Eagle as Symbol of God in Isaiah 40
Isaiah 40:31 states, "But those who wait for Yahweh will renew their strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run, and not be weary. They will walk, and not faint" [2]. This verse concludes a section of Isaiah that emphasizes God's incomparable power and care for His people, offering comfort and hope to those in exile [5].
The imagery of the eagle in this passage is rich with symbolic meaning. The Hebrew word for eagle, nesher, properly refers to the griffon vulture or great vulture, known for its tearing prey with its beak [1]. However, it can also encompass various species of eagles found in Palestine, such as the golden eagle, spotted eagle, and imperial eagle [4]. The eagle is consistently depicted in biblical texts as a creature of swiftness (Deuteronomy 28:49, 2 Samuel 1:23), soaring high (Job 39:27), possessing great strength (Psalm 103:5), nesting in elevated places (Jeremiah 49:16), and having keen vision (Job 39:27-30) [1].
In Isaiah 40:31, the eagle's ability to "mount up with wings" suggests a renewal of strength and vigor. Some interpretations suggest this refers to the eagle's perceived ability to renew its feathers and, with them, its strength in old age, as mentioned in Psalm 103:5 [11]. The Septuagint and Vulgate translations support this understanding [11]. This imagery conveys a sense of rejuvenation and sustained power for those who trust in the Lord [9]. The phrase "mount up" also implies a rising above difficulties, a theme consistent with the broader message of comfort in Isaiah 40 [11].
The comparison to eagles in Isaiah 40:31 also evokes the Exodus event, where God is described as carrying Israel "on eagles' wings" (Exodus 19:4; Deuteronomy 32:10-12) [9]. This connection reinforces the idea of divine rescue and protection. The Targum Jonathan, an Aramaic paraphrase of the Hebrew Bible, interprets this verse as those who hope for the Lord's salvation being gathered from captivity and having their youth renewed, hastening "upon the wings of eagles" without weariness [10].
While the eagle is often a symbol of strength and swiftness, it can also represent destructive forces when God employs nations for judgment. For instance, Jeremiah 48:40 describes an enemy flying "as an eagle" over Moab, signifying speed and surprise in an attack [3, 7, 12]. Similarly, the "great eagle" in Ezekiel 17:3 is interpreted as the king of Babylon, whose "wings" represent his vast forces and widespread empire [6]. The Assyrian god Nisroch was also associated with the eagle, often depicted as an eagle-headed human figure [8]. However, in Isaiah 40:31, the context is one of divine provision and empowerment for God's faithful.
The descending climax in Isaiah 40:31—"mount up," "run," "walk"—illustrates that in every aspect of life, the waiting child of God is "strong in the Lord" [11]. This progression suggests that the strength provided by waiting on the Lord is not only for extraordinary feats but also for the endurance required in daily life [11].
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Eagle — (Herb. nesher; properly the griffon vulture or great vulture, so called from its tearing its prey with its beak), referred to for its swiftness of flight (Deut. 28:49; 2 Sam. 1:23), its mounting high in the air (Job 39:27), its strength (Ps. 103:5), its setting its nest in high places (Jer. 49:16), and its power of vision (Job 39:27-30). This "ravenous bird" is a symbol of those nations whom God employs and sends forth to do a work of destruction, sweeping away whatever is decaying and putrescent (Matt. 24:28; Isa. 46:11; Ezek. 39:4; Deut. 28:49; Jer. 4:13; 4”
- Isaiah “But those who wait for Yahweh will renew their strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run, and not be weary. They will walk, and not faint. -- Isaiah 40:31”
- Jeremiah “Jeremiah 48:40 (KJV) — For thus saith the Lord; Behold, he shall fly as an eagle, and shall spread his wings over Moab.”
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Eagle — (Heb. nesher, i.e. a tearer with the beak). At least four distinct kinds of eagles have been observed in Palestine, viz., the golden eagle, Aquila chrysaetos, the spotted eagle, Aquila naevia, the imperial eagle, Aquila heliaca, and the very common Circaetos gallicus . The Hebrew nesher may stand for any of these different species, though perhaps more particular reference to the golden and imperial eagles and the griffon vulture may be intended. The passage in Micah, (Micah 1:16) "enlarge thy baldness as the eagle," may refer to the griffon vulture, Vultur ful”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Isaiah 40:1 cross-references: Nehemiah 8:10, Psalms 85:3, Psalms 85:8, Ecclesiastes 3:4, Isaiah 3:10, Isaiah 12:1, Isaiah 35:3, Isaiah 41:10, Isaiah 41:27, Isaiah 49:13, Isaiah 50:10, Isaiah 51:3, Isaiah 51:12, Isaiah 52:9, Isaiah 57:15, Isaiah 60:1, Isaiah 62:11, Isaiah 65:13, Isaiah 66:10, Jeremiah 31:10, Zephaniah 3:14, Zechariah 1:13, Zechariah 1:17, Zechariah 9:9, 2 Corinthians 1:4, 1 Thessalonians 4:18, Hebrews 6:17”
- Ezekiel (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Ezekiel 17:3: eagle--the king of birds. The literal Hebrew is, "the great eagle." The symbol of the Assyrian supreme god, Nisroch; so applied to "the great king" of Babylon, his vicegerent on earth (Jer 48:40; Jer 49:22). His "wings" are his great forces. Such symbols were familiar to the Jews, who saw them portrayed on the great buildings of Babylon; such as are now seen in the Assyrian remains. long-winged--implying the wide extent of his empire. full of feathers--when they have been renewed after moulting; and so in the full freshness of renovated youth (Psa”
- Jeremiah (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Jeremiah 48:40: 48:40 The eagle represents speed and surprise; its victim is caught and carried off before it is able to react.”
- Isaiah (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Isaiah 37:38: Nisroch--Nisr, in Semitic, means "eagle;" the termination och, means "great." The eagle-headed human figure in Assyrian sculptures is no doubt Nisroch, the same as Asshur, the chief Assyrian god; the corresponding goddess was Asheera, or Astarte; this means a "grove," or sacred tree, often found as the symbol of the heavenly hosts (Saba) in the sculptures, as Asshur the Eponymus hero of Assyria (Gen 10:11) answered to the sun or Baal, Belus, the title of office, "Lord." This explains "image of the grove" (Kg2 21:7). The eagle was worshipper by the anc”
- Isaiah (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Isaiah 40:31: 40:31 trust in the Lord: See 33:2; 49:23; 51:5. • like eagles: This powerful image of rescue reminded readers of the Exodus event of long ago (Exod 19:4; Deut 32:10-12; see also Ps 103:5).”
- Targum Jonathan (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Targum Jonathan, Targum Jonathan on Isaiah 40:31: But they that hope for the salvation of the Lord shall be gathered together from the midst of their captivity, and shall increase their strength, and their youth shall be renewed like the sprout that springeth up: they shall hasten upon the wings of eagles, and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint.”
- Isaiah (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Isaiah 40:31: mount up-- (Sa2 1:23). Rather, "They shall put forth fresh feathers as eagles" are said to renovate themselves; the parallel clause, "renew their strength," confirms this. The eagle was thought to moult and renew his feathers, and with them his strength, in old age (so the Septuagint, Vulgate, Psa 103:5). However, English Version is favored by the descending climax, mount up--run--walk; in every attitude the praying, waiting child of God is "strong in the Lord" (Psa 84:7; Mic 4:5; Heb 12:1). Next: Isaiah Chapter 41”
- Sefaria (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) on Jeremiah 48:40: like an eagle he shall soar [i.e.,] the enemy [shall swoop] upon Moab.”