King James Version

What Does Romans 13:12 Mean?

“The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.”

Context

Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.

The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. honestly: or, decently

But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(12) **The night.**—The time during which the Messiah is absent from His people is compared to night. He is the sun. whose coming converts it to day. It is rather strange that here, as in 1Thessalonians 5:8, the metaphor of night and day should suggest that of “armour.” The warfare in which the Christian is engaged is between the powers of light and of darkness. (Comp. Ephesians 6:12.) And the use of the word “putting off” (stripping oneself as of clothing) supplies a link between the two ideas by suggesting the putting on of a different kind of clothing, the Christian panoply.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Romans 13:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.