Isaiah 40:6
The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field:
ISAIAH 40:6
The “voice” commands crying out, and the response—“What shall I cry?”—frames a moment of prophetic commission. The message: all flesh is grass, and its beauty is like the flower of the field. This imagery highlights human mortality and fragility. The valley of the valley-voice is a call to recognize the transient nature of human life and the need for God’s enduring word. The scene resembles a prophet’s call to foretell both judgment and hope, acknowledging human limitation and divine permanence.
The verse situates the human condition under the sovereignty of God’s word. It contrasts temporary human life with the eternal truth of God’s promises. It also signals a shift in the prophetic message: even as life is fleeting, the word of the Lord stands, inviting trust and obedience. Theologically, it reinforces the theme that human strength is insufficient; only God’s word endures and directs history.
For personal relevance, reflect on what “grass” and “flower” represent in your life: status, achievements, or comparisons that fade quickly. Ground your identity and security not in volatile things but in God’s unchanging word. This could mean daily Bible engagement, meditating on God’s promises, or choosing to live with humility rather than pride. In leadership or parenting, model this stance by prioritizing lasting values over fleeting outcomes, and encourage others to seek steadfast truth.
Cross-References
- Psalm 90:12
- 1 Peter 1:24-25
- James 4:14
- Isaiah 40:8