Ephesians 6:16
New International Version
In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

New Living Translation
In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.

English Standard Version
In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;

Berean Standard Bible
In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

Berean Literal Bible
in all, having taken up the shield of faith, in which you⁺ will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

King James Bible
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

New King James Version
above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

New American Standard Bible
in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

NASB 1995
in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

NASB 1977
in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming missiles of the evil one.

Legacy Standard Bible
In addition to all, having taken up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one,

Amplified Bible
Above all, lift up the [protective] shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

Berean Annotated Bible
In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you⁺ can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

Christian Standard Bible
In every situation take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
In every situation take the shield of faith, and with it you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

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

Contemporary English Version
Let your faith be like a shield, and you will be able to stop all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

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

GOD'S WORD® Translation
In addition to all these, take the Christian faith as your shield. With it you can put out all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

Good News Translation
At all times carry faith as a shield; for with it you will be able to put out all the burning arrows shot by the Evil One.

International Standard Version
In addition to having clothed yourselves with these things, having taken up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to put out all the flaming arrows of the evil one,

NET Bible
and in all of this, by taking up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

New Heart English Bible
above all, taking up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one.

Webster's Bible Translation
Above all, taking the shield of faith, with which ye will be able to extinguish all the fiery darts of the wicked.

Weymouth New Testament
And besides all these take the great shield of faith, on which you will be able to quench all the flaming darts of the Wicked one;
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

World English Bible
above all, taking up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
in all, having taken up the shield of faith, in which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one,

Berean Literal Bible
in all, having taken up the shield of faith, in which you⁺ will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

Young's Literal Translation
above all, having taken up the shield of the faith, in which ye shall be able all the fiery darts of the evil one to quench,

Smith's Literal Translation
Over all, having taken the shield of faith, in which ye shall be able to quench all the inflamed darts of evil.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
In all things taking the shield of faith, wherewith you may be able to extinguish all the fiery darts of the most wicked one.

Catholic Public Domain Version
In all things, take up the shield of faith, with which you may be able to extinguish all the fiery darts of the most wicked one.

New American Bible
In all circumstances, hold faith as a shield, to quench all [the] flaming arrows of the evil one.

New Revised Standard Version
With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Together with these, take for yourselves the shield of faith, for with it you shall be able to quench all the flaming darts of the wicked.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And with these, take to you the shield of faith, that with it you may have the power to quench all of the blazing bolts of The Evil One.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
taking up, over all, the shield of faith, with which you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one:

Godbey New Testament
in all things taking the shield of faith, with which you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

Haweis New Testament
and over all lifting up the shield of faith, with which ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

Mace New Testament
cover all with the shield of faith, to repel all the fiery darts of the adversary:

Weymouth New Testament
And besides all these take the great shield of faith, on which you will be able to quench all the flaming darts of the Wicked one;

Worrell New Testament
withal having taken up the shield of faith, with which ye will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one.

Worsley New Testament
over all taking the shield of faith, whereby ye will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one:

Additional Translations ...



Context
The Armor of God
15and with your feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.…

Cross References
In addition to all this,

Romans 13:12
The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near. So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.

1 Thessalonians 5:8
But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and the helmet of our hope of salvation.

Colossians 3:14
And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity.
take up the shield of faith,

Psalm 28:7
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. Therefore my heart rejoices, and I give thanks to Him with my song.

Proverbs 30:5
Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.

Psalm 18:2
The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
with which you can extinguish

Hebrews 11:34
quenched the raging fire, and escaped the edge of the sword; who gained strength from weakness, became mighty in battle, and put foreign armies to flight.

1 John 5:4
because everyone born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world: our faith.

1 Peter 1:7
so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
all the flaming arrows

Psalm 7:13
He has prepared His deadly weapons; He ordains His arrows with fire.

Psalm 64:3-4
who sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words like arrows, / ambushing the innocent in seclusion, shooting suddenly, without fear.

Psalm 91:5-6
You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, / nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the calamity that destroys at noon.
of the evil one.

John 17:15
I am not asking that You take them out of the world, but that You keep them from the evil one.

1 John 5:18-19
We know that anyone born of God does not keep on sinning; the One who was born of God protects him, and the evil one cannot touch him. / We know that we are of God, and that the whole world is under the power of the evil one.

Matthew 13:19
When anyone hears the message of the kingdom but does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path.
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see.


Treasury of Scripture

Above all, taking the shield of faith, with which you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

the shield.

Genesis 15:1
After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.

Psalm 56:3,4,10,11
What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee…

Proverbs 18:10
The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

to quench.

1 Thessalonians 5:19
Quench not the Spirit.

Jump to Previous
Able Addition Arrows Besides Cover Darts Evil Extinguish Faith Fiery Flaming Great Inflamed Quench Shield Using Wherewith Wicked Withal
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Able Addition Arrows Besides Cover Darts Evil Extinguish Faith Fiery Flaming Great Inflamed Quench Shield Using Wherewith Wicked Withal
Ephesians 6
1. The duty of children toward their parents;
5. of servants toward their masters.
10. Our life is a warfare, not only against flesh and blood, but also spiritual enemies.
13. The complete armor of a Christian;
18. and how it ought to be used.
21. Tychicus is commended.












In addition to all this,

Paul adds the shield to the armor already named, showing that faith must accompany truth, righteousness, and gospel readiness. Each piece belongs to the believer’s stand against the devil’s schemes.

Rom 13:12 The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near.…
1Th 5:8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober,…
Col 3:14 And over all these virtues put on love…

take up the shield of faith,

Roman soldiers carried large shields that could cover much of the body and overlap with the shields of fellow soldiers. Faith rests in God’s character, Christ’s finished work, and God’s promises, providing steady defense when circumstances, feelings, or accusations threaten confidence in Him.

Psa 28:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts…
Pro 30:5 Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield…
Psa 18:2 The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer.…

with which you can extinguish

Faith does not merely endure the enemy’s attacks; it renders them powerless by bringing every assault under the truth of God’s word. The Lord’s faithfulness overcomes the force of temptation, fear, and condemnation.

Heb 11:34 quenched the raging fire, and escaped the edge of the sword…
1Jn 5:4 because everyone born of God overcomes the world.…
1Pe 1:7 so that the proven character of your faith…

all the flaming arrows

Ancient armies used fire-tipped arrows to wound, burn, and spread panic. Satan’s attacks likewise include deceptive thoughts, sinful enticements, doubts about God’s goodness, fear of suffering, and accusations against the conscience. Faith answers each attack by trusting what God has spoken.

Psa 7:13 He has prepared His deadly weapons; He ordains His arrows…
Psa 64:3-4 who sharpen their tongues like swords and aim…
Psa 91:5-6 You will not fear the terror of the night,…

of the evil one.

Satan is the personal adversary who seeks to destroy, deceive, and accuse God’s people. Believers resist him by standing firm in faith, knowing that Christ has defeated the devil and that God supplies everything needed to remain steadfast.

Jhn 17:15 I am not asking that You take them out of the world,…
1Jn 5:18-19 We know that anyone born of God does not keep on sinning;…
Mat 13:19 When anyone hears the message of the kingdom…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul the Apostle
The author of the letter to the Ephesians, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings.

2. Ephesus
A major city in Asia Minor where the early church was established. It was known for its diverse culture and the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

3. The Evil One
Refers to Satan, the adversary of God and His people, who seeks to undermine faith and lead believers astray.

4. Roman Soldiers
The imagery of the shield is drawn from the Roman soldiers' equipment, which Paul uses as a metaphor for spiritual armor.

5. The Early Church
The recipients of Paul's letter, who were navigating their faith in a predominantly pagan society.
Teaching Points
The Nature of Faith
Faith is not passive; it is an active trust in God and His promises. It requires daily renewal and engagement with God's Word.

The Shield of Faith
Just as a Roman soldier's shield was large and protective, our faith should be comprehensive, covering all aspects of our lives against spiritual attacks.

Extinguishing Flaming Arrows
The "flaming arrows" represent doubts, temptations, and trials. Faith enables us to quench these attacks, preventing them from taking root in our hearts.

Faith in Community
Roman soldiers often locked shields together for greater protection. Similarly, believers are called to support one another in faith, creating a strong community defense against the enemy.

Faith and Obedience
True faith is demonstrated through obedience to God's commands. It is not merely belief but is evidenced by actions that align with God's will.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Ephesians 6:16?

2. How can we "take up the shield of faith" in daily challenges?

3. What does "extinguish all the flaming arrows" symbolize in spiritual warfare?

4. How does Ephesians 6:16 connect with Hebrews 11:1 on faith's importance?

5. In what ways can faith protect us from doubt and temptation?

6. How can we strengthen our faith to better withstand spiritual attacks?

7. What does "shield of faith" mean in Ephesians 6:16?

8. How does Ephesians 6:16 relate to spiritual warfare?

9. Why is faith described as a shield in Ephesians 6:16?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ephesians 6?


What Does Ephesians 6:16 Mean
In addition to all this

Paul has already urged believers to fasten truth, righteousness, readiness, and peace (Ephesians 6:14-15). “In addition to all this” signals that the battle gear is not complete without faith.

• The earlier pieces guard the heart and guide the steps; faith overlays them, ensuring that every virtue operates under confident trust in God (Hebrews 11:6).

• Like a soldier raising a large door-shaped shield after donning his armor, the Christian places faith over every previous commitment, making sure nothing is exposed (Proverbs 30:5; Psalm 18:30).


take up the shield of faith

Faith is not a passive ornament; it must be lifted and positioned.

• “Take up” implies deliberate, daily action—choose to believe God’s promises when anxieties surface (Matthew 6:30-34).

• Biblical faith rests on God’s character, not on fluctuating feelings (Numbers 23:19).

• A Roman shield spanned from chin to knee; likewise, faith covers every part of life—thoughts, relationships, work, ministry (Habakkuk 2:4; Galatians 2:20).


with which you can extinguish

The shield of faith doesn’t merely deflect; it quenches.

• Roman soldiers soaked leather shields in water so incoming fire-arrows fizzled out. Faith “douses” temptations before they ignite destructive habits (James 1:14-15).

• This is a promise of victory, not a possibility. God has supplied a defense that works (1 Corinthians 10:13).


all the flaming arrows

Arrows arrive repeatedly and unexpectedly.

• Flaming doubts: “Did God really say?”—the serpent’s ancient tactic (Genesis 3:1).

• Flaming accusations: reminding you of sins already forgiven (Revelation 12:10).

• Flaming fears: exaggerating threats and minimizing God’s power (Isaiah 41:10).

• Flaming lures: offering pleasure apart from holiness (1 John 2:16).

Whatever form they take, faith is sufficient to douse “all” of them—none are exempt.


of the evil one

The verse ends by naming the archer.

• Satan is real, personal, and hostile, prowling like a roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8).

• His aim is to wound confidence in God, for faith is the link that receives grace (Ephesians 2:8).

• Yet his power is limited; Christ has already disarmed him (Colossians 2:15). The believer stands, shield raised, in a victory secured at the cross.


summary

Ephesians 6:16 calls believers to lift faith as a full-coverage shield, intentionally trusting God’s unbreakable word. That trust extinguishes every fiery assault launched by Satan—doubts, fears, accusations, and temptations—because the Lord who grants faith is faithful. Keep the shield up, and you will stand firm.

(16) Above all.—Properly, over all, or besides all else. The shield here is the large heavy shield covering the whole body, in which the “fiery darts”—that is, the arrows, with the points made red hot, or wrapped in with burning tow (comp. Psalm 7:14; Psalm 120:4)—may fix and burn themselves out without harm. St. Paul likens it to “faith.” This, however, is neither the “faith in which we stand” (2Corinthians 1:24), nor the energetic faith of Hebrews 11. It is the faith of patience and endurance, the almost passive faith, trusting in God’s protection and submissive to His will, on which the darts of temptation, whether from fear, or from lust, or from doubt, fall harmless. The best commentary after all, on the words is found in Christian’s conflict with Apollyon in the Pilgrim’s Progress.

Verse 16. - Withal taking up the shield of faith. The θυξεός was a large oblong shield covering a great part of the body, not the ἀσπίς, smaller and more round. Faith, in its widest sense, constitutes this shield - faith in God as our Father, in Christ as our Redeemer, in the Spirit as our Sanctifier and Strengthener - faith in all the promises, and especially such promises as we find in Revelations 2. and 3. "to him that overcometh" (comp. promise to Ephesus, Revelation 2:7) Wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one. "Fiery darts" were weapons tipped with inflammable materials, firebrands, curiously constructed, adapted to set on fire. Metaphorically, considerations darted into the mind inflaming lust, pride, revenge, or ether evil feelings, emanations from the great tempter, the evil one. That such considerations sometimes start up suddenly in the mind, against the deliberate desire, sometimes even in the middle of holy exercises, is the painful experience of every Christian, and must make him thankful for the shield on which they are quenched. An act of faith on Christ, placing the soul consciously in his presence, recalling his atoning love and grace, and the promises of the Spirit, will extinguish these fiery temptations.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
In addition to
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

all [this],
πᾶσιν (pasin)
Adjective - Dative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

take up
ἀναλαβόντες (analabontes)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 353: To take up, raise; I pick up, take on board; I carry off, lead away. From ana and lambano; to take up.

the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

shield
θυρεὸν (thyreon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2375: The heavy oblong Roman shield. From thura; a large shield.

of faith,
πίστεως (pisteōs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 4102: Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness.

with
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

which
(hō)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

you can
δυνήσεσθε (dynēsesthe)
Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1410: (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.

extinguish
σβέσαι (sbesai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 4570: (a) I extinguish, quench, (b) I suppress, thwart. A prolonged form of an apparently primary verb; to extinguish.

all
πάντα (panta)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

the
τὰ (ta)
Article - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

flaming
πεπυρωμένα (pepyrōmena)
Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4448: From pur; to kindle, i.e. to be ignited, glow, be refined, or to be inflamed.

arrows
βέλη (belē)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 956: A missile, dart, javelin, arrow. From ballo; a missile, i.e. Spear or arrow.

of the
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

evil one.
πονηροῦ (ponērou)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 4190: Evil, bad, wicked, malicious, slothful.


Additonal Resources
Ephesians 6:16 Blue Letter Bible
Ephesians 6:16 Bible Gateway
Ephesians 6:16 Bible.com

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Ephesians 6:16 Study Bible
Ephesians 6:16 Biblia Paralela
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Ephesians 6:16 Catholic Bible

NT Letters: Ephesians 6:16 Above all taking up the shield (Ephes. Eph. Ep)

Ephesians 6:15
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