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The Bible's message about strength is surprising: real strength does not come from being tough, but from leaning on God when you are weak. Isaiah 40:31 promises that "they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength," and Paul heard God say, "my strength is made perfect in weakness." Below are 15 King James Version verses about strength, grouped by what you might be facing, each with a short explanation.
Many of these verses were first spoken to people in real trouble: Israelites in exile, a new leader taking over from Moses, a prophet on the edge of collapse, and Daniel, an old man in Babylon who had just seen a vision that left him with no strength at all.
When You Feel Weak and Worn Out
These verses speak to the moment when you have nothing left.
He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: 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.
— Isaiah 40:29-31 (KJV)
This is perhaps the best-loved strength passage in the Old Testament. Isaiah admits that even the young and fit run out of energy. The difference is not natural ability but "waiting upon the LORD," which means trusting him, hoping in him and depending on him. The order is worth noticing: soaring, then running, then walking. Sometimes the greatest strength is simply to keep walking.
My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.
— 2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV)
Paul asked God three times to remove what he called a "thorn in the flesh." God did not remove it. Instead he gave this answer. Our weakness is not an obstacle to God's power. It is the place where his power shows most clearly.
My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
— Psalm 73:26 (KJV)
Asaph, the writer of this psalm, admits that both his body and his inner resolve are failing. He does not pretend otherwise. But he finds something that does not fail: God himself, "the strength of my heart."
When You Are Afraid
Courage is a form of strength. Several of the Bible's strongest commands to "be strong" are given to people who were clearly frightened.
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.
— Joshua 1:9 (KJV)
Joshua had to lead a nation into an unknown land after the death of Moses, the only leader they had ever known. God tells him to be strong three times in this chapter (Joshua 1:6, 7, 9). The reason is always the same: God goes with him everywhere.
Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
— Deuteronomy 31:6 (KJV)
Moses spoke these words to all of Israel shortly before his death. The promise "he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee" is echoed in the New Testament (Hebrews 13:5), so Christians have long read it as a promise for every believer.
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
— Psalm 27:1 (KJV)
David asks two questions that answer themselves. If God is his light, his rescue and the very strength of his life, then no enemy has the final word.
When You Face a Battle
Some seasons feel like a fight: a diagnosis, a broken relationship, a long struggle against a habit, or pressure at work. Scripture often uses the language of battle for these moments.
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
— Ephesians 6:10 (KJV)
Paul does not say "be strong in yourself." He says be strong "in the Lord." The verse introduces the armor of God passage (Ephesians 6:11-18), where truth, faith, prayer and God's word are the believer's equipment.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
— Psalm 46:1 (KJV)
Psalm 46 imagines the worst: mountains falling into the sea and nations in uproar. God is both a refuge to hide in and a strength to stand on. "A very present help" means he is not far away; he is close at hand when trouble comes.
Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.
— Zechariah 4:6 (KJV)
This word came to Zerubbabel, who was trying to rebuild the temple with few people and little money. The work would succeed not because of human resources but because of God's Spirit.
When You Need Strength Every Day
Strength is not only for emergencies. Ordinary days need it too.
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
— Philippians 4:13 (KJV)
This verse is often quoted before games and competitions, but Paul wrote it about contentment. In the verses just before it (Philippians 4:11-12), he explains that he has learned to live with plenty and with very little. Christ gives strength to be faithful in every circumstance, not a guarantee of winning.
...neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.
— Nehemiah 8:10 (KJV)
The people of Jerusalem wept when they heard God's law read aloud and realized how far they had drifted. Nehemiah told them to celebrate instead. Joy in God, rather than guilt, would carry them forward.
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.
— Psalm 28:7 (KJV)
David moves from trust to help to joy to song. Strength and worship are closely tied in the Psalms: praise often comes after the help, and it also builds strength for the next day.
The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places.
— Habakkuk 3:19 (KJV)
Habakkuk wrote this after imagining a time with no crops, no fruit and no cattle (Habakkuk 3:17). A hind is a female deer that moves surely over rocky mountain paths. God gives sure footing on hard ground.
Daniel: Strength That Comes From God
The book of Daniel is one of the clearest pictures of godly strength in Scripture. Daniel was taken from Jerusalem to Babylon as a young man, yet he stayed faithful through the reigns of several kings. When a law was passed forbidding prayer to anyone but the king, Daniel went home, opened his windows toward Jerusalem and prayed three times a day "as he did aforetime" (Daniel 6:10). His strength was not a sudden burst of bravery. It was built through years of daily prayer. You can read the full account in the story of Daniel.
Late in his life, Daniel saw a vision that left him trembling and without strength (Daniel 10:8). Then a heavenly messenger touched him and spoke:
And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.
— Daniel 10:19 (KJV)
Notice the order. First Daniel is reminded that he is "greatly beloved." Then he is told to fear not and given peace. Only after that is he told to be strong, and the strength comes with the word itself. God's love is the foundation of the strength he gives.
...but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.
— Daniel 11:32 (KJV)
This verse sums up Daniel's life. Strength grows out of knowing God personally.
How to Find Strength in God
- Start where you are. Like Asaph and Paul, be honest with God about your weakness. Strength in the Bible usually begins with admitting you have none.
- Build a daily habit. Daniel's courage in the lions' den grew from ordinary prayer. Even five minutes with Scripture each morning builds strength over time.
- Memorize one verse. Choose the verse above that fits your situation and learn it by heart, so it is with you when you need it.
- Worship. Many strength verses are songs. Singing or reading a psalm aloud can lift a heavy heart.
- Let others help. Moses needed Aaron and Hur to hold up his arms (Exodus 17:12). Asking for help is not weakness.
If fear and worry are part of what is wearing you down, our page of Bible verses about anxiety may also help, and Psalm 23 is a beautiful picture of God restoring a tired soul.
A Prayer for Strength
Lord, I am tired, and I cannot carry this on my own. You give power to the faint and strength to those who have no might, so I ask you for that strength now. Be my refuge and my help in this trouble. Where I am weak, let your grace be enough. Help me to wait on you, to keep walking, and to trust that you are with me wherever I go. In Jesus' name, amen.
Daniel learned that strength comes from the God who shut the lions' mouths, and you can watch his story in Daniel – The Movie.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most powerful Bible verse about strength?
Isaiah 40:31 and Philippians 4:13 are the two most quoted. Isaiah promises that those who wait on the LORD "shall renew their strength," while Paul says, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Many people also treasure 2 Corinthians 12:9, which teaches that God's strength is made perfect in weakness.
What does Philippians 4:13 really mean?
In context, Paul is talking about contentment in every situation, whether he has plenty or is hungry (Philippians 4:11-12). The verse means Christ gives the strength to stay faithful and content in any circumstance. It is less about achieving any goal and more about enduring every season with God's help.
What does "the joy of the LORD is your strength" mean?
Nehemiah 8:10 was spoken to people grieving over their sins after hearing God's law. Nehemiah told them that joy in God's goodness, not endless sorrow, would give them strength to move forward. Delighting in God renews a person's energy and hope.
What verse says be strong and courageous?
Joshua 1:9 is the best known: "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." Similar words appear in Deuteronomy 31:6 and 1 Chronicles 28:20. In each case the courage rests on God's presence.
How did Daniel stay strong in Babylon?
Daniel stayed strong through consistent prayer, faithfulness in small things and trust in God. He refused the king's food as a young man (Daniel 1:8), kept praying when it was against the law (Daniel 6:10), and God delivered him from the lions (Daniel 6:22). His strength came from a lifelong relationship with God.
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