Keraia
Ephesians 6

Ephesians 6:14

The Full Armor of God · Ephesians 6:10–20
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Translations

Modern
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness arrayed,
Traditional
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
Literal
Stand therefore, having girded your loins in truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
Latin
State ergo succincti lumbos vestros in veritate, et induti loricam justitiæ,

Original

Greek
English
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness arrayed,

Notes

Ephesians 6:14

the breastplate of righteousness: A breastplate is a piece of armor that covers the chest to protect the heart and other vital organs during battle. In the Bible, Paul uses this image to show how righteousness—being right with God and living in a right way—protects a believer’s heart and life from the attacks of the devil. This righteousness is either:

  • the righteousness God gives to those who believe in Christ, or

  • the righteous way of life that the Spirit of God creates in believers.

Each one suggests the presence of the other.

Ephesians 6:14–17

Paul uses the armor worn by Roman soldiers as a metaphor for the spiritual armor of believers. Most of this armor is for defense, not attack. Paul is not mainly focused on the exact use of each piece, but on the gifts God gives to protect his people. Trusting in Christ and knowing the Scriptures help believers stand firm against the devil’s attacks (compare James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8–9).

Ephesians 6:10–20

Paul's final message reminds believers about the devil's opposition. Paul urges believers to protect themselves with all of God's armor.

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Bible, Quotations of the Old Testament in the New Testament Breastpiece, Breastplate Demon-Possession Evil Letter to the Ephesians Loins Power Sanctification

Topics

Armor: Figurative Armor: The Equipment of a Soldier Breastplate: Figurative Breastplate: Illustrative of The: Defence of Righteousness Commandments: Precepts of Paul--Explicitly Stated or Implied in Didactic Epistles Girdle: Figurative Girdles: Truth Justification: General Scriptures Concerning Military Arms: Spiritual Armour Religious Zeal: General Scriptures Concerning Righteousness: Saints: should Have on the Breast-Plate of Satan: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Soldiers of the Christian Temptation: General Scriptures Concerning The Armor of God The Devil: Saints: should be Armed Against The Roman Empire: Allusions to Military Affairs of Use of the Panoply or Defensive Armour Truth is Part of Christian Armour Truth is Part of the Christian Armor Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: Eaten with the Loins Girt War: Must Stand Firm In War: The Belt of Truth War: The Breastplate of Righteousness Warfare of Saints: Armour For: Breastplate of Righteousness Warfare of Saints: Armour For: Girdle of Truth Warfare of Saints: Saints: Must Stand Firm In