Ephesians 6:17
And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
And take
The phrase "and take" is translated from the Greek word "δέχομαι" (dechomai), which implies an active reception or acceptance. In the context of spiritual warfare, this suggests a deliberate and conscious action by the believer to equip themselves with divine protection and weaponry. It is not a passive reception but an intentional act of readiness and willingness to embrace what God provides for our spiritual defense and offense.

the helmet of salvation
The "helmet" in ancient Roman armor was crucial for protecting the head, a vital part of the body. The Greek word "περικεφαλαία" (perikephalaia) is used here, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding one's mind and thoughts. "Salvation" (σωτηρία, soteria) refers to the deliverance and preservation granted by God through Jesus Christ. This metaphorical helmet signifies the assurance and security of salvation that protects the believer's mind from doubt and fear, reinforcing the hope and confidence in eternal life.

and the sword of the Spirit
The "sword" (μάχαιρα, machaira) is a weapon used for both defense and attack. In the Roman context, it was a short sword used in close combat, symbolizing the precision and effectiveness of the believer's spiritual weaponry. "Of the Spirit" indicates that this sword is not of human origin but is empowered and given by the Holy Spirit. It underscores the divine nature of the believer's resources in spiritual battles, emphasizing reliance on God's power rather than human strength.

which is the word of God
The "word" (ῥῆμα, rhema) refers to the spoken or declared word of God, distinct from "λόγος" (logos), which often denotes the written or conceptual word. This highlights the active and dynamic use of Scripture in the believer's life, as the Holy Spirit brings specific truths to mind in times of need. The "word of God" is the ultimate authority and truth, serving as the believer's guide and weapon against falsehood and temptation. It is through the Scriptures that believers are equipped to discern, proclaim, and stand firm in the truth of the Gospel.

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.

3. The Armor of God
A metaphorical description used by Paul in Ephesians 6 to illustrate the spiritual resources available to believers for spiritual warfare.
Teaching Points
The Helmet of Salvation
^Protection of the Mind^: Just as a helmet protects a soldier's head, salvation guards our thoughts and beliefs. It assures us of our identity in Christ and our eternal security.

Confidence in Salvation^: Understanding and embracing our salvation gives us confidence to face spiritual battles without fear.

The Sword of the Spirit
^Active Engagement^: The word of God is not just for defense but also for offense. It allows us to actively engage in spiritual warfare by proclaiming truth and refuting lies.

Daily Use^: Just as a soldier must be skilled with their weapon, Christians must be familiar with Scripture, using it daily for guidance, encouragement, and correction.

The Word of God
^Living and Powerful^: The Bible is not a static text but a dynamic force that transforms lives. Engaging with it regularly equips us for every good work.

Foundation of Truth^: In a world of shifting values, the word of God remains a steadfast foundation upon which we can build our lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the "helmet of salvation" provide protection in your daily life, and how can you remind yourself of this protection regularly?

2. In what ways can you actively use the "sword of the Spirit" in your interactions with others, especially when faced with challenges or opposition?

3. Reflect on a time when Scripture has been a powerful tool in your life. How did it help you navigate a difficult situation?

4. How can you incorporate more of God's word into your daily routine to ensure you are equipped for spiritual battles?

5. Consider the connection between Ephesians 6:17 and Hebrews 4:12. How does understanding the nature of God's word as "living and active" change your approach to reading the Bible?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Hebrews 4:12
This verse describes the word of God as living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, which connects to the idea of the "sword of the Spirit" as a powerful tool for discernment and spiritual battle.

1 Thessalonians 5:8
Paul also mentions the "helmet of salvation" in this letter, emphasizing the protective aspect of salvation in the believer's life.

Isaiah 59:17
This Old Testament passage describes God wearing righteousness as a breastplate and a helmet of salvation, showing the divine origin of the armor imagery.
God's Word a SwordPaxton Hood.Ephesians 6:17
Power of God's WordEphesians 6:17
The Arm that Wields the SwordSpencer.Ephesians 6:17
The Bible a SwordW. Harris.Ephesians 6:17
The Bible the Sword of the SpiritEphesians 6:17
The Christian Warrior's SwordJ. Leyburn, D. D.Ephesians 6:17
The Christian's Weapon of OffenceH. Melvill, B. D.Ephesians 6:17
The HelmetJ. Burns, D. D.Ephesians 6:17
The Helmet of HopeJ. Leyburn, D. D.Ephesians 6:17
The Helmet of SalvationD. Moore, M. A.Ephesians 6:17
The Helmet of Salvation'Alexander MaclarenEphesians 6:17
The Hope of SalvationT. Carlyle.Ephesians 6:17
The Power of the BibleW. Graham, D. D.Ephesians 6:17
The SwordJ. Burns, D. D.Ephesians 6:17
The Sword a Chief WeaponW. Gurnall, M. A.Ephesians 6:17
The Sword of the SpiritW. R. Taylor, M. A.Ephesians 6:17
The Sword of the SpiritD. Rees.Ephesians 6:17
The Sword of the SpiritC. S. Robinson, D. D.Ephesians 6:17
The Sword of the SpiritT. Mortimer, B. D.Ephesians 6:17
The Sword of the SpiritD. Moore, M. A.Ephesians 6:17
The Sword of the SpiritCharles Haddon Spurgeon Ephesians 6:17
The Sword of the Spirit'Alexander MaclarenEphesians 6:17
The Sword Unsheathed by the SpiritT. Chalmers, D. D.Ephesians 6:17
The Word of GodH. J. Foster.Ephesians 6:17
The Word of God Likened to a SwordA. W. McClure.Ephesians 6:17
Panoply of God. Conclusion of EpistleR. Finlayson Ephesians 6:10-20
Soul-MilitancyD. Thomas Ephesians 6:10-20
The Christian PanoplyR.M. Edgar Ephesians 6:10-24
The Whole Armor of GodW.F. Adeney Ephesians 6:13-17
The Divine Panoply in its Separate PartsT. Croskery Ephesians 6:14-17
People
Ephesians, Paul, Tychicus
Places
Ephesus
Topics
God's, Head-dress, Helmet, Receive, Salvation, Saying, Spirit, Spoken, Sword
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Ephesians 6:17

     1690   word of God
     3224   Holy Spirit, and preaching
     3236   Holy Spirit, and Scripture
     5158   head-covering
     5572   sword
     5627   word

Ephesians 6:10-17

     1613   Scripture, purpose

Ephesians 6:10-18

     5290   defeat
     5944   self-defence
     6030   sin, avoidance
     8485   spiritual warfare, conflict

Ephesians 6:10-20

     8797   persecution, attitudes

Ephesians 6:11-17

     5612   weapons

Ephesians 6:11-18

     8329   readiness
     8422   equipping, spiritual

Ephesians 6:12-18

     5214   attack

Ephesians 6:13-17

     5209   armour

Ephesians 6:14-18

     8486   spiritual warfare, armour

Ephesians 6:15-17

     8498   witnessing, and Holy Spirit

Ephesians 6:16-18

     8349   spiritual growth, means of

Library
February 6. "Praying Always for all Saints" (Eph. vi. 18).
"Praying always for all saints" (Eph. vi. 18). One good counsel will suffice just now. Stop praying so much for yourself; begin to ask unselfish things, and see if God won't give you faith. See how much easier it will be to believe for another than for your own petty self. Try the effect of praying for the world, for definite things, for difficult things, for glorious things, for things that will honor Christ and save mankind, and after you have received a few wonderful answers to prayer in this
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

The Armour of God
(Preached before the Prince of Wales, at Sandringham, January 20th, 1867.) EPHESIANS vi. 11. Put on the whole armour of God. St. Paul again and again compares himself and the Christians to whom he writes to soldiers, and their lives to warfare. And it was natural that he should do so. Everywhere he went, in those days, he would find Roman soldiers, ruling over men of different races from themselves, and ruling them, on the whole, well. Greeks, Syrians, Jews, Egyptians,--all alike in his days obeyed
Charles Kingsley—Discipline and Other Sermons

Twenty First Sunday after Trinity the Christian Armor and Weapons.
Text: Ephesians 6, 10-17. 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the worldrulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and,
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III

The Panoply of God
'Take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.'--Eph. vi. 13. The military metaphor of which this verse is the beginning was obviously deeply imprinted on Paul's mind. It is found in a comparatively incomplete form in his earliest epistle, the first to the Thessalonians, in which the children of the day are exhorted to put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. It reappears, in a slightly
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

'The Girdle of Truth'
'Stand, therefore, having girded your loins with truth.'--Eph. vi. 14 (R.V.). The general exhortation here points to the habitual attitude of the Christian soldier. However many conflicts he may have waged, he is still to be ever ready for fresh assaults, for in regard to them he may be quite sure that to-morrow will bring its own share of them, and that the evil day is never left behind so long as days still last. That general exhortation is followed by clauses which are sometimes said to be cotemporaneous
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

'The Breastplate of Righteousness'
'Having put on the breastplate of righteousness.'--Eph. vi. 14. There can be no doubt that in this whole context the Apostle has in mind the great passage in Isaiah lix. where the prophet, in a figure of extreme boldness, describes the Lord as arming Himself to deliver the oppressed faithful, and coming as a Redeemer to Zion. In that passage the Lord puts on righteousness as a breastplate--that is to say, God, in His manifestation of Himself for the deliverance of His people, comes forth as if arrayed
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

A Soldier's Shoes
'Your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.'--Eph. vi. 15. Paul drew the first draft of this picture of the Christian armour in his first letter. It is a finished picture here. One can fancy that the Roman soldier to whom he was chained in his captivity, whilst this letter was being written, unconsciously sat for his likeness, and that each piece of his accoutrements was seized in succession by the Apostle's imagination and turned to a Christian use. It is worth noticing that there
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

The Shield of Faith
'Above all, taking the shield of faith, whereby ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.'--Eph. vi. 16. There were two kinds of shields in use in ancient warfare--one smaller, carried upon the arm, and which could be used, by a movement of the arm, for the defence of threatened parts of the body in detail; the other large, planted in front of the soldier, fixed in the ground, and all but covering his whole person. It is the latter which is referred to in the text, as the word
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

'The Helmet of Salvation'
'Take the helmet of salvation.'--Eph. vi. 17. We may, perhaps, trace a certain progress in the enumeration of the various pieces of the Christian armour in this context. Roughly speaking, they are in three divisions. There are first our graces of truth, righteousness, preparedness, which, though they are all conceived as given by God, are yet the exercises of our own powers. There is next, standing alone, as befits its all-comprehensive character, faith which is able to ward against and overcome
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

'The Sword of the Spirit'
'The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.'--Eph. vi. 17. We reach here the last and only offensive weapon in the panoply. The 'of' here does not indicate apposition, as in the 'shield of faith,' or 'the helmet of salvation,' nor is it the 'of' of possession, so that the meaning is to be taken as being the sword which the Spirit wields, but it is the 'of' expressing origin, as in the 'armour of God'; it is the sword which the Spirit supplies. The progress noted in the last sermon from subjective
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Peace, Love, and Faith
'Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith.'--Eph. vi. 23. The numerous personal greetings usually found at the close of Paul's letters are entirely absent from this Epistle. All which we have in their place is this entirely general good wish, and the still more general and wider one in the subsequent verse. There is but one other of the Apostle's letters similarly devoid of personal messages, viz. the Epistle to the Galatians, and their absence there is sufficiently accounted for by the severe
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

The Wide Range of God's Grace
'Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.'--Eph. vi. 24. In turning to the great words which I have read as a text, I ask you to mark their width and their simplicity. They are wide; they follow a very comprehensive benediction, with which, so to speak, they are concentric. But they sweep a wider circle. The former verse says, 'Peace be to the brethren.' But beyond the brethren in these Asiatic churches (as a kind of circular letter to whom this epistle was probably sent)
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

The Sword of the Spirit
Difficulties meet us even in standing our ground; for the apostle, two or three times, bids us--"Stand." In the rush of the fight, men are apt to be carried off their legs. If they can keep their footing, they will be victorious; but if they are borne down by the rush of their adversaries, everything is lost. You are to put on the heavenly armor in order that you may stand; and you will need it to maintain the position in which your Captain has placed you. If even to stand requires all this care,
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891

Strong Christians.
(Twenty-first Sunday after Trinity.) EPHESIANS vi. 10. "My brethren, be strong in the Lord," A weak and cowardly soldier is a pitiful object, but a weak-kneed, cowardly Christian is still more so. S. Paul told the Ephesian Christians to be strong in the Lord, and in these days especially we need strong Christians, strong Churchmen. I do not mean that we want men to presume on their strength, to repeat the sin of the Pharisee of old, and talk of their righteousness, or condemn their neighbours.
H. J. Wilmot-Buxton—The Life of Duty, a Year's Plain Sermons, v. 2

Third Day for all Saints
WHAT TO PRAY.--For all Saints "With all prayer and supplication praying at all seasons, and watching thereunto in all perseverance and supplication for all saints."--EPH. vi. 18. Every member of a body is interested in the welfare of the whole, and exists to help and complete the others. Believers are one body, and ought to pray, not so much for the welfare of their own church or society, but, first of all, for all saints. This large, unselfish love is the proof that Christ's Spirit and Love is
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession

"But if Ye have Bitter Envying," &C.
James iii. 14.--"But if ye have bitter envying," &c. The cunning of Satan, and the deceitfulness of our own hearts, are such that when a grosser temptation will not prevail with conscience in some measure enlightened, then they transform themselves into angels of light, and deal more subtilely with us. And there is no greater subtilty of Satan, nor no stronger self deceit, than this, to palliate and cover vices with the shadow of virtue, and to present corruptions under the similitude of graces.
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

The Christian Home
Scripture references: Ephesians 6:1-9; 5:25-33; Colossians 3:17-25; 1 Corinthians 7:12-17; Mark 10:2-12; 7:9-13; 5:19; 1 Timothy 5:4; Luke 15:6; Titus 2:1-15; Exodus 20:12,17; Deuteronomy 6:1-9. THE HOME What is a Home?--It has been answered that, "It is the unit of society." It has also been pointed out that this unit must be kept clean, pure and right, in all its relations, or society and the state will suffer grave consequences. Certainly, in the past, the institutions of society and state have
Henry T. Sell—Studies in the Life of the Christian

Praying, Returning Thanks, Worshipping in the Holy Spirit.
Two of the most deeply significant passages in the Bible on the subject of the Holy Spirit and on the subject of prayer are found in Jude 20 and Eph. vi. 18. In Jude 20 we read, "But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost," and in Eph. vi. 18, "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints." These passages teach us distinctly that the Holy Spirit guides
R. A. Torrey—The Person and Work of The Holy Spirit

The Essence of Prayer.
"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints."--Ephes. vi. 18. In the last place we consider the work of the Holy Spirit in prayer. It appears from Scripture, more than has been emphasized, that in the holy act of prayer there is a manifestation of the Holy Spirit working both in us and with us. And yet this appears clearly from the apostolic word: "Likewise the Spirit helpeth also our infirmities: for
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

The Best Inheritance in Canaan
THE BEST INHERITANCE IN CANAAN I am troubled about my sanctification. My conversion was so bright and there was such a change that I never could doubt it. But when I was sanctified, there was not so great a change. And it was not so great as that of some I have heard testify. Neither do I feel as bold as some I have heard speak, neither did I taste such a death as others have testified too. In fact, when I compare my sanctification with what others say theirs is, mine suffers in the comparison. I
Robert Lee Berry—Adventures in the Land of Canaan

Ascetic.
(i) Of the works comprised under this head, the first are the three compositions entitled Tractatus Prævii. The first, Prævia Institutio ascetica ('Asketike prodiatuposis ), is an exhortation to enlistment in the sacred warfare; the second, on renunciation of the world and spiritual perfection, is the Sermo asceticus (logos asketikos). The third, Sermo de ascetica disciplina (logos peri askeseos, pos dei kosmheisthai ton monachon), treats of the virtues to be exhibited in the life
Basil—Basil: Letters and Select Works

Concerning Maximus the Cynic and the Disorder which Has Happened in Constantinople on his Account...
Concerning Maximus the Cynic and the disorder which has happened in Constantinople on his account, it is decreed that Maximus never was and is not now a Bishop; that those who have been ordained by him are in no order whatever of the clergy; since all which has been done concerning him or by him, is declared to be invalid. Notes. Ancient Epitome of Canon IV. Let Maximus the Cynic be cast out from among the bishops, and anyone who was inscribed by him on the clergy list shall be held as profane. Edmund
Philip Schaff—The Seven Ecumenical Councils

Correspondences
"It is very pleasant when you are in England, and you see souls being saved, and you see the conviction of sin, and you see the power of the Gospel to bring new life and new joy and purity to hearts. But it is still more glorious amongst the heathen to see the same things, to see the Lord there working His own work of salvation, and to see the souls convicted and the hearts broken, and to see there the new life and the new joy coming out in the faces of those who have found the Lord Jesus." Rev.
Amy Wilson-Carmichael—Things as They Are

The Christian Training of Children.
(Second Sermon.) TEXT: EPH. vi. 4. IN making special mention of our children in our prayers, as we have done to-day, what we have chiefly in our thoughts is not merely to commend their earthly life and welfare, with all that affects it, to God's gracious care; we are much more concerned to obtain a blessing on the unfolding of their spiritual faculties, that it may be carried on in a right way, well-pleasing to God. This prayer is prompted in the first place by the humble conviction that if our manifold
Friedrich Schleiermacher—Selected Sermons of Schleiermacher

Links
Ephesians 6:17 NIV
Ephesians 6:17 NLT
Ephesians 6:17 ESV
Ephesians 6:17 NASB
Ephesians 6:17 KJV

Ephesians 6:17 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Ephesians 6:16
Top of Page
Top of Page