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29 verses · KJV · every verse read aloud

Bible Verses About Strength

What does the Bible say about strength?

The Bible says real strength comes from God, especially when we feel weak. Isaiah 40:29-31 promises new strength to those who wait on the Lord. In 2 Corinthians 12:9 Jesus tells Paul, "my strength is made perfect in weakness," and Philippians 4:13 says we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

  1. God gives strength to the weak
  2. "The Lord is my strength"
  3. Bible verses about strength in hard times

Bible verses about strength: God gives strength to the weak

When your own strength runs out, His does not.

6 verses

Isaiah 40:29-31

KJV
King James Version

29He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. 30Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: 31But 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.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

He gives power to the faint and increases the strength of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall. But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Isaiah 40:29-31

Philippians 4:13

KJV
King James Version

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Philippians 4:13

How the early church read itRead differently

How it is used today: Used as a personal promise that with Christ's help I can achieve any goal I set: win the game, pass the test, reach my dream.

First spoken: Paul wrote this from prison (1:13) to thank the church at Philippi for a gift. The "all things" are verses 11-12: being content whether hungry or full, poor or rich.

The early Christians: Chrysostom reads "all things" as learning to live with little or with plenty, to be hungry and to be full, and says the strength is Christ's, not Paul's. Origen and Ignatius use the verse for enduring persecution and martyrdom with Christ's strength.

“That is, I know how to live with little, and how to endure hunger and need. I know both how to abound and how to suffer need.” John Chrysostom, Homilies on Philippians

“Even if He should wish us again to contend and struggle for our religion, let the enemy come against us, and we will say to them, "I can do all things through Christ Jesus our Lord, who strengthens me."” Origen, Against Celsus

The difference: Today this verse is often used as a promise that Christ will help me reach any goal. The early Christians read it as Paul meant it in prison: strength to be content in hunger or plenty and to endure suffering, and Origen used it for standing firm when persecutors come.

Isaiah 41:10

KJV
King James Version

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.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Isaiah 41:10

How the early church read itNo early comment

How it is used today: Claimed as a personal promise that God is with me, so I need not be afraid: He will strengthen me, help me, and hold me up through whatever I face.

First spoken: God spoke this to Israel: "But you, Israel, are My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the descendants of Abraham My friend" (Isaiah 41:8). The nations around were afraid and making idols (41:5-7), and God promised that Israel's enemies "shall be as nothing" (41:11-12) as He brought His people back from exile.

The early Christians: We found no early Christian comment on this verse in our library.

Keep in mind: This was first a promise to Israel, God's chosen servant, as He brought them home from exile. It shows that God keeps His word and stands by His people, but it was not spoken as a promise that every reader will be kept from fear, harm or hardship.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

KJV
King James Version

9And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Psalms 73:26

KJV
King James Version

My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Psalms 73:26

How the early church read itNo early comment

How it is used today: Taken as comfort that when my body and heart fail, God is my strength and my portion forever, especially in sickness, aging and loss.

First spoken: Asaph wrote this after nearly stumbling at the prosperity of the wicked. He came to see their end in the sanctuary and said he has nothing in heaven or earth he desires beside God.

The early Christians: We found no early Christian comment on this verse in our library.

Keep in mind: It was first Asaph's confession after envying the wicked, not a promise of health. No early writer in our library comments on it.

Nehemiah 8:10

KJV
King James Version

Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our LORD: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Then Nehemiah told them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send out portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Nehemiah 8:10

How the early church read itNo early comment

How it is used today: Used as a promise that being joyful in the Lord gives you strength to get through hard times.

First spoken: Said by Nehemiah and Ezra (the governor and the priest-scribe) to the returned exiles in Jerusalem, who wept as they heard the Law read at the Feast of Trumpets. They were told to feast, share food with those who had none, and not grieve, because the day was holy (Nehemiah 8:9-12).

The early Christians: We found no early Christian comment on this verse in our library.

Keep in mind: The verse was first spoken to Judah's returned exiles on a holy feast day, telling them to celebrate God's Law and share with the poor. No early Father in our library comments on it.

Bible verses about strength: "The Lord is my strength"

Songs and prayers of people who leaned on God.

6 verses

Psalms 28:7

KJV
King James Version

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. Therefore my heart rejoices, and I give thanks to Him with my song.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Psalms 28:7

How the early church read itNo early comment

How it is used today: Claimed as a promise that God is my strength and shield in hard times, so I can trust Him and He will help me.

First spoken: David prays for help against the wicked in Psalm 28:1-5, then in verses 6-9 thanks God for hearing him and asks Him to save and shepherd His people.

The early Christians: We found no early Christian comment on this verse in our library.

Keep in mind: It was David's thanks after God heard his prayer, spoken for himself and for God's people. No early writer in our library comments on it.

Exodus 15:2

KJV
King James Version

The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

The LORD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise Him, my father’s God, and I will exalt Him.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Exodus 15:2

Psalms 46:1

KJV
King James Version

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

For the choirmaster. Of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Psalms 46:1

How the early church read itNo early comment

How it is used today: Used as a promise that God is a safe place and a close helper whenever trouble comes, giving strength to endure.

First spoken: A song of the sons of Korah, probably after a deliverance of Jerusalem. It speaks of earthquakes and nations in uproar, and says "God is in the midst of her" (46:5).

The early Christians: We found no early Christian comment on this verse in our library.

Keep in mind: It was first a song of trust for God's people, Jerusalem, in times of war. The early writers we have say nothing direct on it, so we give context only.

Psalms 18:1-2

KJV
King James Version

1I will love thee, O LORD, my strength. 2The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

For the choirmaster. Of David the servant of the LORD, who sang this song to the LORD on the day the LORD had delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. He said: I love You, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Psalms 18:1-2

How the early church read itNo early comment

How it is used today: Used as a declaration of love and trust: God is my rock, fortress, deliverer and shield, a safe place in trouble.

First spoken: The heading says David sang this when the Lord rescued him from all his enemies and from Saul (also in 2 Samuel 22). It is a victory song, not a general promise.

The early Christians: We found no early Christian comment on this verse in our library.

Keep in mind: It was David's song after God delivered him from Saul and his enemies. No early writer in our library explains it.

Habakkuk 3:19

KJV
King James Version

The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

GOD the Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like those of a deer; He makes me walk upon the heights!

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Habakkuk 3:19

How the early church read itNo early comment

How it is used today: Often claimed as a promise that God will give me strength to climb to my own high places and succeed, living above my circumstances.

First spoken: Habakkuk prayed this for Judah just before the Babylonian invasion. Verses 17-18 come first: even if the fig tree does not blossom and the fields give no food, he will still rejoice in the LORD.

The early Christians: We found no early Christian comment on this verse in our library.

Keep in mind: No Father in our library comments on this verse. It was first the prophet's own trust while crops and country were about to fail, not a promise of success; the strength it names is strength to endure loss and still rejoice.

Isaiah 12:2

KJV
King James Version

Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. For the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and He also has become my salvation.”

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Isaiah 12:2

How the early church read itNo early comment

How it is used today: Used as a personal declaration of trust: God is my salvation, so I will not be afraid.

First spoken: A short song of thanks that closes the first section of Isaiah, sung "in that day" (12:1) when God's anger has turned away and He has rescued His people after the promised coming King (chapters 9 and 11).

The early Christians: We found no early Christian comment on this verse in our library.

Keep in mind: No Father in our library explains it. It was first the song of the rescued people of Israel, giving thanks for God's deliverance.

Bible verses about strength in hard times

Pressed on every side, but not crushed.

6 verses

2 Corinthians 4:8-9

KJV
King James Version

8We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

1 Corinthians 10:13

KJV
King James Version

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 1 Corinthians 10:13

Psalms 27:14

KJV
King James Version

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD!

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Psalms 27:14

2 Thessalonians 3:3

KJV
King James Version

But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 2 Thessalonians 3:3

Isaiah 33:2

KJV
King James Version

O LORD, be gracious unto us; we have waited for thee: be thou their arm every morning, our salvation also in the time of trouble.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

O LORD, be gracious to us! We wait for You. Be our strength every morning and our salvation in time of trouble.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Isaiah 33:2

1 Peter 5:10

KJV
King James Version

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.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore you, secure you, strengthen you, and establish you.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 1 Peter 5:10

Bible verses about strength: Be strong and of good courage

Strength and courage go together in Scripture. For more, see the courage page.

5 verses

Joshua 1:9

KJV
King James Version

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.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Joshua 1:9

How the early church read itNo early comment

How it is used today: Claimed as a personal promise that God is with me wherever I go, so I can face any challenge with courage, and many read it as a promise that He will give me success.

First spoken: God spoke this to Joshua after Moses died, as he was about to lead Israel across the Jordan into Canaan (Joshua 1:1-2). The verses just before tie the courage to obedience: "be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law... turn not from it to the right hand or to the left" (1:7-8).

The early Christians: We found no early Christian comment on this verse in our library.

Keep in mind: This was first a promise to Joshua, for the job of leading Israel into the land, and it was tied to keeping all of God's law (verses 7-8). It shows God stands by those He sends, but it is not a promise that every reader will succeed at whatever they take on.

Deuteronomy 31:6

KJV
King James Version

Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Deuteronomy 31:6

How the early church read itSame reading

How it is used today: Used as a promise that God is with me and will never leave me, so I can be strong and courageous in whatever I face.

First spoken: Moses spoke these words to Israel (and then to Joshua, 31:7-8) just before he died and they crossed the Jordan to fight for the land. It was a promise to that nation at a particular moment.

The early Christians: Chrysostom, preaching on Hebrews 13:5 where the New Testament repeats this promise, says it covers money and everything else, and that it comes right after the command to live without covetousness.

“That is, we should desire only what is necessary and indispensable. What then, you say, if we do not even have a supply of these? This is not possible. Indeed, it is not. For He has said, and He does not lie, "I will never leave you, nor forsake you."” John Chrysostom, Homilies on Hebrews

Where they agree: Both say God will not leave His people. The early Christians read it as a promise for Christians that goes with contentment and freedom from greed, and it was first said to Israel entering the land.

1 Corinthians 16:13

KJV
King James Version

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

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 1 Corinthians 16:13

Ephesians 6:10-11

KJV
King James Version

10Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Ephesians 6:10-11

Psalms 31:24

KJV
King James Version

Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Be strong and courageous, all you who hope in the LORD.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Psalms 31:24

Bible verses about strength: Ask God for strength

He gives strength from the inside, by His Spirit.

6 verses

Psalms 138:3

KJV
King James Version

In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

On the day I called, You answered me; You emboldened me and strengthened my soul.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Psalms 138:3

Ephesians 3:16

KJV
King James Version

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

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

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

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Ephesians 3:16

Colossians 1:11

KJV
King James Version

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

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have full endurance and patience, and joyfully

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Colossians 1:11

Zechariah 4:6

KJV
King James Version

Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Zechariah 4:6

Psalms 29:11

KJV
King James Version

The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

The LORD gives His people strength; the LORD blesses His people with peace.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Psalms 29:11

How the early church read itNo early comment

How it is used today: Claimed as a promise that God will give me strength and bless me with peace in my own troubles.

First spoken: David's psalm praising the LORD's mighty voice in a thunderstorm. Verse 11 closes it: the God who rules the storm gives strength and peace to "His people," Israel.

The early Christians: We found no early Christian comment on this verse in our library.

Keep in mind: No Father in our library comments on it. It was first the closing blessing on Israel after a song about God's power over the storm.

Short Bible verses about strength

Easy to memorize, to write in a card, or to send to a friend.

5 verses

What the first Christians said about strength

Exact words from our library of the early church writers. Each one opens at the place it was written.

“Even if He should wish us again to contend and struggle for our religion, let the enemy come against us, and we will say to them, "I can do all things through Christ Jesus our Lord, who strengthens me."”

OrigenAgainst Celsus
Read and listen to Origen

“I undergo all these things so that I may suffer together with Him, He who became a perfect man, inwardly strengthening me.”

Ignatius of AntiochLetter to the Smyrnaeans
Read and listen to Ignatius of Antioch

The Greek and Hebrew words for strength

The words behind the English. Each word page has a Listen button for how it is said.

Questions people ask about strength in the Bible

What is Isaiah 41:10?

Isaiah 41:10 is God's promise to His people not to be afraid or dismayed, because He is with them and is their God. He says He will strengthen them, help them and hold them up with His righteous right hand.

Listen: Isaiah 41:10

What does "I can do all things through Christ" mean?

In Philippians 4:13 Paul is talking about contentment. He has learned to be content when he has plenty and when he goes hungry. Christ gives him strength to stay faithful in every situation, not power to do anything he wants.

Listen: Philippians 4:11-13

What does the Bible say about strength in weakness?

Paul asked God three times to take away his "thorn in the flesh." God answered that His grace was enough and His strength is made perfect in weakness. So Paul could say, "when I am weak, then am I strong."

Listen: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

What does the Bible say about strength and courage?

God told Joshua to be strong and of good courage and not to be afraid, because the Lord would be with him wherever he went. Moses told all Israel the same thing. Courage in the Bible rests on God's presence, not on feeling brave.

Listen: Joshua 1:9 · Deuteronomy 31:6

Where does the Bible say "the joy of the Lord is your strength"?

Nehemiah 8:10. The people were weeping as the law was read, and Nehemiah told them not to grieve but to celebrate and share with the needy, because the joy of the Lord was their strength.

Listen: Nehemiah 8:10