Ephesians 6:13
What does Ephesians 6:13 mean?
A plain-English look at Ephesians 6:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ephesians 6:13 means
Because the conflict is spiritual, believers must take up the whole armor of God to withstand in the evil day and, after doing everything, to stand firm. The “evil day” suggests seasons of intensified assault—temptation, persecution, or discouragement—when resolve is especially tested. The aim is perseverance, not flashy victory: to remain upright when the storm passes. This verse underscores readiness and completeness; selective gear leaves vulnerabilities. God’s armor is adequate for every front. The repetition of “stand” sets the tone for steady faithfulness. Christians are not called to chase the devil but to hold the ground Christ has won by relying on God’s supplied protection and truth.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Wherefore 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For this reason take up all the arms of God, so that you may be able to be strong in the evil day, and, having done all, to keep your place.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862because of this take ye up the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to resist in the day of the evil, and all things having done--to stand.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Therefore, take unto you the armour of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day and to stand in all things perfect.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For this reason take [to you] the panoply ofGod, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having accomplished all things, to stand.
Context
Building on verse 12’s description of the enemy, verse 13 reiterates the command from verse 11 with heightened urgency and purpose. It transitions from general exhortation to the specific image of standing in armor, which will be unpacked in verses 14–17. The flow moves next to the individual pieces—truth, righteousness, gospel readiness, faith, salvation, and the word of God—each contributing to the believer’s stability under pressure.
v.12For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
v.13This passage
v.14Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ecclesiastes 12:1
Remember also thy Creator in the days of thy youth, before the evil days come, and the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;
- Colossians 4:12
Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, saluteth you, always striving for you in his prayers, that ye may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.
- Revelation 6:17
for the great day of their wrath is come; and who is able to stand?
- Luke 21:36
But watch ye at every season, making supplication, that ye may prevail to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
- Revelation 3:10
Because thou didst keep the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of trial, that hour which is to come upon the whole world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
- Ephesians 5:6
Let no man deceive you with empty words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the sons of disobedience.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Ephesians 6
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Ephesians 6.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Authority
Authority in the Bible refers to the divinely instituted right to command and influence, often reflecting God's sovereign rule and delegation to human leaders.
Topic
Bible Verses About Boldness
Bible verses about boldness reveal how believers can stand firm in faith, speak truth, and overcome fear through God’s strength.
Topic
Bible Verses About Children
God’s Word provides profound insights into the rearing, value, and blessing of children, as well as the responsibilities of both parents and children.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for When Your Marriage Is Falling Apart
When the silence at home is louder than the words — verses to pray for your marriage.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Praying for Your Spouse
Verses to pray over the person you said 'yes' to.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Forgiving Your Spouse
When the hurt is real and forgiveness feels impossible — verses to begin.