Ephesians 6: Defending the full armor of God

Paul concludes his letter to the Ephesians in chapter 6 by talking about the full armor of God.

Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. [kjv]

ενδυσασθε την πανοπλιαν του θεου προς το δυνασθαι υμας στηναι προς τας μεθοδειας του διαβολου [gnt]

All the armaments mentioned are defensive and require teamwork and not individual combat. The exception is the sword (of truth, of the spirit, etc.) which can be both an offensive and a defensive weapon.

This conclusion has many military allusions but, as a conclusion, each refers to things already said in the letter and not completely new ideas.

For a hymn based on these verses, see Song: Stand up stand up for Jesus.

Ephesians 6:10

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KJV: Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Greek: το λοιπον αδελφοι μου του λοιπου ενδυναμουσθε εν κυριω και εν τω κρατει της ισχυος αυτου

Latin: de cetero fratres confortamini in Domino et in potentia virtutis eius

When in a sermon the paster says "finally" everyone starts to pay attention as the sermon should be about over. When Paul says "finally", there may be more, but what he is about to say depends a lot on what he said before.

Note: The Greek word here can be translated "therefore" but indicates a transition - in this case, from content body to summary and conclusion.

The audience here are Greeks and Jews (with Greek influences) in the city of Ephesus.

The Apostle Paul, and many others, have often used a teaching method demonstrated and used by Aristotle (Greek scientist and philosopher) , personal tutor of Alexander the Great, some 400 years earlier and still used today.

Tell them what you are going to say.
Say it.
Tell you what you told them.

Aristotle does not appear to have defined this method. He just used it a lot and others copied him.

More: Aristotle

Paul concludes with a military analogy that would be familiar to his readers. If not, there would be many former soldiers there who could explain it.

At a higher level, Paul is in chains, probably in house arrest awaiting trail in Rome, guarded by soldiers.

Ephesians 6:20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. [kjv]

6:24 Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen. Written from Rome unto the Ephesians by Tychicus. [kjv]

Those soldiers may have in interest in what he is writing. They may be required to read it for any material that could be potentially damaging to Rome. This is a second audience for the military analogies Paul is about to make.

Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. [kjv]

του λοιπου ενδυναμουσθε εν κυριω και εν τω κρατει της ισχυος αυτου [gnt]

… confortamini … potentia virtutis … [v]

The Greek word for "strong" here is that of being "clothed" or "endowed" or "empowered" with something, as in the "power of his might".

The ancient Greek word "ἐνδύνω" ≈ "get into, put on (clothes)" and comes from two Greek words.

"ἐν" ≈ "in" as an intensifier.
"δύνω" ≈ "get into, put on (clothes)".

Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. [kjv]

του λοιπου ενδυναμουσθε εν κυριω και εν τω κρατει της ισχυος αυτου [gnt]

… confortamini … potentia virtutis … [v]

The ancient Greek word "κράτος" ≈ "might, strength" and is the source of the English word "democracy". The Latin uses the Latin word "potentia" ≈ "power" and is the source of the English word "potential".

The ancient Greek word"ἰσχυρός" ≈ "strong, mighty". This word is used to describe the "strong man" of the world (Satan) and the "healthy" using this Greek word for "strong" who do not "want" a "healer" or "doctor".

More: Democracy etymology

More: Rapture: Snatching the goods from the strong man

More: Matthew 9:12 The healthy make a strong case for evil sick time

*G1743 *7 ἐνδυναμόω (en-doo-nam-o'-o) : from G1722 and G1412; to empower:--enable, (increase in) strength(-en), be (make) strong.

Usage

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ενεδυναμουτο

Acts 9:22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded ...

ενεδυναμωθη

Romans 4:20 ... of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;

ενδυναμουσθε

Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and ...

ενδυναμουντι

Philippians 4:13 ... through Christ which strengtheneth me.

ενδυναμωσαντι

1 Timothy 1:12 ... Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted ...

ενδυναμου

2 Timothy 2:1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is ...

ενεδυναμωσεν

2 Timothy 4:17 ... stood with me, and strengthened me; that by ...

The Greek word for "might" here is the same used in Matthew 9:12.

Matthew 9:12 But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. [kjv]

Here the Greek word for "whole" or "healthy" is that of "strong" or "mighty", and not necessarily in a good sense, and the word for "sick" is that of "evil" or "bad" as in "those in bad shape" and needing Jesus.

More: Matthew 9:12 The healthy make a strong case for evil sick time

Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. [kjv]

ενδυσασθε την πανοπλιαν του θεου προς το δυνασθαι υμας στηναι προς τας μεθοδειας του διαβολου [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "μέθοδος" ≈ "following after, pursuit".

The "wiles of the devil" might be thought of as the "methods of the devil" as in a trap to deceive those. In both cases in Ephesians, the word for "method" is not used in a positive light. Deception has been an important part of military operations since time began.

This analogy would be familiar to any soldier of the time as deception was common in military operations. Alexander the Great made great use of deception since he usually had a much smaller force than his opponents. The Romans were deceived at a devastating ambush at Teuteburg Forest about 9 A.D.

More: Streets: Flowing after a path into a plaza

Ephesians 6:11

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

Greek: ενδυσασθε την πανοπλιαν του θεου προς το δυνασθαι υμας στηναι προς τας μεθοδειας του διαβολου

Latin: induite vos arma Dei ut possitis stare adversus insidias diaboli

Wycliffe: Clothe you with the armere of God, that ye moun stonde ayens aspiynges of the deuel.

Gothic: gahamoth izwis sarwam gudis, ei mageith standan withra listins diabulaus;

Luther: Ziehet an den Harnisch Gottes, daß ihr bestehen könnet gegen die listigen Anläufe des Teufels.

Spanish: Vestíos de toda la armadura de Dios, para que podáis estar firmes contra las asechanzas del diablo;

*G3180 *0 μεθοδεία (meth-od-i'-ah) : from a compound of G3326 and G3593 (compare "method"); travelling over, i.e. travesty (trickery):--wile, lie in wait.

Usage

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μεθοδιαν

Ephesians 4:14 ... cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

μεθοδιας

Ephesians 6:11 ... may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

*G3180 *0 μεθοδεία (meth-od-i'-ah) : from a compound of G3326 and G3593 (compare "method"); travelling over, i.e. travesty (trickery):--wile, lie in wait.

Words: μεθοδιαν μεθοδιας

Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. [kjv]

ενδυσασθε την πανοπλιαν του θεου προς το δυνασθαι υμας στηναι προς τας μεθοδειας του διαβολου [gnt]

The Greek is one word for "whole armor" as the ancient Greek word "πανοπλία" ≈ "suit of armor" and is the source of the English word "panoply" as a "splendid display" of something, at one time a suit of armor what might be worn by, for example, a medieval knight. The two words in the Greek are the following.

The ancient Greek word "πᾶς" ≈ "all, every".
The ancient Greek word "ὅπλον" ≈ "tool, instrument" and "arms" or "weapon" or "armor" in the plural and is the source of the historical term "Hoplite" for a Greek soldier.

*G3833 *3 πανοπλία (pan-op-lee'-ah) : from a compound of G3956 and G3696; full armor ("panoply"):--all (whole) armour.

Usage

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πανοπλιαν *3

Luke 11:22 ... he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, ...
Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able ...
Ephesians 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able ...

The English word "armor" comes, through French, from the Latin word "armatura" ≈ "armor" as in the equipment of soldiers. This word, in turn, comes from the Latin word "armo" ≈ "furnish with weapons" which is from the Latin word "arma" ≈ "arms, weapons".

The English word "armada" comes through Spanish from Latin.

The ancient Greek word "ἅρμα" ≈ "chariot" comes from the idea of "fitting together" or "joining". The word is related to the ancient Greek word "ἁρμός" ≈ "join" and is the source of English words such as "harmony" and "harmonica".

The modern Greek word "άρμα" (AR-ma) ≈ "military tank, carnival chariot".

The Romans, and others, use chariots for races but not for military use. Instead, calvary was used.

Alexander the Great ended the use of the chariot in 331 BC at the Battle of Gaugamela when he defeated Darius III (and effectively the Persian Empire) by spreading out and letting the chariots go through and then attacked them from their vulnerable back side.

When reading these verses in Ephesians, many people think of a solitary knight in shining armor. There is a saying that "no man is an island" meaning that everything is interdependent and one must work together with others. This is especially true in military operations.

The saying "no man is an island" is from a poem by Englishman John Donne (1572-1631) in 1624.

No man is an Iland, intire of it selfe; every man is a peece of the Continent, a part of the maine; if a Clod bee washed away by the Sea, Europe is the lesse, as well as if a Promontorie were, as well as if a Mannor of thy friends or of thine owne were; any mans death diminishes me, because I am involved in Mankinde; And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; It tolls for thee.

Today, armored forces are associated with battle tanks. The word "tank" comes from a simple water tank as that was a code word used for this weapon during development in World War I.

The old German word "panzer" ≈ "shield, armor" became associated with the German battle tanks during World War II. In the 1970's, a West German battle tank was the Leopard 1 tank, produced by Porsche. The updated tank today is the Leopard 2.

Revelation 9:9 And they had breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings was as the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle. [kjv]

και ειχαν θωρακας ως θωρακας σιδηρους και η φωνη των πτερυγων αυτων ως φωνη αρματων ιππων πολλων τρεχοντων εις πολεμον [gnt]

… Panzer … Panzer… [lu]

That "panzer" armor was originally a "breastplate". The Greek term was used by Paul in Ephesians.

The ancient Greek word "θώραξ" ≈ "breastplate"
The modern Greek word "θώρακας" (THO-ra-kas) ≈ "chest, thorax".

In English, the "thorax" is the middle part of an insect or the chest cavity of a human or animal.

Revelation 9:9

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KJV: And they had breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings was as the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle.

Hebrew: ושרינים להם כשריני ברזל וקול כנפיהם כקול מרכבות סוסים רבים הרצים למלחמה׃

Greek: και ειχον ειχαν θωρακας ως θωρακας σιδηρους και η φωνη των πτερυγων αυτων ως φωνη αρματων ιππων πολλων τρεχοντων εις πολεμον

Latin: et habebant loricas sicut loricas ferreas et vox alarum earum sicut vox curruum equorum multorum currentium in bellum

Wycliffe: And thei hadden haburiouns, as yren haburiouns, and the vois of her wengis as the vois of charis of many horsis rennynge`in to batel.

Tyndale: And they had habbergions as it were habbergions of yron. And the sounde of their wynges was as the sounde of charettes when many horsses runne to gedder to battayle.

Luther: Und hatten Panzer wie eiserne Panzer; und das Rasseln ihrer Flügel wie das Rasseln an den Wagen vieler Rosse, die in den Krieg laufen.

Spanish: y tenían corazas como corazas de hierro; y el ruido de sus alas era como el estruendo de muchos carros de caballos corriendo a la batalla.

Some people interpret the "sound of their wings was as the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle." as the sound of, say, a helicopter.

The English word "helicopter" comes from the Greek word for "helix".

Waltzing out of chains [Helix]

Another insect that has military meaning, then and now, is the scorpion. The Roman version was like a large powerful crossbow. One feature of a scorpion sting is that it may take a short time to feel the pain from the sting.

More: A scatter-brained approach to the sting of a scorpion

Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. [kjv]

ενδυσασθε την πανοπλιαν του θεου προς το δυνασθαι υμας στηναι προς τας μεθοδειας του διαβολου [gnt]

More: Streets: Flowing after a path into a plaza

Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. [kjv]

The word "wrestle" here, the only time in the GNT (Greek New Testament), indicates that the combat or attack will be at very close range but the word can be interpreted as a mental exercise rather than a physical exercise (or both).

The ancient Greek word "πάλη" ≈ "wrestling, fight" is from the ancient Greek word "πάλλω" ≈ "poise or sway a missile" as in before it is thrown or to brandish a weapon.

What are the dangers that go beyond "flesh" and "blood"?

More: Ephesians 6:12 Wrestling with words

Ephesians 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; [kjv]

ινα μηκετι ωμεν νηπιοι κλυδωνιζομενοι και περιφερομενοι παντι ανεμω της διδασκαλιας εν τη κυβεια των ανθρωπων εν πανουργια προς την μεθοδειαν της πλανης [gnt]

The Greek word for "methods" is used here for deception. The KJV (King James Version) translates this as "lie in wait".

Who are the "they"?

This word only appears in two places, both in Ephesians, and appears to connect the "principalities and powers" with human manifestations and not just abstract Satanic manifestations.

Ephesians 4:14

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KJV: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

Greek: ινα μηκετι ωμεν νηπιοι κλυδωνιζομενοι και περιφερομενοι παντι ανεμω της διδασκαλιας εν τη κυβεια των ανθρωπων εν πανουργια προς την μεθοδειαν της πλανης

There are many ways that humans can rebel against God.

Only loving God and not neighbor.
Only loving neighbor and not God.

Some other human ways of rebelling against God have names such as humanism, socialism, etc. A common factor in all these belief systems are atheism and taking anything that the Bible says is good and taking the opposite stance and trying to make people think that this way is the best way to go.

More: Psalms 2: Self-reference of robots and humans rebelling

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. [kjv]

δια τουτο αναλαβετε την πανοπλιαν του θεου ινα δυνηθητε αντιστηναι εν τη ημερα τη πονηρα και απαντα κατεργασαμενοι στηναι [gnt]

What is the "evil day" which we need to "withstand"? What if the "evil day" consists of many small burdensome attacks in the form of cares and concerns that, through attrition, gradually take their toll on us? Putting on the full armor of God can help us withstand and remain "standing" at the end. Notice that there is no mention of actually doing battle, just being prepared for battle and withstanding.

More: Overly burdened in the cares and concerns of evil

Ephesians 6:13

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KJV: 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.

Greek: δια τουτο αναλαβετε την πανοπλιαν του θεου ινα δυνηθητε αντιστηναι εν τη ημερα τη πονηρα και απαντα κατεργασαμενοι στηναι

Latin: propterea accipite armaturam Dei ut possitis resistere in die malo et omnibus perfectis stare

Ephesians 6:14

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

Greek: στητε ουν περιζωσαμενοι την οσφυν υμων εν αληθεια και ενδυσαμενοι τον θωρακα της δικαιοσυνης

Latin: state ergo succincti lumbos vestros in veritate et induti loricam iustitiae

Wycliffe: Therfor stonde ye, and be gird aboute youre leendis in sothefastnesse, and clothid with the haburioun of riytwisnesse,

Luther: So stehet nun, umgürtet an euren Lenden mit Wahrheit und angezogen mit dem Krebs der Gerechtigkeit

Spanish: Estad, pues, firmes, ceñidos vuestros lomos de verdad, y vestidos de la coraza de justicia;

Portuguese: Mantende-vos, portanto, firmes, tendo cingido os vossos rins com a verdade, vestido a couraça da justiça

Ephesians 6:15

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

Greek: και υποδησαμενοι τους ποδας εν ετοιμασια του ευαγγελιου της ειρηνης

Feet did not need to be "shod" unless one was going to travel some distance. Soldiers often had to travel great distances.

During his missions, Paul traveled some 10,000 miles, but mostly by boat.

Some four hundred years earlier, about 10,000 soldiers of Alexander the Great traveled some 10,000 miles, mostly on foot, over 10 years, conquering a good part of the known world and never losing a battle.

A central feature of "peace" is that of a lack of anarchy.

1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. [kjv]

James 3:16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. [kjv]

Luke 21:9 But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by. [kjv]

More: A mania for confusing commotions

Matthew 9:12 But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. [kjv]

9:13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. [kjv]

28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: [kjv]

Ephesians 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. [kjv]

εν πασιν αναλαβοντες τον θυρεον της πιστεως εν ω δυνησεσθε παντα τα βελη του πονηρου τα πεπυρωμενα σβεσαι [gnt]

… scheld … dartis … [wy]

The Greek word for "shield" here is that of a "door-shaped shield", where the actual Greek word for "shield" disappeared and what remained was the "door".

Ephesians 6:16

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KJV: Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

Greek: επι εν πασιν αναλαβοντες τον θυρεον της πιστεως εν ω δυνησεσθε παντα τα βελη του πονηρου τα πεπυρωμενα σβεσαι

Latin: in omnibus sumentes scutum fidei in quo possitis omnia tela nequissimi ignea extinguere

Wycliffe: In alle thingis take ye the scheld of feith, in which ye moun quenche alle the firy dartis of`the worste.

Geneva: Aboue all, take the shielde of faith, wherewith ye may quench all the fierie dartes of the wicked,

Spanish: Sobre todo, tomad el escudo de la fe, con que podáis apagar todos los dardos de fuego del maligno;

*G2375 *1 θυρεός (thoo-reh-os') : from G2374; a large shield (as door-shaped):--shield.

Usage

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θυρεον

Ephesians 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able ...

Most people think of a shield as a pointed shield, which is fine for one-person battle.

The Romans used a door-like shield in a formation called a "tortoise" where the shields were used as a shield above and to the front in a manner similar to a tortoise.

This shield was most useful when in a group where every solider had to work together to be protected, especially from arrows which could come from the front or from above.

Ephesians 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. [kjv]

εν πασιν αναλαβοντες τον θυρεον της πιστεως εν ω δυνησεσθε παντα τα βελη του πονηρου τα πεπυρωμενα σβεσαι [gnt]

… scheld … dartis … [wy]

The Greek word translated "darts" is from the Greek word for "arrows".
Due to air resistance and turbulence, etc., a "dart" as one usually thinks of it, would not fly very well for any distance other than very short range.

More: Rainbows and the toxic arrow of time

The Greek word for "helmet" is, literally, something that goes "around the head". The helmet protected the head from (some) arrows and (light) blows.

In this case, "salvation" would provide life after death should life on earth end from a deadly blow.

With the musket, helmets went out of style but came back in style with trench warfare after the American Civil War.

Ephesians 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: [kjv]

και την περικεφαλαιαν του σωτηριου δεξασθε και την μαχαιραν του πνευματος ο εστιν ρημα θεου [gnt]

… galeam … gladium … [v]

The ancient Greek word "μάχαιραν" ≈ "sword" from the ancient Greek word "μάχη" ≈ "battle, fight".

The Latin word "gladium" ≈ "sword" and is the source of the English word "gladiator". The ancient Greek word "ῥομφαία" ≈ "large broad sword" and is used in the LXX (Septuagint).

The ancient Greek word "ῥῆμα" ≈ "spoken word" and is the source of the English word "rhetoric".

The "declarative" or "spoken word" of God is the "sword" of the Spirit.

There are (at least) two ancient Greek words for "word".

The ancient Greek word "ῥῆμα" ≈ "spoken word" as in a saying. In grammar it referred to a "verb" and is the source of the English word "rhetoric".
The ancient Greek word "λόγος" ≈ "rational explanation" but is translated as "word" in John 1:1, in the beginning was the "word". It is the source of the English word "logic".

In general, one word means a spoken word and one means a written word but this distinction is not always followed.

There are many verses in the LXX and GNT that use both words. Such verses may help understand both the similarities and the differences between the two words.

More: Something to say about words

Ephesians 6:17

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

Greek: και την περικεφαλαιαν του σωτηριου δεξασθε και την μαχαιραν του πνευματος ο εστιν ρημα θεου

Latin: et galeam salutis adsumite et gladium Spiritus quod est verbum Dei

Wycliffe: And take ye the helm of helthe, and the swerd of the Goost, that is, the word of God.

Luther: Und nehmet den Helm des Heils und das Schwert des Geistes, welches ist das Wort Gottes.

Spanish: y tomad el yelmo de la salvación, y la espada del Espíritu, que es la palabra de Dios;

*G3162 *29 μάχαιρα (makh'-ahee-rah) : probably feminine of a presumed derivative of G3163; a knife, i.e. dirk; figuratively, war, judicial punishment:--sword.

Usage

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μαχαιραν *12

Matthew 10:34 ... to send peace, but a sword.
Matthew 26:51 ... his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant ...
Matthew 26:52 ... Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.
Mark 14:47 ... of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, ...
Luke 22:36 ... he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, ...
John 18:10 Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and ...
John 18:11 ... unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup ...
Acts 16:27 ... doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, ...
Romans 13:4 ... for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is ...
Ephesians 6:17 ... the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is ...
Hebrews 4:12 ... than any twoedged sword, piercing even to ...

μαχαιρων *5

Matthew 26:47 ... great multitude with swords and staves, from ...
Matthew 26:55 ... against a thief with swords and staves for to take ...
Mark 14:43 ... a great multitude with swords and staves, from ...
Mark 14:48 ... against a thief, with swords and with staves to take me?
Luke 22:52 ... against a thief, with swords and staves?

μαχαιρη *5

Matthew 26:52 ... Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.
Luke 22:49 ... shall we smite with the sword?
Acts 12:2 ... James the brother of John with the sword.
Revelation 13:10 ... killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is ...

μαχαιρης *4

Luke 21:24 And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into ...
Hebrews 11:34 ... of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, ...
Hebrews 11:37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins ...
Revelation 13:14 ... which had the wound by a sword, and did live.

μαχαιρα *2

Romans 8:35 ... or peril, or sword?
Revelation 6:4 ... there was given unto him a great sword.

μαχαιραι

Luke 22:38 ... behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, ...

Words: μαχαιρα=2 μαχαιραι μαχαιραν=12 μαχαιρη=5 μαχαιρης=4 μαχαιρων=5

*G3162 *29 μάχαιρα (makh'-ahee-rah) : probably feminine of a presumed derivative of G3163; a knife, i.e. dirk; figuratively, war, judicial punishment:--sword.

In the GNT, the word "sword" in the Greek appears to refer to a generic sword.

The Greek "machaira" sword was one-edged and longer.
The Roman "gladius" sword (used by a gladiator) was two-edged and shorter.

Most people think of a sword as a long sharp pointed weapon used for individual combat. The Roman sword was about 18 inches long and the effective use was in close combat in formation and used as a trained group of soldiers. Again, Paul is using an analogy about working together to achieve a goal.

Of course, the "sword" of Jesus is the sword of truth which divides people and is part of the truth of the Holy Spirit.

More: A peace of the mouth of the sword

Ephesians 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; [kjv]

Ephesians 6:18

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KJV: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Greek: δια πασης προσευχης και δεησεως προσευχομενοι εν παντι καιρω εν πνευματι και εις αυτο τουτο αγρυπνουντες εν παση προσκαρτερησει και δεησει περι παντων των αγιων

Latin: per omnem orationem et obsecrationem orantes omni tempore in Spiritu et in ipso vigilantes in omni instantia et obsecratione pro omnibus sanctis

The original word for "saint" meant someone who was "holy". The Catholic church elevated "saint" to "Saint".

Matthew 27:52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, [kjv]

και τα μνημεια ανεωχθησαν και πολλα σωματα των κεκοιμημενων αγιων ηγερθησαν [gnt]

… sanctorum … [v]

… weihaize … [got]

… Heiligen… [lu]

The English word "holy" came from "wholesome" as "healthy" since one should be physically healthy or whole and spiritually healthy or holy.

More: Wholesome and healthy sanctified saints

Ephesians 6:20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. [kjv]

Paul is in bonds. The Greek is "chains". And Paul's chain of reasoning, here as elsewhere, needs to consider each link in the chain.

The Greek word for "chain" is from a root meaning to "turn" or "revolve" and is related to the German word "wälzte" for "turn" which became the name of a dance involving turning called the "waltz".

More: Waltzing out of chains

Ephesians 6:20

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KJV: For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Greek: υπερ ου πρεσβευω εν αλυσει ινα εν αυτω παρρησιασωμαι ως δει με λαλησαι

Latin: pro quo legatione fungor in catena ita ut in ipso audeam prout oportet me loqui

Wycliffe: for which Y am set in message in a chayne; so that in it Y be hardi to speke, as it bihoueth me.

Luther: welches Bote ich bin in der Kette, auf daß ich darinnen freudig handeln möge und reden, wie sich's gebührt.

Spanish: por el cual soy embajador en cadenas; para que en ellas hable osadamente, como debo hablar.

Ephesians 6:24 Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen. Written from Rome unto the Ephesians by Tychicus. [kjv]

Verse 24 completes the book of Ephesians.

Ephesians 6:24

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KJV: Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen. Written from Rome unto the Ephesians by Tychicus.

Greek: η χαρις μετα παντων των αγαπωντων τον κυριον ημων ιησουν χριστον εν αφθαρσια αμην προς εφεσιους εγραφη απο ρωμης δια τυχικου

What is not said is often as important as what was said?
What is not said is often as important as what was said?

A husband related how he got in trouble with his wife.

It was not what I said.
It was not what I didn't say.
It was the way I didn't say it.

More: Funny quotes and sayings

At the end of the letter to the Ephesians, Paul describes the full armor of God needed to be ready for battle.

As a summary, each part relates to what had already been said in the letter.

Let us sing the verse from "Stand up stand up for Jesus".

The song "Stand up stand up for Jesus" was written by George Duffield, Jr., after the death of Dudley Tyng from a farm accident during the Great Revival of 1858. One of Tyng's last words to his father: "Tell my brethren of the ministry, wherever you meet them, to stand up for Jesus". Both Union and Confederate soldiers sang this song during the American Civil War.

Dudley Tyng preached on Exodus 10:11 right before his death. George Duffield based his funeral sermon and song on Ephesians 6:14. Music: Stand up stand up for Jesus

More: Song: Stand up stand up for Jesus

Stand up, stand up for Jesus
ye soldiers of the cross;
lift high his royal banner,
it must not suffer loss:

from vict'ry unto vict'ry
his army he shall lead,
'til ev'ry foe is vanquished,
and Christ is Lord indeed.

Paul does not really describe the actual battle, just the preparation for the battle - wearing the full armor of God.

Let us go back to the Battle of Jericho.

Who fought the Battle of Jericho?

Joshua did not fight the battle of Jericho.

Joshua was told what to do in preparation for the battle of Jericho.

Jesus fought the battle of Jericho, Joshua and Jesus in Hebrew being the same name.

Let us sing the refrain from "Joshua fought the battle of Jericho" but thinking "Jesus" rather than "Joshua".

More: Song: Joshua fought the battle of Jericho

The creation of the world was spoken into existence by God.
Joshua was prepared and Jesus fought the battle of Jericho.
Paul wants us to be prepared for the battle that Jesus will fight.
Jesus fights the final battle in the same way that the world came into existence.

Joshua fought the battle of Jericho,

Jericho, Jericho Joshua fought the battle of Jericho
And the walls came a-tumbling down

Revelation 1:16

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KJV: And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.

Greek: και εχων εν τη δεξια αυτου χειρι αυτου αστερας επτα και εκ του στοματος αυτου ρομφαια διστομος οξεια εκπορευομενη και η οψις αυτου ως ο ηλιος φαινει εν τη δυναμει αυτου