The short answer: the Bible's message about strength is that God gives it to people who know they need it. "He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength" (Isaiah 40:29, ESV). Jesus told Paul, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9, ESV). Below are 20 Bible verses about strength in the ESV, each with a short note.
Strength for the Weak
Isaiah 40:29
He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.
God's strength is given to the faint, not to people who already have plenty.
2 Corinthians 12:9
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."
Weakness is where His power shows most clearly. See what grace means.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Paul wrote this about being content in plenty and in hunger (Philippians 4:11–12). It is strength to stay faithful in every circumstance.
Psalm 73:26
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
When your body and emotions give out, God does not.
1 Peter 5:10
And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
Suffering is not the end of the story. God Himself restores.
The Lord Is My Strength
Psalm 28:7
The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.
Trust leads to help, and help leads to song.
Exodus 15:2
The LORD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him.
Sung by Israel on the far side of the Red Sea, after God had done what they could not.
Isaiah 12:2
Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.
Salvation, trust, strength, and song all belong together.
Habakkuk 3:19
GOD, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer's; he makes me tread on my high places.
Habakkuk wrote this when the fields were empty (Habakkuk 3:17). Strength does not wait for good news.
Psalm 18:32
the God who equipped me with strength and made my way blameless.
God equips the people He sends.
Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
A refuge to run to, and strength to stand.
Be Strong
Ephesians 6:10
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
Not strong in yourself. Strong in Him.
Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.
Courage rests on a promise: He will not leave you.
1 Corinthians 16:13
Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.
Strength includes standing firm when it would be easier to give way.
Psalm 27:1
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Two questions with one answer: no one.
Zechariah 4:6
Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts.
Spoken over a rebuilding project that looked too small. God's work is done by His Spirit.
Strength to Keep Going
Nehemiah 8:10
And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.
Joy in God is not a luxury. It is fuel.
Colossians 1:11
May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy,
God's strength often looks like patience and endurance, not spectacle.
2 Thessalonians 3:3
But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.
Your stability depends on His faithfulness.
1 Chronicles 16:11
Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually!
Strength is found by seeking Him first. See what Matthew 6:33 means.
How to Draw on God's Strength
- Admit your weakness. God gives power to the faint (Isaiah 40:29). Tell Him where you are running on empty.
- Pray a verse back to Him. For example: "Lord, You are my strength and my shield. I trust You with this."
- Rest. Strength is not only pushing harder. Sleep, Sabbath, and stillness are gifts.
- Stay in the Word. Read a Psalm a day this week.
- Lean on others. "Two are better than one" (Ecclesiastes 4:9, ESV).
- Take the next faithful step. Strength often comes as you obey, not before.
For more encouragement, see 20 Bible verses about hope and 20 Bible verses about anxiety.
Common Questions
What does the Bible say about strength? The Bible says God gives strength to the weak (Isaiah 40:29), that His power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9), and that believers should be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might (Ephesians 6:10).
What is the best Bible verse for strength? Isaiah 40:29, 2 Corinthians 12:9, and Philippians 4:13 are among the most loved. Isaiah 40:29 promises strength to the faint, and 2 Corinthians 12:9 shows that God's power is made perfect in weakness.
What does Philippians 4:13 really mean? Paul wrote it about learning to be content in every circumstance, whether in plenty or in need (Philippians 4:11–12). It means Christ strengthens His people to stay faithful in whatever situation they face, not that they can achieve any goal they choose.
How do I get strength from God? Admit your weakness to Him, pray His promises back to Him, rest, stay in His Word, lean on other believers, and take the next faithful step. God gives strength to those who seek Him (1 Chronicles 16:11).
Not by might. Not by power. By His Spirit.
