TRV
Ephesians 6:15
Bible Versions
And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
and wear on your feet the readiness that comes from the Good News of shalom.
and with your feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace.
and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
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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.
Ephesians 6:15 is a vital part of Paul's instruction on the full armor of God, equipping believers for spiritual warfare. This verse focuses on the footwear, symbolizing stability and readiness.
Context
In this powerful passage, the Apostle Paul uses the imagery of a Roman soldier's battle gear to illustrate the spiritual defenses available to Christians. Following the belt of truth and breastplate of righteousness, the "feet shod" represent the readiness to engage in spiritual conflict and share the message of Christ. Roman soldiers wore sturdy sandals called caligae, often with hobnails, which provided excellent grip and stability on various terrains, essential for marching long distances and standing firm in battle. This imagery powerfully conveys the need for Christians to be well-prepared and grounded in their spiritual walk.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Greek word for "shod" is hypodeō, meaning "to bind under," referring to putting on footwear. The term "preparation" comes from the Greek word hetoimasia, which can mean readiness, preparedness, or even a foundation. This suggests that the gospel of peace is not merely something we are ready to share, but it is the very foundation upon which our spiritual stability rests. The phrase "gospel of peace" (euaggelion eirēnēs) emphasizes that the good news itself brings peace—peace with God (Romans 5:1) and the capacity for peace with others.
Practical Application
For the modern believer, this verse calls for a life characterized by spiritual readiness. It means being firmly grounded in the truth of the gospel, allowing its message of peace to provide stability amidst life's storms and spiritual attacks. It also challenges us to be ready to share this transformative message with others, recognizing that our faith is not just for personal comfort but for active proclamation. Our "spiritual footwear" enables us to stand firm, walk confidently in our calling, and bring the good news of peace to a world in turmoil, ensuring we are always prepared to advance God's purposes.