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Bible verses about strength

Passages on strength from God, courage under pressure, endurance in weakness, and the difference between divine strength and self-confidence.

What does the Bible say about strength?

The Bible does not treat strength as swagger. It speaks about strength as a gift received from God, a courage sustained under pressure, and a power that often becomes clearest where human weakness has already been exposed.

These verses help when you are searching for Bible passages about strength in hard times, courage, or perseverance. Read them together and strength becomes less about control and more about dependence, endurance, and faithfulness.

Key passages

Psalms 46:1

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

God is presented as strength and refuge precisely in trouble. This psalm encourages to hope and trust in God; in his power and providence, and his gracious presence with his church in the worst of times.

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."

Waiting on the Lord is tied to renewed strength rather than collapse. The people of God are reproved for their unbelief and distrust of God. Let them remember they took the names Jacob and Israel, from one who found God faithful to him in all his straits.

2 Corinthians 12:9

"And 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."

Paul shows divine strength appearing through human weakness. The apostle gives an account of the method God took to keep him humble, and to prevent his being lifted up above measure, on account of the visions and revelations he had.

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."

Courage is grounded in the Lord’s presence, not in bare nerve. Joshua is to make the law of God his rule. He is charged to meditate therein day and night, that he might understand it.

Ephesians 6:10

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

Paul commands believers to be strong in the Lord rather than in themselves. Spiritual strength and courage are needed for our spiritual warfare and suffering.

Psalms 28:7

"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."

The psalm joins strength, trust, and praise in a single confession. Has God heard our supplications? Let us then bless his name.

Main takeaways

  • Biblical strength is usually received rather than self-generated.
  • The Bible often speaks most clearly about strength in seasons of weakness or fear.
  • Courage in Scripture is tied to God’s presence, not to personality alone.

Related books

Related people

Jesus

Central figure of Christianity, teacher, healer, crucified and risen Lord.

Paul

Apostle, missionary, and the most influential letter-writer in the New Testament.

David

King of Israel, poet, warrior, and the central royal figure of the Old Testament.

Moses

Prophet, lawgiver, and the central human figure of the exodus and wilderness story.

Related places

Jerusalem

The city at the heart of biblical kingship, temple worship, the passion narratives, and Christian memory.

Galilee

Northern region closely associated with Jesus’ ministry, discipleship, crowds, and teaching.

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Further guides

How to read Psalms for comfort and strength

A guide to using the Psalms well when readers need language for prayer, fear, exhaustion, gratitude, grief, and renewed courage.

Why did Job suffer?

A guide to Job, innocent suffering, failed explanations, and why the Bible refuses cheap answers to pain.