Devine Scripture

Ephesians 6:19

What does Ephesians 6:19 mean?

A plain-English look at Ephesians 6:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Ephesians 6:19 means

Paul asks for prayer that he may be given words and boldness to make known the mystery of the gospel. Even an apostle depends on God for utterance and courage. The “mystery” is the once-hidden, now-revealed good news centered in Christ and the uniting of Jew and Gentile, themes earlier in Ephesians. Boldness is needed because the message meets resistance, both spiritual and social. Paul knows the battle is not merely intellectual; therefore, he seeks the Spirit’s help through the church’s prayers. This request models humility and shows how proclamation is part of spiritual warfare—truth spoken clearly in the face of opposition.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and on my behalf, that utterance may be given unto me in opening my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and on my behalf, that utterance may be given unto me in opening my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And for me, that words may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make clear without fear the secret of the good news,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and in behalf of me, that to me may be given a word in the opening of my mouth, in freedom, to make known the secret of the good news,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And for me, that speech may be given me, that I may open my mouth with confidence, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and for me in order that utterance may be given to me in [the] opening of my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the glad tidings,

Context

Verse 19 flows from the general call to prayer in verse 18 into a specific plea on Paul’s behalf. He links the church’s praying to the effectiveness of gospel preaching. In verse 20, Paul will add the striking image of being an “ambassador in chains,” highlighting the cost of the mission and the need for continued bold speech despite imprisonment.

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,

v.19This passage

v.20for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Cross references

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

  • 2 Corinthians 3:12

    Having therefore such a hope, we use great boldness of speech,

  • 2 Corinthians 8:7

    But as ye abound in everything, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all earnestness, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.

  • Acts 4:13

    Now when they beheld the boldness of Peter and John, and had perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

  • Acts 19:8

    And he entered into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, reasoning and persuading as to the things concerning the kingdom of God.

  • 1 Corinthians 4:1

    Let a man so account of us, as of ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

  • Romans 15:30

    Now I beseech you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ, and by the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;

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