King James Version

What Does Romans 13:12 Mean?

Romans 13:12 in the King James Version says “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 armou...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Romans 13:12 · KJV

Context

10

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

11

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.

12

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.

13

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

14

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

Read Romans 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The night is far spent, the day is at hand—Hē nyx proekopsen, hē de hēmera ēngiken (ἡ νὺξ προέκοψεν, ἡ δὲ ἡμέρα ἤγγικεν). Proekopsen (has advanced/progressed) uses perfect tense—night has moved forward, its end approaching. Hēmera ēngiken (the day has drawn near) uses engizō, same verb John the Baptist and Jesus used: 'the kingdom has drawn near' (Matthew 3:2, 4:17). Nyx (night) symbolizes the present evil age (Ephesians 5:8); hēmera (day) symbolizes Christ's return and the age to come.

Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light—Apothōmetha oun ta erga tou skotous, endysōmetha de ta hopla tou phōtos (ἀποθώμεθα οὖν τὰ ἔργα τοῦ σκότους, ἐνδυσώμεθα δὲ τὰ ὅπλα τοῦ φωτός). Apotithēmi (cast off) is used for removing dirty clothes (Ephesians 4:22, Colossians 3:8). Endyō (put on) indicates clothing oneself. Hopla (armor) suggests spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:11-17). Skotous (darkness) represents sin; phōtos (light) represents righteousness, truth, Christ Himself (John 8:12).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's night/day metaphor was vivid for first-century believers awaiting Christ's return. Early Christians met before dawn for worship, symbolically enacting transition from darkness to light. This language of 'putting off/on' echoes baptismal imagery—old self crucified, new self raised (Romans 6:3-4). The church fathers used this text to call believers to moral transformation befitting their eschatological identity. Augustine's conversion turned on Romans 13:13-14—'put on the Lord Jesus Christ'—showing the text's transformative power.

Reflection Questions

  1. What specific 'works of darkness' (<em>erga tou skotous</em>) do you need to 'cast off' in light of Christ's nearness?
  2. How does 'putting on the armor of light' (<em>hopla tou phōtos</em>) differ from moral willpower or behavioral modification?
  3. What does it mean practically to live as those in the 'day' while still physically in the 'night'—already-but-not-yet ethics?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
ἡ1 of 19
G3588

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

νὺξ2 of 19

“The night”

G3571

"night" (literally or figuratively)

προέκοψεν3 of 19

“is far spent”

G4298

to drive forward (as if by beating), i.e., (figuratively and intransitively) to advance (in amount, to grow; in time, to be well along)

ἡ4 of 19
G3588

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

δὲ5 of 19
G1161

but, and, etc

ἡμέρα6 of 19

“the day”

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

ἤγγικεν7 of 19

“is at hand”

G1448

to make near, i.e., (reflexively) approach

ἀποθώμεθα8 of 19

“cast off”

G659

to put away (literally or figuratively)

οὖν9 of 19

“therefore”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

τὰ10 of 19
G3588

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

ἔργα11 of 19

“the works”

G2041

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

τοῦ12 of 19
G3588

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

σκότους13 of 19

“of darkness”

G4655

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

καί14 of 19

“and”

G2532

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

ἐνδυσώμεθα15 of 19

“let us put on”

G1746

to invest with clothing (literally or figuratively)

τὰ16 of 19
G3588

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

ὅπλα17 of 19

“the armour”

G3696

an implement or utensil or tool (literally or figuratively, especially, offensive for war)

τοῦ18 of 19
G3588

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

φωτός19 of 19

“of light”

G5457

luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative)

Study Guide

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.

Cross-References

Verses related to Romans 13:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 18:31-32Ephesians 5:112 Corinthians 6:7Colossians 3:8-17James 1:21Ephesians 6:11-18

Test Your Knowledge

Romans 13 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRomans Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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