What does Ephesians 6:10 mean?

Explanation

[Ephesians 6:10] from the King James Version of the Bible says, "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might." This verse serves as an exhortation from the Apostle Paul to the believers at Ephesus, urging them to rely on the strength and the might provided by the Lord rather than on their own capabilities.

On the literal level, Paul is telling his readers to 'be strong,' meaning to have courage and inner fortitude.

However, he specifies that this strength should be 'in the Lord,' indicating that it is a spiritual strength rather than physical.

The phrase 'power of his might' suggests an even greater dimension, pointing to God's immense and incomparable power that is available to believers.

The deeper meaning here is one of dependence on God for the spiritual battles that Christians face, implying that the strength to endure and to resist evil is not innate but given by God.

Historical Context

Ephesians is one of the Pauline Epistles and was likely written around 60-62 A.D. while Paul was in prison in Rome.

The letter was addressed to the church in Ephesus, an important center of early Christianity located in modern-day Turkey.

At the time, Ephesian Christians faced various challenges, including persecution and the influence of pagan practices and beliefs.

Paul's letter aims to address these issues, providing guidelines for living a Christian life in the midst of a non-Christian society, and to strengthen the readers in their faith and spiritual struggles.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, Ephesians 6:10 is often interpreted within the wider context of spiritual warfare.

The verse serves as an introduction to the Armor of God passage that follows (Ephesians 6:11-17), which describes the metaphorical armor Christians must don to withstand spiritual attacks.

It emphasizes God's sovereignty and omnipotence, bringing out the point that human weakness is compensated by divine power.

Different theological perspectives might emphasize various aspects of this strength , for example, a Calvinist interpretation would focus on the total dependency on God's power, while an Arminian view might emphasize the believers' responsibility to consciously rely on that power.

Practical Applications

In daily life, Ephesians 6:10 can be applied by reminding Christians to seek strength from God during times of temptation, hardship, and spiritual battles.

It encourages believers to pray, to remain steadfast in faith, and to not rely solely on their own wisdom or strength but to turn to God's infinite resources.

It can also be a source of comfort and assurance, knowing that God's power is available throughout life's challenges.

Cross-References

Some cross-references related to Ephesians 6:10 include:

• 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."
• 2 Corinthians 12:9-10: "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."

• Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text of Ephesians 6:10 are "endynamoō" (to be strong), "en" (in), "Kyrios" (Lord), and "kratos" (power) associated with "ischys" (might).

The word "endynamoō" carries the meaning of being empowered or enabled; it is not an inherent strength but one that is given or imparted.

"Kratos" and "ischys" suggest dominion and force, respectively, highlighting the aspects of God's powerful and effective authority.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparing this verse with other ancient myths and religions, one may notice that the concept of drawing power from a deity is not unique to Christianity. In many pagan traditions and myths, heroes often receive strength or equipment from the gods.

However, the Christian perspective is distinctive in that it emphasizes a personal and spiritual empowerment against evil and moral wrongs rather than physical battles and conquests.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific viewpoint, the concept of strength in Ephesians 6:10 is not directly related to physical force that can be measured or observed.

However, research in psychology can correlate with the ideas of inner strength and resilience.

Studies have shown that a person's belief system and faith can play a significant role in their mental health and their ability to cope with stress, reinforcing a possible psychological benefit of relying on a higher power as suggested in this verse.

Commentaries

Commentators on Ephesians 6:10 tend to emphasize the contrast between human weakness and God's power.

For example, Matthew Henry’s Commentary suggests that the exhortation to "be strong" acknowledges our natural feebleness and the necessity of divine strength.

John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible indicates that this strength is to be understood as spiritual strength for the spiritual warfare against sin, the world, and the devil.

The Expositor's Bible Commentary may highlight the preparatory nature of this verse, setting the stage for the following verses about putting on the whole armor of God.

Overall, experts might differ in nuances but generally agree that Paul is encouraging reliance on God's power for spiritual endurance and warfare.