Ephesians 3:16

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

Ephesians 3:16 (KJV)

Context

The Apostle Paul wrote Ephesians while in prison, addressing Christian doctrine and practical living. In Ephesians 3, he emphasizes the mystery of the gospel, the unity of believers, and his prayer for the Ephesian believers.

Meaning

The verse begins by acknowledging that God is the one who grants strength to believers. It highlights that God’s provision is based on “the riches of his glory,” emphasizing the abundance and limitless resources that God possesses. This strengthening comes from God’s abundant, inexhaustible grace and strength in Christ Jesus, not from human merit.

The phrase “strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man” indicates that the strengthening takes place internally, within the inner being or spiritual aspect of believers. The Greek word for “might” is “dunamis,” indicating a mighty, effective strength. This strengthening is through the Holy Spirit, who indwells believers, and it empowers them at the core of their being, impacting their thoughts, emotions, and character.

The strength mentioned in this verse is not something believers can generate on their own but is granted by God through the Holy Spirit. This divine enablement provides believers with the power and fortitude needed to navigate the challenges of the Christian life, to resist temptation, and to grow in spiritual maturity. The purpose is that believers might not faint under tribulations and trials.

Application

Ephesians 3:16 encourages believers to depend on God’s strength rather than relying solely on their own abilities. It reminds them that they have access to a supernatural source of power through the Holy Spirit, which can transform their inner being and enable them to live out their faith effectively. This prayer also serves as a model for how believers can pray for one another, asking God to grant spiritual strength according to His glorious riches.