Devine Scripture

Ephesians 6:14

What does Ephesians 6:14 mean?

A plain-English look at Ephesians 6:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Ephesians 6:14 means

Paul begins the armor list with the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness. Truth, like a soldier’s belt, gathers and secures everything; it stabilizes life and guards against deception. This is God’s truth revealed in the gospel and embraced in honest living. The breastplate of righteousness protects vital organs—our inner life—by the righteousness God provides and produces. In Christ, we are counted righteous and called to live righteously; both aspects shield us from accusation and moral collapse. Standing requires both clarity and integrity. Lies and hypocrisy unravel a believer; truth and righteousness make them resilient. Paul urges a settled commitment to what God says and to a life aligned with it.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Take your place, then, having your body clothed with the true word, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Stand, therefore, having your loins girt about in truth, and having put on the breastplate of the righteousness,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth and having on the breastplate of justice:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

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

Context

Verse 14 opens the detailed description of the armor promised in verse 13. It highlights foundational equipment—truth and righteousness—that secure identity and character. Next, verse 15 will address footwear symbolizing readiness from the gospel of peace, followed in verses 16–17 by the shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and sword of the Spirit. The sequence moves from stabilizing essentials to protective and offensive resources.

v.13Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand.

v.14This passage

v.15and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 2 Corinthians 6:7

    in the word of truth, in the power of God; by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,

  • Luke 12:35

    Let your loins be girded about, and your lamps burning;

  • Isaiah 59:17

    And he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a mantle.

  • Revelation 9:17

    And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat on them, having breastplates as of fire and of hyacinth and of brimstone: and the heads of the horses are as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths proceedeth fire and smoke and brimstone.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:8

    But let us, since we are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for a helmet, the hope of salvation.

  • Revelation 9:9

    And they had breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings was as the sound of chariots, of many horses rushing to war.

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