Isaiah 40:8

Old Testament Major Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Isaiah 40:8 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth; but the word of our God shall stand forever.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

The grass withereth, the flower fadeth; but the word of our God shall stand forever.
Isaiah 40:8 — American Standard Version

Context — Isaiah 40

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
8The grass withereth, the flower fadeth; but the word of our God shall stand forever.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“The grass withereth, the flower fadeth, &c.] Which is repeated, to raise attention to it, as being a matter of importance, and for the confirmation of it: but the word of our God shall stand for ever; the Apostle Peter adds, by way of explanation, and this is the word, which by the Gospel is preached unto you; who seems to distinguish the word from the Gospel, by which it is preached, and to intend Christ the essential Word; who stands or abides for ever as a divine Person; in his office as Mediator, being Prophet, Priest, and King for ever; in the efficacy of his blood, righteousness, and sacrifice; and in the fulness of his grace: it is true of the written word or Gospel, which remains, is…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“The grass withereth ... - This is repeated from the former verse for the sake of emphasis, or strong confirmation. But the word of our God - The phrase ‘word of our God,’ refers either to his promise to be the protector and deliverer of his people in their captivity, or, in general, means that all his promises shall be firm and unchanging. Shall stand for ever - Amidst all revolutions among men, his promise shall be firm. It shall not only live amidst the changes of dynasties, and the revolutions of empires, but it shall continue forever and ever. This is designed for support to an afflicted and oppressed people; and it must have been to them, in their bondage, the source of high…”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“40:8 the word of our God stands forever: All of God’s words (his plans as well as the written word) will succeed. God might frustrate human expectations, but everything will happen according to his wise plan (see 14:24; 55:8-11; see also Matt 25:34).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“the word: Isa 46:10, Isa 46:11, Isa 55:10, Isa 55:11; Psa 119:89-91; Zac 1:6; Mat 5:18, Mat 24:35; Mar 13:31; Joh 10:35, Joh 12:34; Rom 3:1-3; Pe1 1:25 Isaiah 40:9”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification