Ephesians 6:15

KJV

And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} your feet {G4228} shod {G5265} with {G1722} the preparation {G2091} of the gospel {G2098} of peace {G1515};

Complete Jewish Bible

and wear on your feet the readiness that comes from the Good News of shalom.

Berean Standard Bible

and with your feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace.

American Standard Version

and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 6:15, as part of Paul's comprehensive instruction on the armor of God, emphasizes the critical role of readiness and stability in the believer's spiritual walk. It likens the Christian's firm footing to a soldier's well-shod feet, grounded not in physical preparation but in the transformative power and foundational truth of the gospel of peace, enabling believers to stand firm against spiritual opposition and to advance God's kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the climactic section of Paul's letter to the Ephesians, specifically in chapter 6, where he transitions from general exhortations on Christian living to a direct command for spiritual warfare. Following his call to "be strong in the Lord" ([Ephesians 6:10](/ephesians/6-10 "Ephesians 6:10 - Be Strong in the Lord")) and to "put on the whole armor of God" ([Ephesians 6:11](/ephesians/6-11 "Ephesians 6:11 - The Full Armor of God")), Paul systematically describes each piece of divine armor. Verse 14 introduces the "belt of truth" and the "breastplate of righteousness," establishing the foundational elements of integrity and right standing with God. Verse 15 then moves to the feet, emphasizing readiness and the means by which believers advance, setting the stage for the "shield of faith" ([Ephesians 6:16](/ephesians/6-16 "Ephesians 6:16 - The Shield of Faith")), "helmet of salvation," and "sword of the Spirit" ([Ephesians 6:17](/ephesians/6-17 "Ephesians 6:17 - Helmet and Sword")). The immediate narrative flow highlights a progression from foundational truths to active engagement in spiritual battle.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of the "armor of God" is deeply rooted in the Roman military context familiar to Paul's original audience. Roman soldiers were renowned for their discipline, training, and formidable equipment. Their footwear, known as *caligae*, were sturdy, hobnailed sandals designed for long marches over varied terrain and for providing excellent grip and stability in combat. These sandals were essential for maintaining balance, preventing slips, and ensuring the soldier could stand firm or advance confidently. Paul leverages this common and powerful military metaphor to convey spiritual truths, drawing a parallel between the physical readiness of a soldier and the spiritual preparedness required of a Christian. The concept of "peace" (Greek: *eirēnē*) in the Greco-Roman world often referred to the absence of war or a state of order, but in a biblical sense, it carries a much deeper meaning of holistic well-being, reconciliation, and right relationship, especially with God.

* **Key Themes:** Ephesians 6:15 contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within Ephesians and the broader Pauline corpus. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Spiritual Warfare**, emphasizing that believers are engaged in a cosmic conflict requiring divine equipping. Secondly, it highlights **Readiness and Preparedness** for both defensive standing and offensive proclamation, suggesting that the Christian life is not passive but active and purposeful. Thirdly, the verse points to the **Gospel as Foundation**, asserting that the good news of Christ's reconciling work is the very ground upon which believers stand firm and from which they operate. This aligns with Paul's consistent emphasis on the centrality of the gospel throughout his letters, such as in [Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel"). Finally, the inclusion of "peace" within the "gospel of peace" connects to the overarching theme of **Reconciliation and Unity** that permeates Ephesians, particularly how Christ has broken down dividing walls and created one new humanity, bringing peace to those who were far off and those who were near ([Ephesians 2:14-18](/ephesians/2-14-18 "Ephesians 2:14-18 - Christ Our Peace")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **shod (Greek, _hypodéō'_):** From ὑπό and δέω; to bind under one's feet, i.e. put on shoes or sandals. This verb describes the act of putting on footwear, specifically sandals, which were crucial for a soldier's mobility and stability. In a spiritual context, it signifies being equipped and prepared to move and stand firm.
* **preparation (Greek, _hetoimasía'_):** From ἑτοιμάζω; preparation. This term signifies a state of readiness, preparedness, or even a firm foundation. It implies not just the act of getting ready, but the established condition of being ready, suggesting that the gospel itself provides the stable ground.
* **gospel (Greek, _euangélion'_):** From the same as εὐαγγελίζω; a good message, i.e. the gospel. This refers to the "good news" of salvation through Jesus Christ, His life, death, resurrection, and ascension, which brings reconciliation between God and humanity.
* **peace (Greek, _eirḗnē'_):** Probably from a primary verb (to join); peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity. This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a holistic well-being, reconciliation, and right relationship, especially with God through Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And your feet shod":** This phrase introduces the specific piece of armor—the footwear—and emphasizes the active state of being "shod" or equipped. It implies a deliberate action of preparation, much like a soldier carefully putting on their *caligae* before battle. Spiritually, it speaks to the believer's readiness and stability.
* **"with the preparation":** This prepositional phrase clarifies *how* the feet are shod. The "preparation" (hetoimasía) suggests not just a fleeting readiness, but a foundational and enduring preparedness. It implies that the gospel itself provides the solid ground and stability for the believer's walk and stand.
* **"of the gospel":** This specifies the content of the "preparation." It is the "good news" of Jesus Christ that serves as the firm foundation. The gospel is not merely a message to be heard but a reality to be embodied, providing the spiritual "tread" for the believer's feet.
* **"of peace":** This further defines the nature of the gospel. It is a gospel that brings peace—peace with God through reconciliation ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God Through Faith")), and the capacity for peace in relationships and circumstances. This peace is the firm ground upon which the believer stands and moves, enabling them to navigate spiritual conflict without being easily shaken.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs a powerful **Metaphor** in this verse, likening the spiritual readiness of believers to the physical footwear of a Roman soldier. The "feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace" creates a vivid image that is immediately understandable to his audience. This metaphor extends the broader **Allegory** of the "armor of God" found throughout [Ephesians 6](/ephesians/6 "Ephesians 6 - The Whole Armor of God"), where each piece of military equipment represents a spiritual truth or virtue. The phrase "gospel of peace" also contains **Personification**, as the gospel itself is presented as an active agent that provides "preparation" or a firm foundation, almost as if it were a tangible substance providing grip. Furthermore, there is an element of **Synecdoche**, where "feet shod" represents the entire person's readiness and ability to stand firm and advance in their spiritual journey.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 6:15 profoundly connects the believer's spiritual stability and readiness to the very essence of the gospel. It teaches that our firm footing in the spiritual battle is not derived from our own strength or cleverness, but from the foundational truth and reconciling power of the "good news" of Jesus Christ. This "gospel of peace" provides not only an inner tranquility but also equips us for outward movement and proclamation, enabling us to stand firm against the schemes of the enemy and to carry the message of reconciliation into a broken world. Our spiritual shoes are not for retreat, but for standing our ground and advancing God's purposes.

* [Romans 10:15](/romans/10-15 "The Beautiful Feet of Those Who Preach Peace")
* [Isaiah 52:7](/isaiah/52-7 "Isaiah 52:7 - How Beautiful Are the Feet")
* [Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For the contemporary believer, Ephesians 6:15 serves as a profound reminder that our spiritual stability and effectiveness are directly tied to our grounding in the gospel of peace. It challenges us to continually reflect on the depth of the peace we have with God through Christ and to allow this peace to be the unshakable foundation of our lives. This means consciously choosing to stand on the truths of the gospel, even when circumstances are turbulent or spiritual attacks are fierce. Furthermore, "shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace" implies an active readiness to share this transformative message with others. Our spiritual "footwear" prepares us not just to endure, but to advance, to walk confidently in our calling, and to be ambassadors of reconciliation in a world desperate for true peace. It calls us to live lives characterized by a settled assurance that enables us to stand firm and to move forward with purpose, bringing the light of the gospel wherever God leads.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel spiritually unstable or unprepared, and how might grounding yourself more deeply in the "gospel of peace" bring stability?**
* **How does the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, equip you to stand firm amidst personal challenges or spiritual attacks?**
* **In what ways are you actively "shod" and ready to share the "gospel of peace" with those around you, both through your words and your actions?**

### FAQ
**What does "shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace" mean practically for a Christian today?**

Answer: Practically, it means being deeply rooted in the good news of Jesus Christ, allowing the peace He offers to be the stable foundation of your life. Just as a soldier's sturdy sandals provide grip and support for marching and standing firm, the "gospel of peace" provides spiritual stability against life's challenges and spiritual attacks. It also implies a readiness to move and share this message of peace with others, being prepared to go wherever God calls and to stand as an ambassador of reconciliation. It's about living a life that is both grounded in truth and actively engaged in God's mission, reflecting the peace that comes from being reconciled to God through Christ, as described in [Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Justification by Faith Brings Peace").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 6:15 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself, who is the embodiment and source of the "gospel of peace." He is our peace ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")), having broken down the dividing wall of hostility through His sacrifice on the cross, thereby reconciling both Jews and Gentiles to God in one body ([Ephesians 2:16](/ephesians/2-16 "Ephesians 2:16 - Reconciliation Through the Cross")). Jesus' entire earthly ministry was characterized by His feet being "shod" with this gospel; He consistently went about "preaching the gospel of the kingdom" ([Matthew 4:23](/matthew/4-23 "Matthew 4:23 - Jesus Preaches the Gospel of the Kingdom")) and bringing healing and reconciliation. His journey to the cross, culminating in His resurrection, is the ultimate act of bringing peace between a holy God and sinful humanity, fulfilling the prophetic words of [Isaiah 52:7](/isaiah/52-7 "Isaiah 52:7 - How Beautiful Are the Feet"), which speaks of those who bring good news and proclaim peace. As believers, we are called to walk in His footsteps, empowered by the very peace He secured, carrying forth the message of reconciliation that is found only in Him, for "He is our peace." Our readiness to stand firm and advance is entirely dependent on the finished work of Christ, who has already secured the victory and established the foundation of peace upon which we stand.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 52:7

¶ How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!

Romans 10:15

And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

2 Corinthians 5:18

And all things [are] of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

2 Corinthians 5:21

For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Habakkuk 3:19

The LORD God [is] my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' [feet], and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.

Luke 15:22

But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put [it] on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on [his] feet:

Song Of Solomon 7:1

¶ How beautiful are thy feet with shoes, O prince's daughter! the joints of thy thighs [are] like jewels, the work of the hands of a cunning workman.