Ephesians 6:12

Authorized King James Version

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ὅτι

G3754

For

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

οὐκ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἔστιν

G2076

against

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἡμῖν

G2254

to (or for, with, by) us

ἡ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πάλη

G3823

wrestle

wrestling

πρὸς

G4314

against

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

αἷμα

G129

blood

blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#10

σάρκα

G4561

flesh

flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or

#11

ἀλλὰ

G235

but

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

#12

πρὸς

G4314

against

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

#13

τὰς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#14

ἀρχάς

G746

principalities

(properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank)

#15

πρὸς

G4314

against

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

#16

τὰς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#17

ἐξουσίας

G1849

powers

privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o

#18

πρὸς

G4314

against

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

#19

τοὺς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#20

κοσμοκράτορας

G2888

the rulers

a world-ruler, an epithet of satan

#21

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#22

σκότους

G4655

of the darkness

shadiness, i.e., obscurity (literally or figuratively)

#23

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#24

αἰῶνος

G165

world

properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)

#25

τούτου

G5127

of this

of (from or concerning) this (person or thing)

#26

πρὸς

G4314

against

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

#27

τὰ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#28

πνευματικὰ

G4152

spiritual

non-carnal, i.e., (humanly) ethereal (as opposed to gross), or (daemoniacally) a spirit (concretely), or (divinely) supernatural, regenerate, religiou

#29

τῆς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#30

πονηρίας

G4189

wickedness

depravity, i.e., (specially), malice; plural (concretely) plots, sins

#31

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#32

τοῖς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#33

ἐπουρανίοις

G2032

high

above the sky

Cross References

Related verses that illuminate this passage (hover to preview):

¹ 2 Corinthians 10:4 2 Corinthians 10:4
(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
— Weapons of our warfare not carnal
² 1 Peter 5:8 1 Peter 5:8
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
— Devil walketh about

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Ephesians. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of kingdom of God within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from earthly theocracy through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about kingdom of God?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address the apparent delay of Christ's return and God's justice, and how should the church respond?

Related Resources

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Topics

Salvation