Ephesians 6 10

Ephesians 6:10 kjv

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

Ephesians 6:10 nkjv

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

Ephesians 6:10 niv

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

Ephesians 6:10 esv

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

Ephesians 6:10 nlt

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

Ephesians 6 verses

Ephesians 6 10 meaning

This verse serves as a crucial transition and a foundational command in Paul's letter, launching into the discourse on spiritual warfare. It urges believers to continually draw, receive, and be empowered by the strength that originates from the Lord Jesus Christ. This is not a call for human self-effort or generated might, but an active, dependent reliance on the divine power – specifically, the inherent, effective, and manifested might of God himself, as exercised through Christ. It's an exhortation to be supernaturally fortified for the challenges that lie ahead, emphasizing that the believer's capability in spiritual battles is wholly sourced in Christ.

Ephesians 6 10 Context

Ephesians 6:10 marks a distinct shift in Paul’s letter, moving from theological instruction and practical ethical living (covering unity, Christian conduct, relationships within the family and household) to a direct and urgent exhortation concerning spiritual warfare. After outlining what it means to live "in the Lord" and walk worthy of one's calling in Christ, Paul introduces the imperative of drawing strength for spiritual conflict. The verse serves as a crucial introductory statement to the entire passage on the Armor of God (Ephesians 6:11-18), establishing the prerequisite: before a believer can "put on" and effectively use the armor, they must first be strengthened in the Lord. This concept resonated with the original Ephesian audience, who lived in a city saturated with paganism, mystery religions, magic, and idol worship, where competing powers and spiritual forces were widely acknowledged. Paul's message clearly points to the one true source of authentic and victorious power – God in Christ – in stark contrast to the deceptive or limited powers promised by contemporary beliefs.

Ephesians 6 10 Word analysis

• Finally (λοιπόν - loipon): This term signifies a concluding exhortation or a shift to a final, crucial point. It doesn't necessarily mean "the end," but rather "as for the rest," or "henceforth," marking a transition from previously discussed practical duties to a summary command for overarching spiritual vitality.
• my brethren (ἀδελφοί μου - adelphoi mou): An affectionate, personal address Paul frequently uses to his fellow believers, highlighting their shared spiritual family bond in Christ. It underscores the urgency and personal nature of his subsequent appeal.
• be strong (ἐνδυναμοῦσθε - endynamousthe): A present imperative in the passive or middle voice. This signifies a continuous command to "continually be strengthened" or "keep on drawing strength." It is not an active command to produce strength from within oneself, but to receive empowerment. The prefix "en-" (in) combined with "dynamis" (power) clearly points to being imbued with, or having power exerted upon oneself.
• in the Lord (ἐν Κυρίῳ - en Kyriō): This prepositional phrase is critical. It defines the source, sphere, and means of the strength. Believers are not to find strength anywhere else, but solely in their union and identification with Christ Jesus, making Him the constant wellspring of power.
• and (καί - kai): A simple conjunction connecting the preceding thought with an elaboration on the nature of that strength, intensifying the concept.
• in the power (ἐν τῷ κράτει - en tō kratei): Kratos refers to effective, manifest power, often implying dominion, might, and supreme authority that is actively displayed. It speaks of power in its full, victorious exercise, not merely potential.
• of his might (τῆς ἰσχύος αὐτοῦ - tēs ischyos autou): Ischys denotes inherent, vigorous strength, capacity, or ability. It speaks of internal strength, vigor, and robust energy. When paired with kratos, it forms a rhetorical amplification, emphasizing the complete and abundant strength belonging to the Lord – both His inherent capability and His demonstrated authority. The possessive "his" (αὐτοῦ) definitively points back to "the Lord."

• "Finally, my brethren": This phrase signals the conclusion of Paul's ethical teachings and pivots to a direct, urgent call to action, addressing the readers intimately as fellow members of God's family. It emphasizes that what follows is paramount for Christian living.
• "be strong in the Lord": This is the core command, underscoring that Christian strength is fundamentally divine, not human. It implies a deep spiritual connection and dependence on Christ, where the believer acts as a recipient of power flowing from their union with Him. It's a continuous state of drawing power from an inexhaustible, supernatural source.
• "and in the power of his might": This is an emphatic double-barreled expression that amplifies the nature of God's power available. It stresses that the strength to be received is not small or weak, but comes from the full, demonstrated (kratos) and inherent, vigorous (ischys) potency of God. It ensures that there is no ambiguity: the strength is of supreme, unshakeable divine origin.

Ephesians 6 10 Bonus section

The concept of endunamoo ("be strong" or "strengthened") is a significant Pauline term. It often appears in contexts where Paul speaks of his own ministry being empowered by Christ despite his weaknesses (e.g., 1 Tim 1:12; 2 Tim 4:17). This indicates that the strengthening is not for self-glory but for service and endurance in the face of spiritual opposition. Furthermore, this verse highlights the Trinitarian nature of Christian strength: believers are strengthened in the Lord (Christ), according to His might (the Father's ultimate power), often mediated through His Spirit (as mentioned in Eph 3:16). This multifaceted divine support assures the believer of an unfailing resource against unseen spiritual enemies, transforming human frailty into divine efficacy. The verse subtly underscores that awareness of God's mighty power in Christ (Eph 1:19-20) should naturally lead to a life lived drawing upon that very power.

Ephesians 6 10 Commentary

Ephesians 6:10 acts as a strategic prologue to the grand metaphor of the Armor of God. It first establishes the absolute prerequisite for spiritual combat: the believer's strength must derive entirely from the Lord, not from self-effort or human capability. The imperative "be strong" (Greek endynamousthe) highlights a continuous, passive receiving of power; believers are to constantly allow themselves to be strengthened by Christ. This strength is rooted "in the Lord" – within the sphere of union with Jesus, emphasizing that divine empowerment flows from a personal, ongoing relationship. Paul then uses two powerful Greek words for strength – kratos (manifest, effective power or dominion) and ischys (inherent, vigorous might) – to emphatically convey the overwhelming, inexhaustible, and demonstrated power of God that is at the believer's disposal. This ensures no misinterpretation: the Christian's ability to stand against spiritual evil comes from God's full and unassailable might, previously showcased in Christ's resurrection and exaltation. This divine strength equips the believer to withstand the assaults of spiritual darkness.