Timothy Maas Supporter Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U. S. Army

As indicated in Strong's Bible Concordance (https://biblehub.com/hebrew/strongs_6960.htm), the Hebrew word translated as "wait" (anglicized as "qavah") in the verse cited in the question appears 49 times in the Old Testament, and is expressed by multiple other terms, including "hope", "look for", and "expect".

In the context of the cited verse, God is saying that, even in the midst of earthly hardship, those who patiently wait for God to act with regard to addressing or rectifying a given situation will ultimately not be disappointed (or "ashamed", as the NKJV expresses it) for having done so.

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Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What is the meaning of the word "wait" in Isaiah 49:23?

In Isaiah 49:23, the word "wait" (Hebrew: qavah) means to look for with hope, trust, and patient expectation, awaiting God's action rather than passively expecting Him to do so without faith or action on one's part.

It's not about inaction, but about actively trusting in God's timing to resolve circumstances and bring His promises to fruition. 

The context of Isaiah involves the prophet addressing a people facing hardship and captivity while they were in captivity in Babylon. "Waiting" means enduring patiently and steadfastly, in the knowledge that God will act for their salvation at the right time.

Prophetically, God takes Isaiah to the time when the nation of Israel will be released from Babylon. Will they receive any divine direction? God answers: "Look! I shall raise my hand even to the nations, and to the peoples I shall lift my signal. And they will bring your sons in the bosom, and upon the shoulder they will carry your own daughters." (Isaiah 49:22) In the original fulfillment, Jerusalem, formerly the seat of government and the location of God's temple, becomes God's "signal." Even prominent and influential people of other nations, such as "kings" and "princesses," assist the Israelites in their journey back there. (Isaiah 49:23a) Persian kings Cyrus and Artaxerxes Longimanus and their households prove to be among these helpers. (Ezra 5:13; 7:11-26)

In conclusion, the word "wait" in Isaiah 49:23 refers to a faithful, confident, and active reliance on God's promises, knowing that those who trust in Him will ultimately be vindicated.

By waiting on God, he nation of Israel will not be disappointed or put to shame, as God's promises will eventually be fulfilled, even if it is in a way or at a time that they don't initially understand.

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