Devine Scripture

Ephesians 6:16

What does Ephesians 6:16 mean?

A plain-English look at Ephesians 6:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Ephesians 6:16 means

The shield of faith is to be taken up “withal”—in addition to the other pieces—to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Roman shields were large and could douse burning projectiles. Faith functions similarly: trust in God’s character, promises, and gospel deflects temptations, accusations, fears, and lies. When doubts or inflamed passions strike, faith interposes God’s truth and suffocates the fire. This is not faith in faith, but reliance on the Lord revealed in Scripture. It is active, lifted up in the moment of attack. With this shield, believers need not be overwhelmed by sudden assaults; they can meet them with settled confidence in God’s faithful care.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

withal taking up the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

withal taking up the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And most of all, using faith as a cover to keep off all the flaming arrows of the Evil One.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

above all, having taken up the shield of the faith, in which ye shall be able all the fiery darts of the evil one to quench,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

In all things taking the shield of faith, wherewith you may be able to extinguish all the fiery darts of the most wicked one.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

besides all [these], having taken the shield of faith with which ye will be able to quench all the inflamed darts of the wicked one.

Context

Verse 16 builds on the readiness of verse 15 by focusing on protection against direct assaults—the evil one’s fiery darts. It shows that faith is essential to withstand not only deception but also emotionally charged attacks. The next verse, 17, completes the armor with the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, turning to the believer’s assurance and the word as the Spirit’s weapon.

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

v.16This passage

v.17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Cross references

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

  • 2 Corinthians 1:24

    Not that we have lordship over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for in faith ye stand fast.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:16

    Wherefore we faint not; but though our outward man is decaying, yet our inward man is renewed day by day.

  • Psalms 56:3

    What time I am afraid, I will put my trust in thee.

  • Hebrews 11:24

    By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter;

  • Psalms 120:4

    Sharp arrows of the mighty, With coals of juniper.

  • Proverbs 18:10

    The name of Jehovah is a strong tower; The righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

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