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Some translations have this verse reading "They that wait (up)on the Lord" (eg. NKJV) while others have "They that wait for the Lord" (eg. ESV) and still others "Those that hope in the Lord". (eg NIV)

What is the meaning of the verb here? Is it "wait on" - which to me implies an active, serving kind of waiting (waiting on tables in a restaurant), or "wait for" - which implies sit back and do nothing until something happens - or some other sense? What's the most accurate way to render the intended meaning of this verse in English?

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Your suggestion of "waiting at table" is an artefact of English. "Wait on" is not now as common as a synonym of "wait for", but it exists. – Colin Fine Mar 10 at 22:19

2 Answers

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Hebrew

The entire English phrase "Those who wait upon" (or "Those who wait for") is translated from one word: vekovye (וְקֹויֵ֤). This word finds its root in Hebrew qavah.

If we look at the Strong's entry for this word, we see this:

  1. to wait, look for, hope, expect
    1. (Qal) waiting (participle)
    2. (Piel)
      1. to wait or look eagerly for
      2. to lie in wait for
      3. to wait for, linger for
  2. to collect, bind together
    1. (Niphal) to be collected

We can see from this definition, that the idea of "waiting on" as in "serving" or "waitressing" is not at all the definition. However, "hope for" is also a bit of a loose translation here (since "to wait or look eagerly for" does signify "hope" in our modern English). That's why most translations use "wait".

Looking at the three possible definitions ("looking eagerly for", "lie in wait for", or "to wait for, linger for"), it's not clear whether it's an active waiting, as defined in the previous two definitions, or more of a passive waiting, as the third definition shows.

Context

However, if we look at the word in context, I'm more inclined to believe it's more of the active waiting:

Isaiah 40:31 (NASB)
Yet those who wait for the LORD
Will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary.

With words in there like "mount up", "run", and "walk", and with the result of the waiting to "gain new strength", this seems more like an active waiting.

(This idea also supports the translation of "hope for" since it's more of a active verb in the English than "wait".)

Summary

I don't really see any indicator that this is either an active waiting (in eager expectation) or a passive waiting (lingering). It's hard to say. However, the verse in context makes me think it's more of an active waiting.

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The word for wait 06960 קוה qavah by way of the meaning of the letters is "God's Holiness shining into the void to give of himself". Since this speaks directly to the cross, we could loosely say that he who waits upon the Lord "Trust Him at his word to provide redemption". The resulting attitudes come from adjusting their lives to the expectation of the promised redemption. – Bob Jones Nov 17 '11 at 0:29
@BobJones Sometimes your exegesis really confuses me. Either you're skipping over some information or there are some basic concepts that I just don't get. – Richard Nov 17 '11 at 15:00
Hebrew alphabet letters have meanings. The first in qavah has a meaning of "God's holiness", the second "his power shining into the void", and the last of "giving of oneself". So this is the elemental meaning of the word wait. Waiting has the flavor of the elemental meaning. As we try to understand what 'wait' means, we can assess the elemental meaning along with it. So "God's Holiness shining into the void to give of himself" is a riddle picture of Christ. When we wait upon the Lord, we are waiting for Christ. In explaining riddle, we have to say it different ways until it is understood. – Bob Jones Nov 17 '11 at 23:19
We talk about meta conversations which are "above" the subject, speaking of the meaning of the words based on the letters is a layer below tracing the roots of the word. Thanks for asking. – Bob Jones Nov 17 '11 at 23:20
The example is in Qal; the entry you quoted from Strong gives only the basic meaning ("to wait, look for, hope, expect") for the Qal, the other meanings being given for other binyanim. – Colin Fine Mar 10 at 22:17
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Always enjoy others sharing on the meanings of the Hebrew and Greek words used in the Bible. As I am always recognizing my need for further input from others. As I continue to learn how much more I need to learn I am discovering that the essential meanings of words are important but without a proper application of that truth it remains simply an intellectual commodity that ends up with very little contribution to the substance of my life in Him.

I am now left with the realization that as Jesus said "by their fruits will you know them..." The validity of whether I truly understand the word translated "wait" in Isa. 40:31 is valid or not will be revealed in a life that is "mounting up", "running and not becoming weary" and in the "walking" in such a way that I do not succumb to fainting in the trials of life. This concept produces in me an understanding of the process involved in the actual meaning of this word becoming a truth through the medium of a life that is lived.

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In other words the answer to the question "Is “wait” in Isaiah 40:31 active or passive?" is: whichever understanding produces more fruit eg "running and not becoming weary"? Or have I misunderstood completely? – Jack Douglas♦ Mar 10 at 21:28

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