Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Ephesians 6:10
What does Ephesians 6:10 mean?
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Ephesians 6:10
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This isn't just a call to feel strong; it's a directive to actively become strengthened, emphasizing that our power comes not from within ourselves, but from drawing on the immense reservoir of God's own strength. It’s a subtle but crucial distinction: we are not called to generate courage, but to receive and channel the might that already resides in the Lord.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Having just outlined the practical Christian life, Paul now pivots to the spiritual warfare believers face. He exhorts them to draw their strength not from themselves, but from God’s immense power, as they prepare to stand against unseen, powerful forces of evil.
Paul kicks off his final charge to the Ephesians with a call to be strong. But he doesn't stop there, he tells them where to find that strength.
Paul's exhortation, 'be strong in the Lord,' isn't a suggestion for a personal pep talk. It's a declaration that true, lasting strength for the Christian life doesn't originate within us. It comes from an external source: the Lord Himself.
Paul doesn't just say 'be strong in the Lord,' he amplifies it with 'and in the power of His might.' Why the double emphasis?
The phrase 'the power of His might' isn't redundant; it's a profound declaration of God's immense, inexhaustible power available to believers. It speaks to the sheer force God possesses and makes accessible to us.
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Paul's exhortation to be strong comes right before he details the spiritual battle Christians face. This timing is no accident.
The context of Ephesians 6 immediately following this verse reveals why this strength is so crucial. We are not in a mere social or ethical struggle, but an intense spiritual warfare.
Understand the original words
endynamoō · Greek Verb
To be empowered or invigorated; in the Christian life, it denotes a passive reception of supernatural power that originates from God.
kratos · Greek Noun
Inherent power, ability, or authority; when referring to God, it signifies His supreme and irresistible capability to act and uphold His creation.
This passage echoes the same theme of drawing strength not from oneself, but from Christ, stating 'I can do all things through him who strengthens me.'
1 Samuel 17:45David's confrontation with Goliath illustrates the principle of facing overwhelming odds not by personal might, but by relying on God's power, as David declared, 'You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts.'
Isaiah 40:31This prophecy speaks of divine empowerment for those who wait on the Lord, highlighting the source of true strength: 'but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.'
Zechariah 4:6This verse powerfully states that true spiritual power and victory come not through human effort but by God's Spirit: 'Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.'
barnesEphesians 6:10: "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might."
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord - Paul had now stated to the Ephesians the duties which they were to perform. He had considered the various relations of life which they sustained, and the obligations resulting from them. He was not unaware that in the discharge of their duties they would need strength from above. He knew that they had great and mighty foes, and that to meet them, they neede…
gillEphesians 6:10: "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might."
Finally, my brethren,.... This is the conclusion of the apostle's exhortations, in which he addresses the saints as his brethren; which appellation he uses, not merely as a familiar way of speaking among the Jews, but in regard to them as regenerate persons, and of the same family and household of God with himself; and he calls them so, to show his humility, and as a proof of his affection to them, and…
This isn't just a call to feel strong; it's a directive to actively become strengthened, emphasizing that our power comes not from within ourselves, but from drawing on the immense reservoir of God's own strength. It’s a subtle but crucial distinction: we are not called to generate courage, but to receive and channel the might that already resides in the Lord.
Having just outlined the practical Christian life, Paul now pivots to the spiritual warfare believers face. He exhorts them to draw their strength not from themselves, but from God’s immense power, as they prepare to stand against unseen, powerful forces of evil.
Having just outlined the practical Christian life, Paul now pivots to the spiritual warfare believers face. He exhorts them to draw their strength not from themselves, but from God’s immense power, as they prepare to stand against unseen, powerful forces of evil.
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might." — This isn't just a call to feel strong; it's a directive to actively become strengthened, emphasizing that our power comes not from within ourselves, but from drawing on the immense reservoir of God…
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Last reviewed October 2026