Ephesians 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;

That {G2443} he would grant {G1325} you {G5213}, according to {G2596} the riches {G4149} of his {G846} glory {G1391}, to be strengthened {G2901} with might {G1411} by {G1223} his {G846} Spirit {G4151} in {G1519} the inner {G2080} man {G444};

I pray that from the treasures of his glory he will empower you with inner strength by his Spirit,

I ask that out of the riches of His glory He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being,

that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, that ye may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inward man;

Context

Ephesians 3:16 is a pivotal part of Paul's heartfelt prayer for the believers in Ephesus, following his profound revelation of the mystery of Christ – that Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 3:6). This prayer, spanning from verse 14 to 19, is not for material blessings or worldly success, but for deep spiritual understanding and inner fortitude. It underscores the spiritual resources available to every Christian through their union with Christ.

Key Themes

  • Divine Abundance: The phrase "according to the riches of his glory" emphasizes that God's capacity to grant strength is boundless. It's not a meager portion, but a supply drawn from His infinite wealth and splendor, far exceeding human need or expectation. This highlights God's immeasurable generosity and power.
  • Spiritual Empowerment: The core request is "to be strengthened with might." This is not a physical strengthening, but a profound spiritual invigoration, enabling believers to stand firm, endure, and grow in their faith. It is essential for navigating the challenges of Christian life and fulfilling God's purposes.
  • The Holy Spirit's Role: The agent of this empowerment is explicitly stated as "by his Spirit." The Holy Spirit is the divine source of power within believers, activating their spiritual lives and enabling them to live according to God's will. This points to the indwelling presence and active work of the Third Person of the Trinity in the life of a Christian.
  • The "Inner Man": This refers to the spiritual core of a person – the heart, mind, and will – as opposed to the outward, perishable body. It is the seat of spiritual life, where true transformation and spiritual growth occur. Paul recognized that genuine strength must originate from this deepest part of our being, as our outward circumstances often reflect our inner state. This inner man is renewed day by day, even as the outer man perishes.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "might" (dynamis) signifies inherent power, ability, or strength. It is the root of English words like "dynamite" and "dynamic," conveying a sense of active, effective power. When Paul prays for believers to be "strengthened with dynamis," he is asking for a powerful, spiritual enablement that comes from God. The term "inner man" (Greek: esō anthrōpos) contrasts with the external, physical self, pointing to the spiritual and moral essence of a person, the true self that engages with God.

Related Scriptures

This prayer for inner strength by the Spirit aligns with other Pauline prayers for believers to be filled with knowledge and wisdom (Colossians 1:9-12). The concept of being strengthened by the Spirit is vital for Christian living, as the Spirit provides the power needed for witnessing (Acts 1:8) and for living a resurrected life (Romans 8:11). God's provision, "according to the riches of his glory," assures believers that He will supply all their needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).

Practical Application

Ephesians 3:16 offers profound comfort and instruction for believers today. It reminds us that our spiritual strength does not depend on our own efforts or resources, but on God's limitless power working within us through the Holy Spirit. In moments of weakness, doubt, or temptation, we can pray this very prayer, asking God to strengthen our "inner man." This spiritual fortification enables us to stand firm against spiritual attacks, to live out our faith consistently, and to grow in our understanding and experience of God's love. It encourages a reliance on the Spirit for daily Christian living, fostering resilience and spiritual vitality.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Colossians 1:11

    Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

  • Philippians 4:13

    I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

  • Isaiah 40:29

    He giveth power to the faint; and to [them that have] no might he increaseth strength.

  • Isaiah 40:31

    But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint.

  • Isaiah 41:10

    ¶ Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

  • Zechariah 10:12

    And I will strengthen them in the LORD; and they shall walk up and down in his name, saith the LORD.

  • 2 Timothy 4:17

    Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and [that] all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

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