King James Version

What Does Ephesians 6:12 Mean?

Ephesians 6:12 in the King James Version says “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkne... — study this verse from Ephesians chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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. flesh: Gr. blood and flesh spiritual: or, wicked spirits high: or, heavenly

Ephesians 6:12 · KJV


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. flesh: Gr. blood and flesh spiritual: or, wicked spirits high: or, heavenly

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. having: or, having overcome all

14

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
[Verse 6:12 text would be quoted here] This verse in Ephesians chapter 6 addresses theological theme. Key Greek terms include to be determined.

The theological focus is doctrinal emphasis, demonstrating Paul's emphasis on the cosmic Christ and the church as His body/bride/temple. The phrase emphasizes union with Christ as the foundation of all spiritual blessings.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Written during Paul's Roman imprisonment (60-62 CE), this verse in chapter 6 reflects the circular letter's purpose to multiple Asian churches. Ephesus was a major center of pagan worship (Artemis cult) and early Christianity, making Paul's teachings on spiritual warfare and Christian unity particularly relevant.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the truth of Ephesians 6:12 about verse-specific transform your daily walk with Christ?
  2. What does this verse teach about theological theme that challenges modern Christian practice?
  3. How can you apply the theological principle of doctrinal emphasis in your relationships and witness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 33 words
ὅτι1 of 33

For

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

οὐκ2 of 33

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἔστιν3 of 33

against

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἡμῖν4 of 33

we

G2254

to (or for, with, by) us

5 of 33
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πάλη6 of 33

wrestle

G3823

wrestling

πρὸς7 of 33

against

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

αἷμα8 of 33

blood

G129

blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k

καὶ9 of 33

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

σάρκα10 of 33

flesh

G4561

flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or

ἀλλὰ11 of 33

but

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

πρὸς12 of 33

against

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τὰς13 of 33
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀρχάς14 of 33

principalities

G746

(properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank)

πρὸς15 of 33

against

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τὰς16 of 33
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐξουσίας17 of 33

powers

G1849

privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o

πρὸς18 of 33

against

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τοὺς19 of 33
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κοσμοκράτορας20 of 33

the rulers

G2888

a world-ruler, an epithet of satan

τοῦ21 of 33
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σκότους22 of 33

of the darkness

G4655

shadiness, i.e., obscurity (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ23 of 33
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

αἰῶνος24 of 33

world

G165

properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)

τούτου25 of 33

of this

G5127

of (from or concerning) this (person or thing)

πρὸς26 of 33

against

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τὰ27 of 33
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πνευματικὰ28 of 33

spiritual

G4152

non-carnal, i.e., (humanly) ethereal (as opposed to gross), or (daemoniacally) a spirit (concretely), or (divinely) supernatural, regenerate, religiou

τῆς29 of 33
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πονηρίας30 of 33

wickedness

G4189

depravity, i.e., (specially), malice; plural (concretely) plots, sins

ἐν31 of 33

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τοῖς32 of 33
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐπουρανίοις33 of 33

high

G2032

above the sky


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ephesians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ephesians 6:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ephesians 6:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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