Ephesians 6:10

KJV

¶ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

KJV (with Strong's)

Finally {G3063}, my {G3450} brethren {G80}, be strong {G1743} in {G1722} the Lord {G2962}, and {G2532} in {G1722} the power {G2904} of his {G846} might {G2479}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Finally, grow powerful in union with the Lord, in union with his mighty strength!

Berean Standard Bible

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.

American Standard Version

Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 6:10 serves as a crucial transitional and foundational command, urging believers to draw their spiritual strength not from human capability but exclusively from their union with the Lord Jesus Christ and the immeasurable, inherent power of His divine might. It introduces the subsequent discourse on spiritual warfare, establishing that reliance on God's omnipotence is the prerequisite for standing firm against the forces of evil and living out the Christian life effectively.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a significant shift in Paul's letter to the Ephesians. The preceding chapters (1-3) lay a profound theological foundation, detailing God's eternal plan of salvation, the believer's rich spiritual blessings in Christ, and the mystery of the church as Christ's body. Chapters 4-5 then transition to practical implications, providing ethical exhortations for Christian living within the church community and the household. [Ephesians 6:10](/ephesians/6-10 "Ephesians 6:10 - Be Strong in the Lord") acts as the gateway to the final section of the letter (6:10-20), which addresses the reality of spiritual conflict and the necessity of divine armor. It is a call to prepare for battle, grounding the believer's ability to stand in the Lord's strength, setting the stage for the detailed description of the full armor of God in [Ephesians 6:11-18](/ephesians/6-11-18 "Ephesians 6:11-18 - The Full Armor of God").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul wrote this letter likely from Roman imprisonment, around A.D. 60-62. The city of Ephesus was a major metropolitan center, a hub of commerce, and a melting pot of cultures and religions, including the prominent worship of Artemis (Diana). This environment was rife with pagan practices, idolatry, and various forms of spiritual darkness, making the concept of spiritual warfare particularly relevant to the Ephesian believers. The Roman military presence would have made the imagery of armor and battle familiar to Paul's audience, providing a powerful analogy for the spiritual struggle they faced. The call to "be strong in the Lord" would have resonated deeply in a context where believers were constantly confronted with opposing spiritual forces and societal pressures.
* **Key Themes:** [Ephesians 6:10](/ephesians/6-10 "Ephesians 6:10 - Be Strong in the Lord") contributes to several overarching themes in Ephesians. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **God's Sovereign Power and Grace**, emphasizing that all true strength for Christian living and spiritual battle originates from Him, not human effort. This aligns with the opening doxology in [Ephesians 1:3-14](/ephesians/1-3-14 "Ephesians 1:3-14 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ") and the prayer for believers to know God's "incomparably great power for us who believe" in [Ephesians 1:19](/ephesians/1-19 "Ephesians 1:19 - God's Incomparable Power"). Secondly, it introduces the theme of **Spiritual Warfare**, highlighting that the Christian life is not merely a moral endeavor but a cosmic conflict against unseen forces. This theme is further developed in [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Struggle Against Spiritual Forces"). Thirdly, the address "my brethren" underscores the theme of **Christian Unity and Community**, implying that this call to strength is for the collective body of Christ, who stand together in this spiritual conflict, a theme woven throughout [Ephesians 4](/ephesians/4 "Ephesians 4 - Unity in the Body of Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Finally (Greek, _loipón'_):** This adverb marks a transition, signaling the conclusion of Paul's practical exhortations and the commencement of his final, crucial instructions. It implies "for the rest," "henceforth," or "as for what remains," indicating that what follows is of paramount importance and summarizes the ultimate posture for the Christian life.
* **be strong (Greek, _endynamóō'_):** Derived from _en_ (in) and _dynamóō_ (to empower), this verb is in the passive voice, indicating that believers are to "be empowered" or "be strengthened." It's not a command to *muster* strength from within themselves, but to *receive* strength from an external source. This highlights a divine enablement, a continuous process of being infused with power.
* **in (Greek, _en'_):** This preposition is critical, denoting the sphere or source of the believer's strength. It signifies a fixed position, state, or instrumentality. Here, it means "in union with," "by means of," or "dependent upon" the Lord. It emphasizes that the strength is not merely *from* the Lord, but *within* the context of a living relationship *with* Him.
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** This title refers to Jesus Christ, denoting His supreme authority, mastery, and divine sovereignty. To be strong "in the Lord" means to find one's strength in His person, His finished work, His indwelling presence, and His ongoing reign. It is a recognition of His ultimate control and power over all things.
* **power (Greek, _krátos'_):** This word signifies manifest vigor, dominion, or might, often referring to power displayed in action or rule. When used of God, it speaks of His absolute, sovereign power and dominion, particularly as it is exercised. It implies a force that is effective and prevailing.
* **might (Greek, _ischýs'_):** This term denotes inherent, intrinsic strength, ability, or force. When applied to God, it refers to His fundamental, unchangeable, and inexhaustible power. The phrase "the power (_kratos_) of his might (_ischys_)" is a powerful hendiadys, emphasizing the active, demonstrated strength that flows from God's intrinsic, boundless power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ Finally, my brethren,"**: Paul transitions to his concluding remarks, addressing his audience with a term of endearment and solidarity. This familial address ("my brethren") underscores the collective nature of the spiritual struggle and the shared identity of believers in Christ, setting a pastoral and urgent tone for the weighty instruction that follows.
* **"be strong in the Lord,"**: This is an imperative command, calling believers to a state of being empowered. The crucial qualifier "in the Lord" specifies the exclusive source of this strength. It is not self-generated human resolve or ability, but a strength derived from an intimate, abiding relationship with Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate source of all power and authority. This union is the wellspring of spiritual resilience.
* **"and in the power of his might."**: This phrase amplifies and clarifies the preceding command, using two distinct but complementary Greek words for power (_kratos_ and _ischys_). It emphasizes the sheer magnitude and divine origin of the strength available. Believers are to be strong by relying on God's active, demonstrated dominion (_kratos_) which flows from His inherent, ultimate, and boundless strength (_ischys_). This reiteration underscores the absolute dependence on God's omnipotence for spiritual victory.

#### Literary Devices
Ephesians 6:10 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The **Imperative Mood** of "be strong" functions as a direct command, underscoring the urgency and necessity of this spiritual posture for believers. The use of **Repetition and Amplification** in the phrase "in the Lord, and in the power of his might" serves to emphasize the singular, divine source of strength. By using two distinct Greek words for "power" (_kratos_ and _ischys_), Paul creates a **Hendiadys**, where two nouns connected by "and" convey a single, intensified concept—the overwhelming, active manifestation of God's inherent strength. This phrase also functions as a **Metaphor**, portraying spiritual strength as something derived from an external, divine reservoir, rather than an internal human capacity, thereby setting the stage for the subsequent military imagery of the armor of God. The address "my brethren" is an example of **Apostrophe**, directly engaging the audience with a term of affection and shared identity, fostering a sense of communal responsibility in the spiritual battle.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a profound theological statement on the nature of Christian strength, asserting that genuine spiritual vitality and resilience are not products of human effort or self-will, but are entirely derived from God's inexhaustible power. It counters any notion of self-sufficiency in the spiritual life, redirecting the believer's gaze from their own limitations to the boundless might of the Creator and Redeemer. This divine empowerment is essential for navigating the complexities of life, resisting temptation, and standing firm against the spiritual forces of evil. It speaks to the core Christian doctrine of dependence on God, where human weakness becomes the conduit for divine strength, ultimately glorifying God.

* [Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ")
* [Colossians 1:11](/colossians/1-11 "Colossians 1:11 - Strengthened with all might")
* [2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's power made perfect in weakness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 6:10 serves as a vital anchor for every believer, grounding our spiritual effectiveness in the unshakeable reality of God's power. In a world that often champions self-reliance and personal achievement, this verse calls us to a posture of humble dependence. It reminds us that our battles—whether against temptation, despair, injustice, or the direct onslaughts of evil—are not fought in our own strength, but in the infinite might of the Lord. Practically, this means cultivating a deep, abiding relationship with Christ through prayer, Scripture, and worship, recognizing that it is through His indwelling Spirit that we are empowered. It encourages us to cease striving in our own limited capacity and instead to lean fully into the divine enablement that flows from our union with Him. This strength is not for personal glory but for God's purposes, enabling us to stand firm, live righteously, and fulfill our calling in His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you tend to rely on your own strength rather than the Lord's?**
* **What practical steps can you take to more consciously "be strong in the Lord" each day?**
* **How does understanding God's "power of his might" change your perspective on challenges or spiritual opposition?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean to "be strong in the Lord"?**

Answer: To "be strong in the Lord" means to draw your strength, courage, and ability from your relationship with Jesus Christ, rather than from your own human capabilities, willpower, or circumstances. It implies a conscious reliance on His divine power, which is made available to believers through the Holy Spirit. This strength is not self-generated but is a gift received through faith and spiritual union with Him, enabling believers to live righteously, endure trials, and stand firm against spiritual opposition, as further detailed in [Ephesians 6:11](/ephesians/6-11 "Ephesians 6:11 - Put on the Whole Armor of God").

**Why is it important to be strong "in the power of his might" specifically?**

Answer: The phrase "in the power of his might" emphasizes the source and nature of the strength available to believers. "Power" (_kratos_) refers to God's active, manifest dominion and strength, while "might" (_ischys_) refers to His inherent, intrinsic, and inexhaustible strength. By combining these, Paul underscores that the strength we receive is not a small measure, but flows from the very core of God's omnipotence. This divine, overwhelming power is necessary because the spiritual battle believers face is not against human adversaries but against formidable spiritual forces, as highlighted in [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Struggle Against Spiritual Forces"). Human strength is utterly insufficient for such a conflict.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 6:10 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of God's strength and the very source of our empowerment. The command to "be strong in the Lord" points directly to our union with Christ, for it is "in Him" that we have been blessed with every spiritual blessing ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed in Christ")). Christ Himself is the "power of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power of God")), and through His resurrection, God demonstrated the "working of His mighty power" ([Ephesians 1:19-20](/ephesians/1-19-20 "Ephesians 1:19-20 - God's Power in Christ's Resurrection")). Our strength is not merely *from* Christ, but *in* Christ, meaning it flows from our vital connection to Him, much like a branch draws life from the vine ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abiding in Christ")). He is our indwelling strength, enabling us to do all things through Him who strengthens us ([Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - All Things Through Christ")). Thus, the call to be strong is a call to abide more deeply in the one who has already triumphed over all spiritual powers and authorities, making His victory our strength ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")).

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

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

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.

Joshua 1:9

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God [is] with thee whithersoever thou goest.

1 Corinthians 16:13

¶ Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

1 Peter 5:10

¶ But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle [you].

Colossians 1:11

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

Ephesians 1:19

And what [is] the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,