Ephesians 6:10-12
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Paul isn't just saying "be strong" as a general encouragement; he's directing you to draw strength from God's own might. This isn't about mustering your own willpower, but tapping into a divine power that's already available to you in Christ.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul has spent the previous chapters detailing Christian doctrine and how believers should live out their faith in various relationships. Now, as he concludes his letter, he shifts to a more direct exhortation, preparing them for the spiritual warfare they will inevitably face, reminding them that their strength comes not from themselves but from God's power.
Ever feel like you're running on empty, trying to keep up with life's demands? This verse offers a radical perspective on where true strength comes from.
Paul kicks off his final exhortations with a powerful command: 'Be strong in the Lord.' This isn't a pep talk about digging deep within ourselves. Instead, it's an invitation to tap into a divine, inexhaustible source.
Relying on the Lord's Power
Paul doesn't just say 'be strong.' He adds a crucial phrase that amplifies the source of that strength. What's the difference?
After commanding believers to be 'strong in the Lord,' Paul adds, 'and in the power of his might.' This isn't redundant; it’s emphatic.
Understanding the Amplification
Ask a follow-up
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.
panoplia · Greek Noun
The complete set of spiritual equipment provided by God to believers to withstand spiritual opposition. It reflects the character and attributes of God Himself, which the believer is called to 'clothe' themselves with.
methodeia · Greek Noun
A crafty, deceitful plan or stratagem designed to trap, mislead, or defeat. In Scripture, it highlights the strategic, intellectual, and deceptive nature of demonic opposition.
diabolos · Greek Noun
The personal adversary of God and His people, the 'slanderer' who is the originator of evil and the leader of demonic forces.
palē · Greek Noun
A hand-to-hand combat or intense struggle. It denotes a close-quarters engagement, emphasizing the personal and unrelenting nature of the conflict.
haima kai sarx · Greek Noun phrase
Human beings considered in their physical, mortal, and fallen state. In this context, it emphasizes that the primary struggle is not against humans, but against supernatural enemies.
archē · Greek Noun
High-ranking spiritual beings or entities that exercise influence or governance in the spiritual realm. They represent the organized hierarchy of demonic opposition to God's kingdom.
exousia · Greek Noun
Spiritual entities that hold delegated authority or power. They are part of the organized demonic structure opposing the reign of Christ.
skotos · Greek Noun
Refers to the domain over which spiritual powers exert influence during this fallen age. It suggests a realm characterized by moral blindness and separation from God.
epouranios · Greek Adjective (used as noun)
A term encompassing the invisible, non-material domain where spiritual battles take place. It is the sphere where the spiritual realities of God’s kingdom and the forces of evil clash.
This verse offers a powerful parallel, stating 'I can do all things through him who strengthens me.' This echoes Ephesians 6:10 by highlighting that our strength comes from Christ, not from ourselves, enabling us to face any challenge.
1 Samuel 17:45David's confrontation with Goliath reveals a similar reliance on divine strength. David declares, 'You come against me with sword and with spear and with javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel...' This shows that true strength in spiritual warfare comes from God's power.
2 Corinthians 12:9Here, Paul recounts Jesus telling him, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' This passage beautifully illustrates the principle behind Ephesians 6:10: God's might is most evident when we acknowledge our own weakness and rely on His strength.
Isaiah 40:31This prophetic verse speaks of renewal and endurance: '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 be faint.' It connects the idea of divine strength to those who trust and wait upon the Lord, mirroring the call to be strong in His might.
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…
Paul isn't just saying "be strong" as a general encouragement; he's directing you to draw strength from God's own might. This isn't about mustering your own willpower, but tapping into a divine power that's already available to you in Christ.
Paul has spent the previous chapters detailing Christian doctrine and how believers should live out their faith in various relationships. Now, as he concludes his letter, he shifts to a more direct exhortation, preparing them for the spiritual warfare they will inevitably face, reminding them that their strength comes not from themselves but from God's power.
Paul has spent the previous chapters detailing Christian doctrine and how believers should live out their faith in various relationships. Now, as he concludes his letter, he shifts to a more direct exhortation, preparing them for the spiritual warfare they will inevitably face, reminding them that their strength comes not from themselves but from God's power.
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against…" — Paul isn't just saying "be strong" as a general encouragement; he's directing you to draw strength from God's own might. This isn't about mustering your own willpower, but tapping into a divine pow…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
