Devine Scripture

Ephesians 6:17

What does Ephesians 6:17 mean?

A plain-English look at Ephesians 6:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Ephesians 6:17 means

Paul commands believers to receive the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Salvation guards the mind with hope and identity in Christ; it protects against despair, confusion, and shame. The sword, uniquely identified as the Spirit’s word, is both defensive and offensive—Scripture wielded rightly to answer lies, correct error, and press forward in witness. This is no human ingenuity; the Spirit empowers the word to cut and heal. Together, assurance of salvation and readiness with Scripture fortify believers to think clearly and respond wisely. The armor culminates here, but the battle’s posture continues in dependence, which Paul unfolds next in prayer.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And take salvation for your head-dress and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and the helmet of the salvation receive, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the saying of God,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And take unto you the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit (which is the word of God).

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Have also the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which isGod's word;

Context

Verse 17 closes the inventory of armor pieces, linking inner assurance (salvation) with an active instrument (the Spirit’s word). The flow naturally leads to verse 18, where Paul insists that prayer saturate everything. Prayer is not another piece of armor but the means by which the armor is put to use and sustained. Verses 19–20 will then apply this to Paul’s own need for bold proclamation.

v.16withal taking up the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one.

v.17This passage

v.18with all prayer and supplication praying at all seasons in the Spirit, and watching thereunto in all perseverance and supplication for all the saints,

Cross references

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

  • Hebrews 4:12

    For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart.

  • Revelation 1:16

    And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth proceeded a sharp two-edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.

  • Revelation 2:16

    Repent therefore; or else I come to thee quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of my mouth.

  • Matthew 4:10

    Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

  • 1 Samuel 17:5

    And he had a helmet of brass upon his head, and he was clad with a coat of mail; and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of brass.

  • Hebrews 12:5

    and ye have forgotten the exhortation which reasoneth with you as with sons, My son, regard not lightly the chastening of the Lord, Nor faint when thou art reproved of him;

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