Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. New Living Translation The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. English Standard Version The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Berean Standard Bible 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. Berean Literal Bible The night is advanced, and the day has drawn near; therefore let us lay aside the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. King James Bible The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. New King James Version The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. New American Standard Bible The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let’s rid ourselves of the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. NASB 1995 The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. NASB 1977 The night is almost gone, and the day is at hand. Let us therefore lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Legacy Standard Bible The night is almost gone, and the day is at hand. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Amplified Bible The night [this present evil age] is almost gone and the day [of Christ’s return] is almost here. So let us fling away the works of darkness and put on the [full] armor of light. Berean Annotated Bible The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near. So let us lay aside the deeds (acts) of darkness and put on the armor of light. Christian Standard Bible The night is nearly over, and the day is near; so let us discard the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Holman Christian Standard Bible The night is nearly over, and the daylight is near, so let us discard the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. American Standard Version The night is far spent, and the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Contemporary English Version Night is almost over, and day will soon appear. We must stop behaving as people do in the dark and be ready to live in the light. English Revised Version The night is far spent, and the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. GOD'S WORD® Translation The night is almost over, and the day is near. So we should get rid of the things that belong to the dark and take up the weapons that belong to the light. Good News Translation The night is nearly over, day is almost here. Let us stop doing the things that belong to the dark, and let us take up weapons for fighting in the light. International Standard Version The night is almost over, and the day is near. Let's therefore put aside the actions of darkness and put on the armor of light. NET Bible The night has advanced toward dawn; the day is near. So then we must lay aside the works of darkness, and put on the weapons of light. New Heart English Bible The night is far gone, and the day is near. Let us therefore throw off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Webster's Bible Translation The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Weymouth New Testament The night is far advanced, and day is about to dawn. We must therefore lay aside the deeds of darkness, and clothe ourselves with the armour of Light. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe 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. World English Bible The night is far gone, and the day is near. Let’s therefore throw off the deeds of darkness, and let’s put on the armor of light. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionthe night advanced, and the day came near; let us lay aside, therefore, the works of the darkness, and let us put on the armor of the light; Berean Literal Bible The night is advanced, and the day has drawn near; therefore let us lay aside the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Young's Literal Translation the night did advance, and the day came nigh; let us lay aside, therefore, the works of the darkness, and let us put on the armour of the light; Smith's Literal Translation The night has advanced, and the day has drawn near: therefore let us lay down the works of darkness, and put on the weapons of light. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe night is passed, and the day is at hand. Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and put on the armour of light. Catholic Public Domain Version The night has passed, and the day draws near. Therefore, let us cast aside the works of darkness, and be clothed with the armor of light. New American Bible the night is advanced, the day is at hand. Let us then throw off the works of darkness [and] put on the armor of light; New Revised Standard Version the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThe night is far spent, the day is at hand; let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Aramaic Bible in Plain English The night has passed and the day has arrived, therefore let us strip off the works of darkness from us, and let us put on the armor of light. NT Translations Anderson New Testamentthe night is far advanced, the day draws near. Let us, therefore, put off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Godbey New Testament For the night is far spent, and the day is at hand. Therefore let us lay aside the works of the darkness, and let us put on the arms of the light. Haweis New Testament The night is far advanced, the day approaches: let us therefore put off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Mace New Testament the night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore throw off the habits of darkness, and be invested with the ornaments of light. Weymouth New Testament The night is far advanced, and day is about to dawn. We must therefore lay aside the deeds of darkness, and clothe ourselves with the armour of Light. Worrell New Testament The night was far spent, and the day has drawn near; let us, therefore, put off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Worsley New Testament The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Put On Christ11And do this, understanding the occasion. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12The 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. 13Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.… Cross References The night is nearly over; 1 John 2:8 Then again, I am also writing to you a new commandment, which is true in Him and also in you. For the darkness is fading and the true light is already shining. 1 Thessalonians 5:5-6 For you are all sons of the light and sons of the day; we do not belong to the night or to the darkness. / So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober. Isaiah 60:1-2 Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. / For behold, darkness covers the earth, and thick darkness is over the peoples; but the LORD will rise upon you, and His glory will appear over you. the day has drawn near. 2 Peter 1:19 We also have the word of the prophets as confirmed beyond doubt. And you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. Luke 1:78-79 because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the Dawn will visit us from on high, / to shine on those who live in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.” Malachi 4:2 “But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings, and you will go out and leap like calves from the stall. So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness Ephesians 5:11-14 Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. / For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. / But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for everything that is illuminated becomes a light itself. … John 3:19-21 And this is the verdict: The Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness rather than the Light because their deeds were evil. / Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. / But whoever practices the truth comes into the Light, so that it may be seen clearly that what he has done has been accomplished in God.” 1 John 1:5-7 And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you: God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. / If we say we have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. / But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. and put on the armor of light. Isaiah 59:17 He put on righteousness like a breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on His head; He put on garments of vengeance and wrapped Himself in a cloak of zeal. Ephesians 6:11-17 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. / For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. / Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand. … 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. Ephesians 5:8-14 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, / for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth. / Test and prove what pleases the Lord. … 1 Thessalonians 5:4-8 But you, brothers, are not in the darkness so that this day should overtake you like a thief. / For you are all sons of the light and sons of the day; we do not belong to the night or to the darkness. / So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober. … 2 Corinthians 6:7 in truthful speech and in the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; Colossians 3:8-10 But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. / Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices, / and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Treasury of Scripture The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. night. Song of Solomon 2:17 Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, turn, my beloved, and be thou like a roe or a young hart upon the mountains of Bether. 1 John 2:8 Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth. cast. Isaiah 2:20 In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made each one for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats; Isaiah 30:22 Ye shall defile also the covering of thy graven images of silver, and the ornament of thy molten images of gold: thou shalt cast them away as a menstruous cloth; thou shalt say unto it, Get thee hence. Ezekiel 18:31,32 Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel? … works. Job 24:14-17 The murderer rising with the light killeth the poor and needy, and in the night is as a thief… John 3:19-21 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil… Ephesians 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. put. Romans 13:14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. 2 Corinthians 6:7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, Ephesians 6:11-18 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil… Jump to Previous Advance Advanced Arming Armor Armour Cast Clothe Dark Darkness Dawn Deeds Far Hand Let's Nearly Night Ourselves Spent Throw WorksJump to Next Advance Advanced Arming Armor Armour Cast Clothe Dark Darkness Dawn Deeds Far Hand Let's Nearly Night Ourselves Spent Throw WorksRomans 13 1. Subjection, and many other duties, we owe to the authorities.8. Love is the fulfillment of the law. 11. The acts of darkness are out of season in the time of the Gospel. The night is nearly over; This phrase suggests a transition from a period of spiritual darkness to one of enlightenment and righteousness. In biblical context, "night" often symbolizes ignorance, sin, and separation from God. The Apostle Paul uses this metaphor to indicate that the time of living in sin is coming to an end. Historically, this reflects the anticipation of Christ's return, a common theme in early Christian teachings. The urgency in Paul's message is a call to readiness and transformation, as believers are encouraged to leave behind their former ways. the day has drawn near. So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of the Book of Romans, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings. 2. The Roman Church The recipients of the letter, the early Christian community in Rome, which was diverse and included both Jewish and Gentile believers. 3. The Metaphor of Night and Day Paul uses the imagery of night and day to contrast the present age of sin and the coming age of salvation. 4. Deeds of Darkness Refers to sinful behaviors and actions that are contrary to God's will. 5. Armor of Light Symbolizes the righteous and holy living that believers are called to adopt in anticipation of Christ's return. Teaching Points Understanding the UrgencyRecognize the urgency of the present time. The "night" of sin is nearly over, and the "day" of Christ's return is near. This calls for immediate action in our spiritual lives. Rejecting Sinful Behaviors Actively lay aside sinful behaviors and habits. This involves a conscious decision to turn away from actions that are not in line with God's will. Embracing Righteous Living Put on the "armor of light," which means living in a way that reflects God's holiness and righteousness. This involves adopting virtues such as truth, faith, and love. Living in Anticipation Live with the expectation of Christ's return. This anticipation should influence our daily decisions and interactions, encouraging us to live in a way that honors God. Community Accountability Engage with fellow believers to encourage and hold each other accountable in living out these principles. The Christian journey is not meant to be walked alone. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Romans 13:12?2. How can we "put aside the deeds of darkness" in our daily lives? 3. What does "put on the armor of light" mean for a Christian today? 4. How does Romans 13:12 connect with Ephesians 6:11 on spiritual armor? 5. Why is it urgent to "put on the armor of light" now? 6. How can we encourage others to embrace the teachings of Romans 13:12? 7. What does "put on the armor of light" mean in Romans 13:12? 8. How does Romans 13:12 relate to Christian behavior in modern society? 9. What historical context influenced Paul's writing of Romans 13:12? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Romans 13? 11. Is the day approaching as the night ends? 12. Is the day approaching as the night ends? 13. If (1 Peter 4:7) states “the end of all things is near,” how do we explain that nearly two millennia have passed without fulfillment? 14. Why did the apostle Paul work as a tentmaker? What Does Romans 13:12 Mean The night is nearly over“The night is nearly over” (Romans 13:12a) pictures the present fallen world as a long, dark night. • Darkness in Scripture often represents sin, ignorance of God, and the rule of evil (John 3:19; Ephesians 6:12). • Paul assures believers that this night “is nearly over,” echoing 1 John 2:8, “The darkness is fading and the true light is already shining.” • The nearness of the end means God’s plan is moving steadily toward Christ’s visible reign (Hebrews 10:37; Revelation 22:20). • Knowing the night is passing gives hope and urgency: we are on the edge of dawn, not stuck in endless midnight (1 Peter 4:7). The day has drawn near “…the day has drawn near” (Romans 13:12b) refers to the dawning of Christ’s kingdom. • “The day of the Lord” is the long-anticipated time when Jesus returns in glory (1 Thessalonians 5:2). • Believers already taste that future day through the Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14), so it is “near” in both promise and certainty (Philippians 4:5). • This perspective changes priorities: investing in eternal things makes sense when sunrise is imminent (Matthew 6:19-21). • Like watchmen longing for morning (Psalm 130:6), Christians live in expectation, not complacency (Titus 2:13). Lay aside the deeds of darkness “So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness” (Romans 13:12c) calls for decisive action. • “Lay aside” is the image of stripping off filthy clothes (Ephesians 4:22; Colossians 3:8). • “Deeds of darkness” include every practice incompatible with God’s light—sexual immorality, envy, strife, drunkenness, dishonesty (Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 5:11). • Repentance is not optional; the approaching day demands a clean break with sin (2 Corinthians 7:1). • The verb is plural—this is a community project. Churches help one another abandon darkness (Hebrews 3:13). Put on the armor of light “…and put on the armor of light” (Romans 13:12d) describes positive readiness. • “Put on” mirrors the language of clothing oneself with Christ (Romans 13:14; Colossians 3:12-14). • “Armor” signals battle; dawn brings conflict with lingering darkness (2 Corinthians 10:4). • Light is both defensive and offensive: truth, righteousness, faith, and the word of God protect and advance the gospel (Ephesians 6:11-17; 1 Thessalonians 5:8). • Believers shine, exposing evil and guiding others to safety (Matthew 5:16; Philippians 2:15). • The armor is Christ Himself; to wear light is to walk intimately with Him (John 8:12). summary Romans 13:12 urges believers, who stand at the edge of history’s sunrise, to live like it. The fading night warns us to cast off every work that belongs to darkness, while the approaching day summons us to suit up in the radiant armor of Christlike character. Because dawn is certain and near, holiness, vigilance, and hopeful anticipation mark the lifestyle of all who love His appearing. (12) The night.--The time during which the Messiah is absent from His people is compared to night. He is the sun. whose coming converts it to day.It is rather strange that here, as in 1Thessalonians 5:8, the metaphor of night and day should suggest that of "armour." The warfare in which the Christian is engaged is between the powers of light and of darkness. (Comp. Ephesians 6:12.) And the use of the word "putting off" (stripping oneself as of clothing) supplies a link between the two ideas by suggesting the putting on of a different kind of clothing, the Christian panoply. Greek Theἡ (hē) Article - Nominative Feminine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. night νὺξ (nyx) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular Strong's 3571: The night, night-time. A primary word; 'night'. is nearly over; προέκοψεν (proekopsen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 4298: From pro and kopto; to drive forward, i.e. to advance. the ἡ (hē) Article - Nominative Feminine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. day ἡμέρα (hēmera) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular Strong's 2250: A day, the period from sunrise to sunset. has drawn near. ἤγγικεν (ēngiken) Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1448: Trans: I bring near; intrans: I come near, approach. From eggus; to make near, i.e. approach. So οὖν (oun) Conjunction Strong's 3767: Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly. let us lay aside ἀποθώμεθα (apothōmetha) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 1st Person Plural Strong's 659: To lay off or aside, renounce, stow away, put. From apo and tithemi; to put away. 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. deeds ἔργα (erga) Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural Strong's 2041: From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act. of darkness σκότους (skotous) Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular Strong's 4655: Darkness, either physical or moral. From the base of skia; shadiness, i.e. Obscurity. and δὲ (de) Conjunction Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc. put on ἐνδυσώμεθα (endysōmetha) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 1st Person Plural Strong's 1746: To put on, clothe (another). From en and duno; to invest with clothing. 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. armor ὅπλα (hopla) Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural Strong's 3696: An instrument; plur: arms, weapons. Probably from a primary hepo; an implement or utensil or tool. of light. φωτός (phōtos) Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular Strong's 5457: Light, a source of light, radiance. From an obsolete phao; luminousness. Links Romans 13:12 NIVRomans 13:12 NLT Romans 13:12 ESV Romans 13:12 NASB Romans 13:12 KJV Romans 13:12 BibleApps.com Romans 13:12 Biblia Paralela Romans 13:12 Chinese Bible Romans 13:12 French Bible Romans 13:12 Catholic Bible NT Letters: Romans 13:12 The night is far gone and (Rom. Ro) |
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