The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.

ISAIAH 40:8KJV
Know the Bible

Isaiah 40:8 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 40:8 mean?

Isaiah 40:8 says that while natural things like grass and flowers fade away, the word of God remains constant and unchanging forever. This verse highlights the lasting reliability of what God says, in contrast to the temporary nature of everything else.

The prophet Isaiah is speaking to the people of Israel, who are facing uncertainty and change. In this part of the book, Isaiah is offering comfort by reminding them that, unlike the fragile things of the world, God’s promises and instructions are permanent and trustworthy.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 40:8

  • "Grass" (חָצִיר, chatsir) and "flower" (צִיץ, tsits) are used as symbols for things that are beautiful or important for a moment but quickly pass away. This helps underline how temporary human life and achievements can be.
  • "Withereth" (יָבֵשׁ, yavesh) and "fadeth" (נָבֵל, navel) both describe the process of drying up or losing vitality, emphasizing how quickly things in nature can disappear.
  • "Word" (דָּבָר, davar) refers to God’s message, promise, or command. In this context, it means everything God has declared, which is being contrasted with the fleeting things of the world.
  • "Stand" (קוּם, qum) means to arise, endure, or remain firm. It stresses that God’s word is not just lasting, but actively stands firm and unshaken through time.
  • "Ever" (עוֹלָם, olam) means a long duration, often understood as "forever" or "eternity." This makes clear that God’s word is not just long-lasting, but truly without end.

Why Isaiah 40:8 matters

  • Isaiah 40:8 clears up any idea that God’s promises are only for a certain time or group; the verse insists that what God says is always reliable.
  • The verse sets up a strong contrast with human life and achievements, which can seem important but are ultimately temporary.
  • In the wider passage, Isaiah is comforting people who feel uncertain, showing that God’s word is a solid foundation when everything else is changing.

Where else these words appear

“flower” Hebrew H6731 · used in 15 verses

  • Exodus 28:36 And thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave upon it, like the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD.
  • 1 Kings 6:18 And the cedar of the house within was carved with knops and open flowers: all was cedar; there was no stone seen.
  • Psalms 103:15 As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.

“grass” Hebrew H2682 · used in 20 verses

  • Numbers 11:5 We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick:
  • Psalms 90:5 Thou carriest them away as with a flood; they are as a sleep: in the morning they are like grass which groweth up.
  • Isaiah 15:6 For the waters of Nimrim shall be desolate: for the hay is withered away, the grass faileth, there is no green thing.

“fadeth” Hebrew H5034 · used in 21 verses

  • Exodus 18:18 Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone.
  • Psalms 37:2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.
  • Isaiah 40:7 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass.

“withereth” Hebrew H3001 · used in 67 verses

  • Genesis 8:7 And he sent forth a raven, which went forth to and fro, until the waters were dried up from off the earth.
  • Isaiah 15:6 For the waters of Nimrim shall be desolate: for the hay is withered away, the grass faileth, there is no green thing.
  • Jeremiah 51:36 Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will plead thy cause, and take vengeance for thee; and I will dry up her sea, and make her springs dry.