Ephesians 6:12

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].

For {G3754} we {G2254} wrestle {G3823} not {G3756} against {G2076}{G4314} flesh {G4561} and {G2532} blood {G129}, but {G235} against {G4314} principalities {G746}, against {G4314} powers {G1849}, against {G4314} the rulers {G2888} of the darkness {G4655} of this {G5127} world {G165}, against {G4314} spiritual {G4152} wickedness {G4189} in {G1722} high {G2032} places.

For we are not struggling against human beings, but against the rulers, authorities and cosmic powers governing this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realm.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Commentary

Context

Ephesians 6:12 serves as a foundational verse within Paul's concluding exhortation to the believers in Ephesus. It immediately follows his powerful call to "be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might" and to "put on the whole armour of God." This verse clarifies *why* such spiritual preparation is necessary, revealing the true nature and identity of the enemy that Christians face, thereby setting the stage for the detailed description of each piece of the divine armor.

Key Themes

  • The Nature of the Battle: This verse profoundly shifts the believer's perspective from a visible, human conflict to an invisible, spiritual one. The struggle is not against "flesh and blood"—meaning human beings or earthly systems—but against unseen, malevolent forces.
  • The Identity of the Adversary: Paul meticulously lists the various ranks of the spiritual enemy:
    • Principalities (archas): Suggests supreme rulers or originators, implying a hierarchy of spiritual authority.
    • Powers (exousias): Refers to authorities or those who possess power, indicating a sphere of influence.
    • Rulers of the darkness of this world (kosmokratoras tou skotous toutou): Literally "world-rulers of this darkness," emphasizing their dominion over the moral and spiritual darkness that pervades the fallen world system.
    • Spiritual wickedness in high places (pneumatika tes ponerias en tois epouraniois): "Spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places," highlighting their inherently wicked nature and their operation in the spiritual realm.
  • The Spiritual Realm: The phrase "high places" (or "heavenly places") is significant. Paul uses this same term throughout Ephesians to describe where believers are blessed (Ephesians 1:3) and seated with Christ (Ephesians 2:6). This implies that the spiritual battle occurs in the very same dimension where believers have their position and access to divine power.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "wrestle" is pale, which refers to a close, hand-to-hand combat, a grappling match. This emphasizes that the spiritual conflict is not distant or abstract, but an intense, personal engagement that requires sustained effort and direct confrontation, albeit on a spiritual plane. The terms "principalities" (archas) and "powers" (exousias) are often used in the New Testament to denote organized spiritual forces, suggesting a structured, intelligent opposition.

Practical Application

Understanding Ephesians 6:12 is crucial for the Christian life:

  • Redirection of Conflict: It helps believers avoid misdirecting anger or blame towards other people. Our true adversaries are not those who oppose us in the physical world, but the spiritual forces influencing them. This understanding can foster forgiveness and compassion, as seen in 2 Corinthians 10:4, which speaks of spiritual weaponry.
  • Reliance on God's Strength: Since the enemy is supernatural, human strength alone is insufficient. This verse underscores the absolute necessity of relying on God's power and utilizing the "whole armour of God" described in subsequent verses.
  • Spiritual Awareness: It calls for vigilance and discernment, recognizing that negative influences, temptations, and societal ills often have spiritual roots. This awareness helps believers engage in prayer and spiritual disciplines more effectively.
  • Unified Purpose: When believers understand they share a common spiritual enemy, it fosters unity and mutual support within the body of Christ, as they are all engaged in the same spiritual warfare.
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Cross-References

  • Colossians 1:13 (113 votes)

    Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated [us] into the kingdom of his dear Son:

  • 2 Corinthians 4:4 (86 votes)

    In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

  • Ephesians 2:2 (81 votes)

    Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

  • Colossians 2:15 (79 votes)

    [And] having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

  • Acts 26:18 (64 votes)

    To open their eyes, [and] to turn [them] from darkness to light, and [from] the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

  • Ephesians 1:21 (52 votes)

    Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

  • 1 Corinthians 9:25 (51 votes)

    And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they [do it] to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.