Isaiah 40:7
What does Isaiah 40:7 mean?
A plain-English look at Isaiah 40:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Isaiah 40:7 means
This verse reinforces the idea of human transience, explicitly stating that "the grass withereth, the flower fadeth, because the breath of Jehovah bloweth upon it." It attributes the perishing nature of humanity directly to God's sovereign will, not as an act of destruction, but as a demonstration of His immense power. The repetition "surely the people is grass" leaves no doubt about the ephemeral quality of human existence, setting up a profound distinction with the divine.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000The grass withereth, the flower fadeth, because the breath of Jehovah bloweth upon it; surely the people is grass.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the Lord bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901The grass withereth, the flower fadeth, because the breath of Jehovah bloweth upon it; surely the people is grass.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The grass becomes dry, the flower is dead; because the breath of the Lord goes over it: truly the people is grass.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Withered hath grass, faded the flower, For the Spirit of Jehovah blew upon it, Surely the people <FI>is<Fi> grass;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The grass is withered, and the flower is fallen, because the spirit of the Lord hath blown upon it. Indeed the people is grass:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890The grass withereth, the flower fadeth, for the breath of Jehovah bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass.
Context
Building on the previous verse's declaration of human fragility, this verse provides the divine reason for that transience. It shows humanity's fading as a direct result of God's action, not merely a natural process. This continued emphasis on the brevity of human life serves to heighten the impact of the eternal truth presented in the subsequent verse, preparing for a powerful comparison.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Job 41:21
His breath kindleth coals, And a flame goeth forth from his mouth.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Isaiah 40
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Isaiah 40.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Burnout
Scripture offers solace and guidance for those experiencing burnout, encouraging rest, renewed hope, and reliance on God.
Topic
Bible Verses About Creation
Explore the biblical understanding of creation, God's awesome power, and His eternal purposes revealed in the world around us
Topic
Bible Verses About Gentleness
The Bible consistently calls believers to lives of gentleness, showing kindness and humility in all interactions.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Stuck in Life
When nothing's moving and you don't know why — verses for the in-between.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Postpartum Depression
Tender scripture for the season no one warns you about.
Verses for
Bible Verses for a Panic Attack at Night
Steady, slow verses to pray when your chest is tight and the house is dark.