Ephesians 6:17

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Complete Jewish Bible:

And take the helmet of deliverance; along with the sword given by the Spirit, that is, the Word of God;

Berean Standard Bible:

And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

American Standard Version:

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And^{G2532} take^{G1209} the helmet^{G4030} of salvation^{G4992}, and^{G2532} the sword^{G3162} of the Spirit^{G4151}, which is^{G3603} the word^{G4487} of God^{G2316}:

Cross-References (KJV):

Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Isaiah 59:17

For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance [for] clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke.

Revelation 19:15

And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.

Isaiah 49:2

And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me;

1 Thessalonians 5:8

But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.

Revelation 2:16

Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

Matthew 4:10

Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

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Commentary for Ephesians 6:17

Ephesians 6:17 is part of the Apostle Paul's letter to the church in Ephesus, written around AD 60-62 during his imprisonment in Rome. This verse falls within a larger passage (Ephesians 6:10-17) where Paul uses the metaphor of spiritual armor to encourage Christians to stand firm against spiritual forces. The historical context reflects the early Christian experience of facing opposition and persecution, requiring them to be spiritually vigilant and steadfast in their faith.

In this verse, Paul specifically mentions two pieces of the spiritual armor: the "helmet of salvation" and the "sword of the Spirit." The helmet of salvation symbolizes the protection of the mind, emphasizing the importance of a saved and secure mindset in Christ, which guards against doubts and false teachings. The phrase reflects the confidence and assurance that believers have in their eternal salvation through Jesus Christ, which was a central theme in early Christian preaching and teaching.

The "sword of the Spirit," identified as "the word of God," represents the offensive weapon in the Christian's spiritual arsenal. In the historical context, this would have been the Old Testament Scriptures, along with the emerging body of teachings from Jesus and the apostles (which would later form the New Testament). The word of God is described as a sword because it is sharp, piercing, and effective for both defense and attack in spiritual warfare. It serves as a tool for believers to resist temptation, refute error, and proclaim the gospel. The verse underscores the belief that engaging with and knowing the Scriptures equips Christians to confront the challenges and trials of their faith.

In summary, Ephesians 6:17 encapsulates the themes of spiritual readiness, mental assurance of salvation, and the transformative power of Scripture in the life of a believer. It calls Christians to arm themselves with the truth of the gospel and the wisdom of God's word to withstand spiritual adversity and to remain faithful in their witness to the world.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

Strong's Number: G2532
There are 5212 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: καί
Transliteration: kaí
Pronunciation: kahee
Description: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
Strong's Number: G1209
There are 48 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: δέχομαι
Transliteration: déchomai
Pronunciation: dekh'-om-ahee
Description: middle voice of a primary verb; to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively):--accept, receive, take. Compare λαμβάνω.
Strong's Number: G4030
There are 2 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: περικεφαλαία
Transliteration: perikephalaía
Pronunciation: per-ee-kef-al-ah'-yah
Description: feminine of a compound of περί and κεφαλή; encirclement of the head, i.e. a helmet:--helmet.
Strong's Number: G4992
There are 5 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: σωτήριον
Transliteration: sōtḗrion
Pronunciation: so-tay'-ree-on
Description: neuter of the same as σωτηρία as (properly, concretely) noun; defender or (by implication) defence:--salvation.
Strong's Number: G3162
There are 26 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: μάχαιρα
Transliteration: máchaira
Pronunciation: makh'-ahee-rah
Description: probably feminine of a presumed derivative of μάχη; a knife, i.e. dirk; figuratively, war, judicial punishment:--sword.
Strong's Number: G4151
There are 350 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: πνεῦμα
Transliteration: pneûma
Pronunciation: pnyoo'-mah
Description: from πνέω; a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit:--ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind. Compare ψυχή.
Strong's Number: G3603
There are 11 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ὅ ἐστι
Transliteration: hó esti
Pronunciation: ho es-tee'
Description: from the neuter of ὅς and the third person singular present indicative of εἰμί; which is:--called, which is (make), that is (to say).
Strong's Number: G4487
There are 67 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ῥῆμα
Transliteration: rhēma
Pronunciation: hray'-mah
Description: from ῥέω; an utterance (individually, collectively or specially),; by implication, a matter or topic (especially of narration, command or dispute); with a negative naught whatever:--+ evil, + nothing, saying, word.
Strong's Number: G2316
There are 1172 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: θεός
Transliteration: theós
Pronunciation: theh'-os
Description: of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with ὁ) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very:--X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).

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