Devine Scripture

Ephesians 6:20

What does Ephesians 6:20 mean?

A plain-English look at Ephesians 6:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Ephesians 6:20 means

Paul identifies himself as “an ambassador in chains” for the gospel. An ambassador represents a king; his chains highlight the paradox of royal service under human restraint. He repeats his request: to speak boldly as he ought. The standard is not personal comfort but faithful witness. This glimpse into Paul’s condition underscores that spiritual warfare is real and often expressed through suffering for the truth. Yet chains do not cancel calling; they frame it. Paul’s courage under constraint encourages the church to pray and to hold fast. The gospel’s advance does not depend on favorable circumstances but on God’s power working through weak vessels.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For which I am a representative in chains, and that I may say without fear the things which it is right for me to say.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for which I am an ambassador in a chain, that in it I may speak freely--as it behoveth me to speak.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For which I am an ambassador in a chain: so that therein I may be bold to speak according as I ought.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

for which I am an ambassador [bound] with a chain, that I may be bold in it as I ought to speak.

Context

This verse completes Paul’s prayer request started in verse 19 by situating it in his imprisonment. With the theme of bold proclamation under pressure established, Paul turns in verses 21–22 to practical matters, introducing Tychicus as the messenger who will update and encourage the Ephesians. The letter then closes in verses 23–24 with a benediction of peace, love, faith, and grace.

v.19and on my behalf, that utterance may be given unto me in opening my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel,

v.20This passage

v.21But that ye also may know my affairs, how I do, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:

Cross references

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

  • Acts 5:29

    But Peter and the apostles answered and said, We must obey God rather than men.

  • Ephesians 4:1

    I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beseech you to walk worthily of the calling wherewith ye were called,

  • Proverbs 13:17

    A wicked messenger falleth into evil; But a faithful ambassador is health.

  • Acts 28:20

    For this cause therefore did I entreat you to see and to speak with me: for because of the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.

  • Ephesians 3:1

    For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus in behalf of you Gentiles,—

  • 2 Samuel 10:2

    And David said, I will show kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father showed kindness unto me. So David sent by his servants to comfort him concerning his father. And David’s servants came into the land of the children of Ammon.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Ephesians 6

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Ephesians 6.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Ephesians 6:20.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary