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Ephesians 6:14

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Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

Stand {G2476} therefore {G3767}, having {G4024} your {G5216} loins {G3751} girt about {G4024} with {G1722} truth {G225}, and {G2532} having on {G1746} the breastplate {G2382} of righteousness {G1343};

Therefore, stand! Have the belt of truth buckled around your waist, put on righteousness for a breastplate,

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness arrayed,

Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

Commentary

Ephesians 6:14 is a foundational verse in Paul's powerful exhortation to believers, detailing the spiritual equipment necessary for Christian life and warfare. This verse introduces the first two pieces of the "whole armor of God": the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness.

Context

This verse is part of a larger passage in Ephesians 6:10-18, where the Apostle Paul encourages believers to "be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might." He paints a vivid picture of spiritual battle, not against "flesh and blood," but against unseen spiritual forces (Ephesians 6:12). Paul, likely writing from prison, draws inspiration from the familiar image of a Roman soldier, transforming each piece of their physical armor into a spiritual counterpart. This imagery serves to prepare believers for the daily struggles and temptations they face.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Spiritual Preparedness: The command to "stand therefore" emphasizes readiness and a firm posture against spiritual attacks. It implies a continuous state of vigilance and defense, crucial for the believer's walk.
  • Truth as a Foundation: The "loins girt about with truth" signifies that truth is the stabilizing core of the believer's life. Just as a soldier's belt holds their tunic and equipment in place, truth provides integrity, stability, and freedom of movement in the spiritual realm. It refers not only to intellectual adherence to sound doctrine but also to an authentic, sincere way of living.
  • Righteousness as Protection: The "breastplate of righteousness" covers the vital organs, symbolizing protection for the heart and conscience. This righteousness can be understood both as the imputed righteousness of Christ given to believers (2 Corinthians 5:21) and the practical righteousness of living a life in obedience to God's commands. Both aspects shield the believer from the accusations of the enemy and the defilement of sin.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "loins girt about" (Greek: perizōnnymi) refers to the practice of tucking up one's long outer garment into a belt, allowing for freedom of movement and readiness for action, whether running, working, or fighting. It speaks to preparedness and efficiency, suggesting that truth enables believers to move and act effectively in their spiritual calling.
  • "Truth" (Greek: alētheia) here encompasses both divine truth (the revealed Word of God) and personal integrity (sincerity, faithfulness). It's the opposite of deceit and falsehood, grounding the believer in reality.
  • "Breastplate" (Greek: thoraks) was a crucial piece of a soldier's armor, protecting the chest, including the heart and lungs. "Righteousness" (Greek: dikaiosynē) implies conformity to God's moral standard, both through Christ's work and through ethical living. The prophet Isaiah also speaks of God Himself being clothed with righteousness as a breastplate (Isaiah 59:17), highlighting its divine origin and protective power.

Practical Application

For believers today, Ephesians 6:14 calls for a commitment to truth and righteousness in all areas of life. To "gird your loins with truth" means to live authentically, embracing God's Word as the ultimate reality, and rejecting deception in thought, word, and deed. This truth grounds us when spiritual winds blow and provides the agility to navigate life's challenges. Wearing the "breastplate of righteousness" means relying on Christ's perfect righteousness for our standing before God, and actively pursuing a life of moral purity and integrity. This protects our inner spiritual life from the guilt of sin and the fiery darts of the adversary, enabling us to stand firm against spiritual opposition.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 59:17 (51 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.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:8 (44 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.

  • Isaiah 11:5 (42 votes)

    And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.

  • Luke 12:35 (30 votes)

    Let your loins be girded about, and [your] lights burning;

  • 2 Corinthians 6:7 (22 votes)

    By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,

  • 1 Peter 1:13 (22 votes)

    ¶ Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

  • Ephesians 5:9 (13 votes)

    (For the fruit of the Spirit [is] in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)