Isaiah 40:8
What does Isaiah 40:8 mean?
A plain-English look at Isaiah 40:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Isaiah 40:8 means
In a climactic statement, this verse contrasts the ephemeral nature of all flesh with the eternal, unwavering Word of God. While grass and flowers wither and fade, "the word of our God shall stand forever." This emphasizes the enduring reliability and permanence of God's declarations, promises, and truth. It offers a foundational assurance that even as everything else changes or perishes, God's Word remains constant and eternally true, providing ultimate stability and hope.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000The grass withereth, the flower fadeth; but the word of our God shall stand forever.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901The grass withereth, the flower fadeth; but the word of our God shall stand forever.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The grass is dry, the flower is dead; but the word of our God is eternal.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Withered hath grass, faded the flower, But a word of our God riseth for ever.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The grass is withered, and the flower is fallen: but the word of our Lord endureth for ever.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890The grass withereth, the flower fadeth; but the word of ourGod abideth for ever.
Context
This verse offers the profound theological counterpoint to the preceding three verses' vivid descriptions of human transience. After firmly establishing the fleeting nature of all flesh, this verse presents God's Word as the unchangeable, eternal constant. This powerful contrast sets the stage for a renewed call to proclaim the good news, grounded in the enduring Word of God.
v.7The grass withereth, the flower fadeth, because the breath of Jehovah bloweth upon it; surely the people is grass.
v.8This passage
v.9O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion, get thee up on a high mountain; O thou that tellest good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold, your God!
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Isaiah 55:10
For as the rain cometh down and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, and giveth seed to the sower and bread to the eater;
- Isaiah 46:10
declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done; saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure;
- John 12:34
The multitude therefore answered him, We have heard out of the law that the Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man?
- Romans 3:1
What advantage then hath the Jew? or what is the profit of circumcision?
- Matthew 5:18
For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass away from the law, till all things be accomplished.
- John 10:35
If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came (and the scripture cannot be broken),
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