Ephesians 3:16-17
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This verse highlights that the strength God offers through His Spirit isn't just a surface-level boost, but a deep strengthening that penetrates the very core of who you are – your "inner man." This refers to your true self, your mind and moral core, the very essence of your being that interacts with God.
that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is resuming his prayer after a lengthy explanation of God's eternal plan to unite Jews and Gentiles in Christ, emphasizing the inclusion of Gentiles into God's family. He wants them to grasp the immensity of this mystery and be strengthened to live it out, so he prays that God would empower them internally. This prayer for inner strength directly flows from his contemplation of God's glorious purposes revealed in the gospel.
Ever felt like you're running on empty, with nothing left to give? Paul prays for you to be strengthened, but not just with a little boost.
Paul asks God to grant strength 'according to the riches of his glory.' This isn't a small request! Think about it:
So, when Paul links 'riches' and 'glory,' he's saying that the strength God provides is as immense and as perfect as God Himself. It's not based on what you have or deserve, but on God's inexhaustible supply. This is the wellspring from which your spiritual strength comes.
Where does true strength come from? It's not just about grit or willpower. Paul points to a divine power at work within you.
The verse highlights that the strength comes 'through his Spirit in your inner being.' Let's break this down:
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This means the power isn't superficial. It's designed to transform you from the inside out. It's about spiritual vitality, resilience, and the capacity to live according to God's will, even when facing challenges.
Understand the original words
doxēs · Greek Noun
Refers to the manifestation of God’s character, majesty, and excellency. It encompasses His holiness, grace, and sovereign authority, serving as the source from which His blessings flow to His people.
esō anthrōpon · Greek Noun phrase
The spiritual core of a person where the Holy Spirit works to transform the mind, will, and affections. It is the seat of the new nature in Christ, distinct from the outward, physical existence.
katoikēsai · Greek Verb
A permanent, settled residence. In the context of Christ, it denotes Him taking up active, authoritative, and transformative occupation of the believer’s heart.
pisteōs · Greek Noun
The God-given channel for receiving divine grace and salvation. It is not merely intellectual assent but an active, trustful reliance upon the person and work of Jesus Christ.
errizōmenoi kai tethemeliōmenoi · Greek Participle
A metaphor for being established or stabilized in the character and nature of God. It implies drawing nourishment from God’s character so that the believer is immovably fixed in His covenantal commitment.
This passage speaks of the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead dwelling in believers, implying a divine power available for their inner life, just as Ephesians 3:16 describes strengthening through the Spirit in the inner man.
2 Corinthians 4:16Paul contrasts the 'outer man' perishing with the 'inner man' being renewed day by day, highlighting the spiritual reality of the inner being that needs divine strengthening, a direct parallel to Ephesians 3:16.
Galatians 5:22-23These verses describe the 'fruit of the Spirit' as qualities like love, joy, peace, and self-control, which are manifestations of the inner strength and transformation that the Spirit brings to a believer's life.
1 Peter 3:4Peter refers to the 'hidden person of the heart' with an imperishable beauty, emphasizing the importance and spiritual reality of the inner self that God beautifies and strengthens, aligning with Paul's focus on the 'inner man'.
Colossians 1:9This prayer asks that believers might be 'filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,' which is a foundational aspect of the inner strengthening and spiritual capacity that the Spirit provides.
bengelEphesians 3:16: "That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;"
Ephesians 3:16 . Δυνάμει , with might ) This accords with the mention of the Spirit .— εἰς τὸν ἔσω ἄνθρωπον , in the inner man ) The inner man is the man himself with all his faculties, considered as to the things within, ch. Ephesians 4:22 ; Ephesians 4:24 ; 1 Peter 3:4 . The inner man is to the Spirit of God what the hearts of the saints are to Christ,…
meyerEphesians 3:16: "That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;"
Ephesians 3:16 . Ἵνα δῷ ] (see the critical remarks) introduces the design of the κάμπτω κ . τ . λ ., and therewith the contents of the prayer. Comp. on Ephesians 1:17 . κατὰ τὸ πλοῦτος τῆς δόξης αὐτοῦ ] i.e. in accordance with the fact that His glory is in so great fulness. Comp. on Ephesians 1:7 . It may be referred either to δῷ ὑμῖν or to what follows…
This verse highlights that the strength God offers through His Spirit isn't just a surface-level boost, but a deep strengthening that penetrates the very core of who you are – your "inner man." This refers to your true self, your mind and moral core, the very essence of your being that interacts with God.
Paul is resuming his prayer after a lengthy explanation of God's eternal plan to unite Jews and Gentiles in Christ, emphasizing the inclusion of Gentiles into God's family. He wants them to grasp the immensity of this mystery and be strengthened to live it out, so he prays that God would empower them internally. This prayer for inner strength directly flows from his contemplation of God's glorious purposes revealed in the gospel.
Paul is resuming his prayer after a lengthy explanation of God's eternal plan to unite Jews and Gentiles in Christ, emphasizing the inclusion of Gentiles into God's family. He wants them to grasp the immensity of this mystery and be strengthened to live it out, so he prays that God would empower them internally. This prayer for inner strength directly flows from his contemplation of God's glorious purposes revealed in the gospel.
"that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love," — This verse highlights that the strength God offers through His Spirit isn't just a surface-level boost, but a deep strengthening that penetrates the very core of who you are – your "inner man." This…
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Last reviewed October 2026
