Ephesians 6:17

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

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}:

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

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

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

Commentary

Ephesians 6:17 (KJV)

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

Commentary

This verse continues Paul's description of the spiritual armor God provides for believers to stand against spiritual forces of evil. Paul draws on the familiar image of a Roman soldier's equipment to illustrate spiritual truths.

  • The Helmet of Salvation: Just as a helmet protects the soldier's head, the assurance of salvation protects the believer's mind. It guards against doubt, despair, and the enemy's lies that target our identity and security in Christ. This piece emphasizes the defensive nature of our salvation—it is our hope and security in the spiritual battle.
  • The Sword of the Spirit: This is the only offensive weapon listed in the armor of God. It is identified as "the word of God." Unlike the defensive pieces we "put on," this is something we "take" and use.
  • "The word of God": The Greek word used here is rhema, which can refer to a specific spoken word or declaration, often contrasted with logos (the broader, indwelling Word or divine reason). While both are God's Word, rhema here emphasizes the specific, active word used in a moment of spiritual conflict, perhaps like Jesus using specific scripture passages to counter Satan's temptations (Matthew 4:4, Matthew 4:7, Matthew 4:10). The Spirit empowers the believer to wield God's truth effectively.

Key Themes: This verse highlights the crucial role of both the *assurance* of our salvation (for defense) and the *active use* of God's specific truth (for offense) in spiritual warfare. The Word of God is not just something we read, but a powerful tool wielded by the Spirit through us.

Application: To stand firm, we must not only be secure in our salvation but also be ready to speak and apply the specific truths of God's Word against the lies and attacks of the enemy. This requires knowing the scriptures and being sensitive to the Spirit's leading.

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Cross-References

  • Hebrews 4:12 (57 votes)

    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 (30 votes)

    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 (26 votes)

    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 (25 votes)

    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 (25 votes)

    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 (20 votes)

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

  • Matthew 4:10 (19 votes)

    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.