Ephesians 3:16

KJV

That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

KJV (with Strong's)

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};

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 3:16 is a profound petition from the Apostle Paul, part of a larger prayer for the Ephesian believers, that they might experience deep spiritual empowerment. He prays that God, out of the boundless resources of His glorious nature, would grant them inner strength, enabling their spiritual core to be fortified by the active power of the Holy Spirit. This verse underscores the divine source and spiritual nature of true Christian might, essential for comprehending the vastness of Christ's love and living a life worthy of their calling.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ephesians 3:16 is situated within Paul's second major prayer for the Ephesian church, following his exposition of the "mystery of Christ" in [Ephesians 3:1-13](/ephesians/3-1-13 "Ephesians 3:1-13 - The Mystery Revealed"). This mystery reveals that Gentiles are co-heirs with Israel, members of the same body, and partakers of God's promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel ([Ephesians 3:6](/ephesians/3-6 "Ephesians 3:6 - Gentiles as Fellow Heirs")). Having laid this theological foundation, Paul transitions to a heartfelt intercession for the believers (starting in [Ephesians 3:14](/ephesians/3-14 "Ephesians 3:14 - Paul's Prayer for the Ephesians")), asking not for material wealth or earthly success, but for profound spiritual understanding and inner fortitude. Verse 16 specifically initiates the core request for spiritual strengthening, which then serves as the foundation for their ability to grasp the immeasurable love of Christ and be filled with the fullness of God, as articulated in the subsequent verses ([Ephesians 3:17-19](/ephesians/3-17-19 "Ephesians 3:17-19 - Comprehending Christ's Love")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The letter to the Ephesians was written by Paul during his imprisonment, likely in Rome (circa A.D. 60-62), to a church in Ephesus, a prominent city in Asia Minor known for its temple to Artemis (Diana) and its deep engagement with magic and idolatry. The believers in Ephesus, a mix of Jewish and Gentile converts, faced cultural pressures and spiritual warfare. Paul's emphasis on "strength with might by his Spirit in the inner man" would have resonated deeply with a community needing resilience against pagan influences, false teachings, and the inherent challenges of living a counter-cultural Christian life. The concept of "glory" (δόξα, _dóxa_) would have been understood within both Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts, signifying divine presence, majesty, and honor. Paul redefines this "glory" as the inexhaustible resource from which God empowers His people, contrasting it with the fleeting glories of human achievements or pagan deities.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Ephesians. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Abundance and Generosity**, emphasizing that God's provision for His people is "according to the riches of his glory," not merely out of it. This speaks to an inexhaustible supply that far exceeds human need or expectation, a theme echoed in [Ephesians 1:7-8](/ephesians/1-7-8 "Ephesians 1:7-8 - The Riches of His Grace") regarding redemption and grace. Secondly, the verse underscores **Spiritual Empowerment and Transformation**, asserting that true strength for the Christian life is not self-generated but divinely imparted "by his Spirit." This spiritual might enables believers to live out their new identity in Christ, a concept central to Paul's ethical exhortations in [Ephesians 4](/ephesians/4 "Ephesians 4 - Living a Worthy Life"). Finally, the focus on the "inner man" points to the theme of **Inward Renewal and the True Self**, distinguishing spiritual vitality from outward appearances or physical strength. This inner transformation is foundational for unity in the church and for standing firm against spiritual opposition, as discussed in [Ephesians 6:10-18](/ephesians/6-10-18 "Ephesians 6:10-18 - The Armor of God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **grant (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** (G1325) This verb signifies "to give" or "to bestow," used in a very wide application. In this context, it emphasizes God's active and intentional act of bestowing spiritual strength upon believers. It highlights divine initiative and generosity, indicating that the strengthening is a gift, not something earned or achieved by human effort.
* **riches (Greek, _ploûtos'_):** (G4149) Derived from a root meaning "fulness," this term denotes wealth, abundance, or valuable bestowment. When connected to "his glory," it conveys the idea that God's capacity to give is not limited but flows from an infinite, overflowing reservoir of divine splendor, majesty, and inherent worth. It assures believers that the supply of strength is not meager but immeasurable.
* **strengthened (Greek, _krataióō'_):** (G2901) From _krataióō_, meaning "to empower" or "to increase in vigor." The passive voice "to be strengthened" indicates that believers are the recipients of this divine action. It implies an internal invigoration, a profound spiritual fortification that enables endurance, resilience, and growth, rather than mere physical power.
* **might (Greek, _dýnamis'_):** (G1411) This word refers to inherent power, ability, or strength, often implying miraculous or effective power. It is the source of English words like "dynamite" and "dynamic." In Ephesians 3:16, it describes the quality of the strength imparted – a dynamic, effective, and supernatural power that originates from God and works within the believer.
* **Spirit (Greek, _pneûma'_):** (G4151) Meaning "a current of air," "breath," or "breeze," this term extends to signify a spirit, the rational soul, or a vital principle. Here, it refers specifically to the Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Trinity, who is the divine agent and channel through whom God's power is effectively conveyed and activated within the believer's "inner man."
* **inner (Greek, _ésō'_):** (G2080) This preposition or adjective means "inside" or "within." When combined with "man," it points to the spiritual, moral, and intellectual core of a person, distinguishing it from the external, physical self. It is the seat of spiritual life, where true transformation and communion with God occur.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That he would grant you":** This phrase expresses the purpose of Paul's prayer. The "he" refers to God the Father, from whom all spiritual blessings flow. The verb "grant" (G1325, _dídōmi_) emphasizes a divine bestowal, a gracious gift from God to the Ephesian believers. It sets the tone for the prayer as a request for divine enablement.
* **"according to the riches of his glory":** This clause specifies the measure and source of God's granting. It is not "out of" but "according to" His riches, implying that the supply is commensurate with God's infinite, overflowing abundance and magnificent splendor (G1391, _dóxa_). God's capacity to give is boundless, reflecting His inherent majesty and inexhaustible resources.
* **"to be strengthened with might":** This is the core request. "To be strengthened" (G2901, _krataióō_) indicates an inward invigoration, a passive reception of divine power. This strengthening is "with might" (G1411, _dýnamis_), signifying a dynamic, inherent, and effective spiritual power that enables believers to stand firm, endure, and grow in their faith amidst life's challenges.
* **"by his Spirit":** This identifies the divine agent through whom this strengthening occurs. The preposition "by" (G1223, _diá_) denotes the channel or means. The Holy Spirit (G4151, _pneûma_) is the active presence within believers who empowers, vitalizes, and enables them to live according to God's will and purpose.
* **"in the inner man":** This specifies the locus of this spiritual strengthening. The "inner man" (G2080 _ésō_ + G444 _ánthrōpos_) refers to the spiritual and moral 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, and where God's Spirit takes up residence.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several significant literary devices in Ephesians 3:16. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "according to the riches of his glory," which emphasizes the immeasurable and inexhaustible nature of God's resources, far exceeding any human capacity or expectation. This is not merely a quantitative statement but a qualitative one, highlighting the magnificent character of God. **Metonymy** is present in "inner man," where "man" (ánthrōpos) stands for the entire spiritual and moral being, the true self that engages with God, rather than just the physical body. This contrasts with the "outer man" (as seen in [2 Corinthians 4:16](/2_corinthians/4-16 "2 Corinthians 4:16 - The Inner and Outer Man")), thereby creating a subtle **antithesis** between the perishable physical self and the enduring spiritual core. Finally, the entire verse functions as a powerful **petition**, demonstrating Paul's fervent intercession on behalf of the Ephesian believers, modeling for them and for us the kind of prayers that seek spiritual rather than material blessings.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 3:16 is a foundational statement about the source and nature of Christian strength, firmly rooting it in the divine character and the work of the Holy Spirit. It underscores that spiritual vitality is not a matter of human effort or self-improvement, but a gracious endowment from God, flowing from His boundless glory. This divine empowerment is crucial for believers to grasp the incomprehensible dimensions of Christ's love and to be filled with the very fullness of God, as Paul continues to pray in the subsequent verses. This strength is not for personal aggrandizement but for living out one's calling in Christ, enduring trials, and participating in the building up of the church.

* [Colossians 1:11](/colossians/1-11 "Strengthened with All Power")
* [Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "I Can Do All Things Through Christ")
* [Isaiah 40:29](/isaiah/40-29 "God Gives Power to the Faint")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 3:16 offers profound comfort and instruction for believers today, reminding us that our spiritual strength is not dependent on our own limited resources but on God's limitless power working within us through the Holy Spirit. In a world that often measures strength by outward achievements or physical prowess, this verse redirects our focus to the crucial importance of inner spiritual fortitude. When we face trials, temptations, or simply the weariness of daily life, we are invited to pray this very prayer, asking God to strengthen our "inner man" according to His glorious riches. 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 deep reliance on the Spirit for daily Christian living, fostering resilience, spiritual vitality, and a robust faith that endures.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's "riches of his glory" as the source of your strength change your perspective on your own weaknesses or limitations?**
* **In what areas of your "inner man" (e.g., your will, emotions, thoughts) do you most need the strengthening of the Holy Spirit today?**
* **How might a consistent prayer for inner strength, as modeled by Paul, transform your daily walk with God and your ability to face challenges?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a greater reliance on the Holy Spirit for your spiritual empowerment, rather than on your own efforts?**

### FAQ

**What is the "inner man" and why is it important for it to be strengthened?**

Answer: The "inner man" (Greek: _esō anthrōpos_) refers to the spiritual and moral core of a person – the heart, mind, and will – as opposed to the outward, perishable body. It is the true self, the seat of spiritual life, where transformation and communion with God occur. It is important for the "inner man" to be strengthened because true spiritual growth, resilience against temptation, and the ability to live according to God's will originate from this deepest part of our being. While the "outer man" may be wasting away, the "inner man" can be renewed day by day through the Spirit's work ([2 Corinthians 4:16](/2_corinthians/4-16 "2 Corinthians 4:16 - The Inner and Outer Man")). This inner strength enables believers to stand firm in their faith and to comprehend the vastness of God's love, as Paul explains in the verses that follow [Ephesians 3:16](/ephesians/3-16 "Ephesians 3:16 - Strengthened in the Inner Man").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 3:16, while a prayer to the Father for Spirit-empowerment, finds its ultimate fulfillment and purpose in Christ. The strengthening of the "inner man" by the Spirit is not an end in itself, but a means by which believers can truly comprehend the "breadth and length and height and depth" of the love of Christ ([Ephesians 3:18-19](/ephesians/3-18-19 "Ephesians 3:18-19 - The Dimensions of Christ's Love")). This inner spiritual might enables believers to have Christ "dwell in your hearts through faith" ([Ephesians 3:17](/ephesians/3-17 "Ephesians 3:17 - Christ Dwelling in Hearts")), making His presence and power a living reality within them. It is through Christ that we have access to the Father ([Ephesians 2:18](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access to the Father Through Christ")), and it is His life, death, and resurrection that secured the gift of the Spirit, who now empowers us. The "riches of his glory" from which this strength flows are intimately connected to the glory of God revealed in the face of Jesus Christ ([2 Corinthians 4:6](/2_corinthians/4-6 "2 Corinthians 4:6 - The Light of the Knowledge of the Glory of God in the Face of Jesus Christ")). Therefore, the Spirit's work in strengthening the inner man is always Christ-centered, enabling believers to grow into the fullness of Him who fills everything in every way ([Ephesians 1:23](/ephesians/1-23 "Ephesians 1:23 - The Fullness of Him Who Fills All in All")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.