Strengthened (1412) (dunamoo - see word study on related word endunamoo; words of the stem dunamai all have the basic sense of ability or capability) means to be enabled and speaks of an inherent power which gives one the ability to do something. To strengthen. To make strong. To enable. The present tense indicates that believers are to be continuously strengthened, the passive voice indicating that the strengthening comes from without, from an outside Source (God = His Spirit, His grace) (Colossians 3:4-note). That power is available to the believer who is filled with the knowledge of God’s Word. God is not like a booster rocket giving believers an initial boost of power and then leaving them to fly on their own. Spiritual growth and maturity can come only as we yield to God’s word and permit Him to do His work in and through us. Here are all the Scriptural uses of dunamoo - Ps 52:7; Ps 68:28; Eccl 10:10; Da 9:27-note (previous uses in the Septuagint); Col. 1:11; Heb. 11:34 Hebrews 11:34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong (passive voice =strengthening from outside source, ie, God), became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Comment: Note the principle - when we are weak (in our self, our strength, our puny efforts) then we are strong (in His endless source of strength), specifically in the arena of spiritual matters. Although dunamoo is used only twice in the NT, the similar verb endunamoo is used in several instructive circumstances. For example, Paul writes to the Ephesians saints their continual moment by moment need to be strong (endunamoo - here a command to let yourself continually be strengthened) in the Lord and in the strength of His might. (Eph 6:10-note). From jail Paul writes to his beloved saints in the Philippian church I can do all things through Him who strengthens (endunamoo - present tense = continuous action) me. (Phi 4:13-note, see how he "learned the secret" Php 4:11, 12-note) Paul seeking to encourage Timothy for the difficult task before him wrote I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, Who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service." (1Ti 1:12) Strengthened with all power - In Greek Paul "piles up" the related words that convey the sense of inherent strength - dunamis and dunamoo and then even adds the all (pas) which in Greek means all without exception. "Copy and paste the address below into your web browser in order to go to the original page which will allow you to access live links related to the material on this page - these links include Scriptures (which can be read in context), Scripture pop-ups on mouse over, and a variety of related resources such as Bible dictionary articles, commentaries, sermon notes and theological journal articles related to the topic under discussion." http://www.preceptaustin.org/colossians_111-16.htm#s