Ephesians 6:18
What does Ephesians 6:18 mean?
A plain-English look at Ephesians 6:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ephesians 6:18 means
Prayer is to be constant, varied (“all prayer and supplication”), Spirit-led, watchful, and persevering, with a scope that includes “all the saints.” This verse shows that spiritual warfare is fought on our knees. Prayer applies God’s armor and keeps believers alert to dangers and needs. It resists spiritual drowsiness and isolation by linking our battles to the wider body of Christ. Praying in the Spirit is prayer aligned with God’s will and empowered by his presence, not mere routine. Perseverance implies that answers may delay and opposition may persist, but God sustains those who keep calling on him. The command shifts the focus from equipment to active dependence.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000with all prayer and supplication praying at all seasons in the Spirit, and watching thereunto in all perseverance and supplication for all the saints,
KJV
King James Version · 1611Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901with all prayer and supplication praying at all seasons in the Spirit, and watching thereunto in all perseverance and supplication for all the saints,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949With prayers and deep desires, making requests at all times in the Spirit, and keeping watch, with strong purpose, in prayer for all the saints,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862through all prayer and supplication praying at all times in the Spirit, and in regard to this same, watching in all perseverance and supplication for all the saints--
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752By all prayer and supplication praying at all times in the spirit: and in the same watching with all instance and supplication for all the saints:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890praying at all seasons, with all prayer and supplication in [the] Spirit, and watching unto this very thing with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints;
Context
Following the armor description (vv. 14–17), verse 18 supplies the continual practice that animates the whole: prayer. It broadens the fight from individual defense to corporate intercession. The next verses, 19–20, will personalize the request by asking prayer for Paul’s bold proclamation of the gospel, tying the church’s praying directly to the advance of God’s word even amid suffering.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Romans 8:15
For ye received not the spirit of bondage again unto fear; but ye received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
- Hebrews 5:7
Who in the days of his flesh, having offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and having been heard for his godly fear,
- Mark 14:38
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
- 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.
- Colossians 4:2
Continue stedfastly in prayer, watching therein with thanksgiving;
- Isaiah 26:16
Jehovah, in trouble have they visited thee; they poured out a prayer when thy chastening was upon them.
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