely encourage the weary; He actively gives them strength (koach—vitality, capacity, ability). Those with 'no might'—utterly depleted—receive increased power from Him. This isn't positive thinking or human effort but supernatural enabling. The promise addresses physical, emotional, and spiritual exhaustion, offering hope that our limitations become opportunities for God's strength to manifest (as Paul discovered in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Israel in exile felt powerless—politically subjugated, militarily defeated, economically impoverished. Isaiah assures them that God specializes in empowering the powerless. Throughout Scripture, God chooses the weak to display His strength (1 Corinthians 1:27). This pattern appears in Moses (who protested his inadequacy), Gideon (who needed multiple signs), and David (the youngest son who defeated Goliath). Christian history records countless examples of believers accomplishing extraordinary things through God's strength rather than human ability.

Reflection Questions

  1. What areas of weakness or inadequacy in your life could become showcases for God's strengthening power?
  2. How might your view of limitations change if you saw them as opportunities for God to display His strength through you?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
נֹתֵ֥ן1 of 7

He giveth

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לַיָּעֵ֖ף2 of 7

to the faint

H3287

fatigued; figuratively, exhausted

כֹּ֑חַ3 of 7

power

H3581

vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)

וּלְאֵ֥ין4 of 7
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

אוֹנִ֖ים5 of 7

and to them that have no might

H202

ability, power, (figuratively) wealth

עָצְמָ֥ה6 of 7

strength

H6109

powerfulness; by extension, numerousness

יַרְבֶּֽה׃7 of 7

he increaseth

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Isaiah 40:29 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Isaiah 40:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study