Ephesians 6:13

Wherefore 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.

Wherefore {G1223}{G5124} take unto you {G353} the whole armour {G3833} of God {G2316}, that {G2443} ye may be able {G1410} to withstand {G436} in {G1722} the evil {G4190} day {G2250}, and {G2532} having done {G2716} all {G537}, to stand {G2476}.

So take up every piece of war equipment God provides; so that when the evil day comes, you will be able to resist; and when the battle is won, you will still be standing.

Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand.

Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand.

Commentary

Ephesians 6:13 serves as a pivotal summary and urgent call to action within Paul's discourse on spiritual warfare. Following his detailed description of the various pieces of divine equipment, this verse emphasizes the imperative for believers to fully embrace and utilize God's provision in the face of spiritual opposition.

Context

This verse is found at the heart of Paul's powerful exhortation in Ephesians 6, which begins with the foundational truth that believers do not wrestle 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). Recognizing the invisible yet very real spiritual battle, Paul urges believers to prepare. Verses 14 through 17 then meticulously detail each component of the armor: the girdle of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. Verse 13, therefore, acts as a command to don this full spiritual attire, not just for defense, but for active engagement and steadfastness.

Key Themes

  • Divine Provision: The phrase "the whole armour of God" underscores that this equipment is not of human making or strength, but is divinely supplied and therefore perfectly sufficient for spiritual battle. It highlights God's grace in equipping His people.
  • Spiritual Readiness: The command to "take unto you" implies a conscious, intentional act of putting on and utilizing what God has provided. It's an active readiness for engagement.
  • The "Evil Day": This refers to a time of intense spiritual opposition, trials, or temptation. It could signify specific periods of severe attack, or more broadly, the present age which is characterized by spiritual darkness and the schemes of the enemy. The armor is necessary for these challenging times.
  • Withstanding and Standing Firm: The twin goals of "withstand" (anthistēmi, to resist, oppose, stand against) and "to stand" (histēmi, to remain firm, hold one's ground) emphasize perseverance. It's not about advancing offensively in one's own strength, but about maintaining one's position against the enemy's assaults and ultimately holding firm in faith after the battle has raged.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "armour" is panoplia (πανoπλία), which literally means a "full suit of armor" or "all armor." This emphasizes that no single piece is sufficient; the believer needs every part of God's provision to be fully protected. The repetition of "stand" (histēmi) at the end of the verse, following "withstand" (anthistēmi), is significant. It suggests a tenacious resolve: first, to actively resist the enemy's onslaught, and then, having endured and done everything necessary, to remain standing strong and victorious. It implies endurance, stability, and an unwavering posture of faith.

Practical Application

For believers today, Ephesians 6:13 is a constant reminder of the spiritual dimension of life. It teaches us:

  • The Reality of Spiritual Conflict: We must acknowledge that we are in a spiritual battle and not be naive about the enemy's tactics (2 Corinthians 2:11).
  • Reliance on God's Strength: Our ability to "withstand" and "stand" comes not from our own power or wisdom, but from God's strength and the armor He provides. This calls for humility and dependence on Him.
  • Intentionality in Faith: "Taking unto you the whole armour" requires a deliberate commitment to truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. This involves daily spiritual disciplines such as prayer, Bible study, and living out our faith.
  • Perseverance: The Christian life is not always easy, and there will be "evil days." This verse encourages us to endure, to hold our ground, and to remain steadfast even when attacks are fierce. The ultimate goal is not just to survive, but to stand firm in our faith and position in Christ.
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Cross-References

  • 2 Corinthians 10:4 (50 votes)

    (For the weapons of our warfare [are] not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

  • Ephesians 6:11 (35 votes)

    Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

  • Ephesians 6:17 (35 votes)

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

  • Luke 21:36 (34 votes)

    Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

  • Ephesians 5:16 (27 votes)

    Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

  • Luke 8:13 (17 votes)

    They on the rock [are they], which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.

  • Revelation 3:10 (15 votes)

    Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.