Ephesians 6:10b – Finding Gnomas

… be strong in the Lord

Summary: It turns out that the Greek text refers to two different kinds of strength in this passage. One is a word for becoming strong in the Lord, the other refers to the might and power of God.

Paul begins this last section of his letter with these words:

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.”

In the NIV translation (and most others), it sounds like he is repeating himself. To my ear, at least, it comes across as “be strong in the Lord and [be strong] in his mighty power.” It’s passages like these that make Strong’s Concordance and other references so valuable.

Looking at the word “strong” in Strong’s Concordance (no pun intended!), we find that the Greek word used by Paul was “endynamóō,” meaning “to empower:—enable, (increase in) strength(-en), be (make) strong.” (STRONGS G1743)

Before looking at the second section, let’s refer to the Mounce Reverse-Interlinear New Testament. Mounce translates as close as possible to a word-for-word translation. He renders this passage as follows:

“Finally, grow strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power.”

Notice the use of the word “strength” in the second part of this passage. The NIV combines both “strong” and “strength” into one word, but the Greek text adds a bit more flavor. In the Greek, the second word for “strength” comes from a different Greek word, “krátos.” Strong’s Concordance provides this definition for “krátos:”

κράτος krátos, krat’-os; perhaps a primary word; vigor (“great”) (literally or figuratively):—dominion, might(-ily), power, strength. (STRONGS G2904)

Do you see the difference? The first reference to strength, endynamóō, actually refers to the process of becoming strong. The second word, krátos, describes a power that already exists.

So how do we become strong in the Lord?

Let’s imagine someone who doesn’t know the Lord at all. Let’s give him a name and call him Gnomas. In time, Gnomas discovers his need for God’s love and provision. He hears about Jesus and his offer of salvation through faith (John 1:12). After receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit (John 14:26) he becomes convicted by the Spirit. He knows repentance means that he has to change. But how?

Endynamóō!

He becomes strong in the Lord.

Beyond knowing his sins are forgiven, Gnomas is empowered by the Holy Spirit to do good works (Ephesians 2:10).

Like the Centurion who understands authority (Matthew 8:6-13), Gnomas comes under God’s authority. He has the authority to do the works God wants him to do.

Just as Timothy was directed to Scripture for “teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16), Gnomas also turns to Scripture to grow in all these areas.

Finally, Gnomas understands that God hears him when he prays. There is no limit on what he can bring before the Father. (Ephesians 6:18) Perhaps more than anything else, being able to unburden his heart to God has opened the doors to becoming strong in the Lord.

Application: Follow Gnomas’ example.

Food for Thought: Please share your thoughts on what it means to become strong in the Lord.