What Does the Bible Say About Strength? 8 Verses and What Each One Means
The main Bible verses about strength are Isaiah 40:31, Philippians 4:13, Psalms 46:1 and Isaiah 41:10. Isaiah 40:31 is the most quoted: those who wait for God "will renew their strength" and "mount up with wings like eagles". Philippians 4:13 promises strength for any circumstance — "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". Psalms 46:1 calls God "our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble". Isaiah 41:10 adds the promise of being upheld in the middle of fear. This page collects 8 Bible verses about strength with the full text, the reference and a one-line explanation for each.
There is a difference between being strong and being strengthened. The Bible rarely praises self-made strength; it points to a strength that arrives from outside, precisely when ours runs out. Isaiah promises that those who wait for the Lord renew their strength and rise on wings like eagles. Paul, imprisoned and weary, writes that he can do all things through the One who strengthens him — and elsewhere that God's power is made perfect in weakness. These verses are for the day of bad news, of surgery, of a layoff, of a hard conversation. They do not promise the problem disappears; they promise company and breath to get through it. Read one before leaving the house and notice how it changes the way you face what comes.
but those who wait for Yahweh will renew their strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run, and not be weary. They will walk, and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Psalms 46:1Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.
Isaiah 41:10He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me.
2 Corinthians 12:9Yahweh is my strength and my shield. My heart has trusted in him, and I am helped. Therefore my heart greatly rejoices. With my song I will thank him.
Psalms 28:7Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed, for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to him for whom nothing is prepared, for today is holy to our Lord. Don’t be grieved, for the joy of Yahweh is your strength.”
Nehemiah 8:10
Frequently asked questions
Which verse speaks of strength and courage together?
Joshua 1:9 brings both together: "Be strong and courageous... for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go".
What does "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" mean?
In Philippians 4:13 Paul is talking about contentment: he learned to go through plenty and want because his strength came from Christ, not from circumstances. It is not a promise of success in everything.
How do I pray for strength?
Say what is heavy, without dressing it up, and ask for what you need for the next step — not for your whole life. See the prayer for hard days in the prayers section.
See also
Scripture text: World English Bible (WEB), public domain. Prayers, introductions and reflections: original text by this site, not affiliated with any denomination. Devotional content; it does not replace medical, psychological or legal advice.