What does Ephesians 6:11 mean?
Paul ends his letter to the Ephesians with a call to spiritual readiness. "Put on the whole armour of God" means using every piece of protection God provides, not just some of it. Paul likely had in mind a Roman soldier, perhaps one guarding him as he wrote from prison. The reason is "that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." "Wiles" means schemes or tricks: Paul describes evil as deceptive rather than always obvious. In the verses that follow he lists truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the word of God. The goal is not to attack people, but to stand firm.
Ephesians 6:11 in the World English Bible
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Context
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
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.
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Frequently asked questions
What does Ephesians 6:11 mean?
Paul ends his letter to the Ephesians with a call to spiritual readiness. "Put on the whole armour of God" means using every piece of protection God provides, not just some of it. Paul likely had in mind a Roman soldier, perhaps one guarding him as he wrote from prison. The reason is "that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." "Wiles" means schemes or tricks: Paul describes evil as deceptive rather than always obvious. In the verses that follow he lists truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the word of God. The goal is not to attack people, but to stand firm.
What does Ephesians 6:11 say in the KJV?
Ephesians 6:11 (KJV) reads: “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”