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Ephesians 6:12 KJV
Ephesians · chapter 6 · verse 12
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.Ephesians 6:12 · King James Version
What Ephesians 6:12 means
We wrestle not against flesh and blood names the mistake first: the person in front of you isn't the real opponent. Paul lists principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this world, spiritual wickedness in high places. And wrestling is close work, not long range, which is why the armour that follows is for standing rather than charging.
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Ephesians 6:12 in context
10Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
Commentary
Cross references
- Colossians 1:13
- 2 Corinthians 4:4
- Ephesians 2:2
- Colossians 2:15
- Acts 26:18
- Ephesians 1:21
- Romans 8:38
- 1 Corinthians 9:25-27
Key words (Strong's)
- principalitiesarchēbeginning, origin, the person or thing that commences, the first person or thing in a…G746 →
- darknessskotosdarkness, of night darkness, of darkened eyesight or blindness, metaph., of ignorance…G4655 →
- wrestlepalēwrestling , the term is transferred to the Christian's struggle with the power of evilG3823 →
- againstesti"he/she/it is"G2076 →
- againstprosto the advantage of, at, near, by, to, towards, with, with regard toG4314 →
- powersexousiapower of choice, liberty of doing as one pleases, leave or permission, physical and…G1849 →
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Here is a general exhortation to constancy in our Christian course, and to encourage in our Christian warfare. Is not our life a warfare? It is so; for we struggle with the common calamities of human life. Is not our religion much more a warfare? It is so;
— Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on verses 10-18