Bible verses for strength
The best-known Bible verses for strength are Isaiah 40:29-31, Joshua 1:9, Psalm 46:1, 2 Corinthians 12:9 and Philippians 4:13. Most of them don't promise you'll feel strong. They promise God's strength for people who don't have enough of their own. All twelve are below in full.
Last updated November 7, 2026. Scripture: King James Version and World English Bible (public domain).
1.Isaiah 40:29-31
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.
In the World English Bible
He gives power to the weak. He increases the strength of him who has no might. Even the youths faint and get weary, and the young men utterly fall; but those who wait for the LORD will renew their strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run, and not be weary. They will walk, and not faint.
Strength for the faint, and even for the young who stumble. Waiting on the Lord renews it.
2.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.
In the World English Bible
Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
Spoken to a new leader facing a huge task. The reason for courage is that God goes with him.
3.Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
In the World English Bible
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
God as a refuge and a strength that is near, right in the middle of trouble.
4.2 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.
In the World English Bible
He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me.
Paul learned that weakness wasn't the end of the story. Grace was enough, and power showed up there.
5.Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
In the World English Bible
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Often quoted for big wins. In context Paul is talking about being content with plenty or with very little.
6.Nehemiah 8:10
Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.
In the World English Bible
Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to him for whom nothing is prepared, for today is holy to our Lord. Don’t be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
Said to a crowd that was weeping. The joy of the Lord would be their strength.
7.Psalm 73:26
My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
In the World English Bible
My flesh and my heart fails, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
An honest admission that body and heart can fail, and that God stays.
8.Exodus 15:2
The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father’s God, and I will exalt him.
In the World English Bible
The LORD is my strength and song. He has become my salvation. This is my God, and I will praise him; my father’s God, and I will exalt him.
A song sung right after a rescue. Strength, song and salvation all in one line.
9.Ephesians 6:10
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
In the World English Bible
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
Strength that comes from the Lord, not from trying harder.
10.Psalm 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.
In the World English Bible
The LORD is my strength and my shield. My heart has trusted in him, and I am helped. Therefore my heart greatly rejoices. With my song I will thank him.
Trust first, then help, then a heart that sings.
11.Habakkuk 3:19
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. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.
In the World English Bible
GOD, the Lord, is my strength. He makes my feet like deer’s feet, and enables me to go in high places. For the music director, on my stringed instruments.
Written by a prophet in a hard season. God makes his feet sure on high, steep places.
12.Deuteronomy 31:6
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.
In the World English Bible
Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid or scared of them, for the LORD your God himself is who goes with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you.”
Moses to a people about to go on without him. God will not leave or forsake them.
7-day plan
When you're worn out
Seven gentle readings for tired and stretched people, about where strength comes from, and about rest and asking for help.
See the planQuestions
What is the strongest Bible verse for strength?
Isaiah 40:31 is the one most people know: those who wait on the Lord renew their strength. Read it with verses 29 and 30, which say God gives power to the faint and that even young people get tired.
What does Philippians 4:13 really mean?
Paul wrote it while talking about money and circumstances. He had learned to be content with plenty and with very little, and he says Christ gives him the strength for either. It's about steady trust in every situation, more than winning at something.
Which verse is good when I'm physically or emotionally exhausted?
Try Psalm 73:26 or Matthew 11:28. Both are honest about being worn down. If exhaustion is lasting, it's worth talking with a doctor too.
Which Bible translation is used here?
Each verse is printed in the King James Version and the World English Bible. Both are in the public domain, so the text appears word for word.
Is there a reading plan for strength?
Yes. When you're worn out is a seven-day plan with a passage, a short reflection, a question and a prayer each day. It's part of a paid plan.
Keep reading
Made by Lamplight, a small Sarvixo product. Notes on each verse are ours; the verses are printed exactly as published.