Ephesians 6:10-11 Text
King James Version (KJV)
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
World English Bible (WEB)
Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
What Ephesians 6:10-11 Means
Paul begins his closing instructions with a call to strength that comes from outside the reader. Be strong in the Lord means draw your strength from your connection to Christ, and the power of his might piles up three words for strength to make clear whose power this is. The image then shifts to a soldier: put on the whole armour of God. The word whole matters, since a soldier missing a piece is exposed. The armor belongs to God, so it is supplied, not self-made. The goal is to stand, which suggests holding a position under pressure, not charging ahead. Wiles in the KJV, and the same word in the WEB, translates a Greek term for cunning schemes or trickery, suggesting that spiritual opposition often works through deception more than open force.
Context of Ephesians 6:10-11
Paul wrote Ephesians, traditionally from prison in Rome around the early 60s AD, to Christians in Ephesus and perhaps nearby churches. The first three chapters explain what God has done in Christ, and the next three describe how that should shape daily life: in unity, in the home and in work. This passage comes at the very end. Immediately after it, Paul says that our struggle is not against flesh and blood. To read the whole book, see random verse from Ephesians.
How to Apply Ephesians 6:10-11
On a hard day, remember that strength is something you receive, not something you must produce. You could start by naming one area where you feel pressured, then ask which piece of the armor Paul lists in the verses that follow, such as truth or faith, you most need there. Stand steady with others in your church or friends instead of facing it alone.
Related Verses
- Ephesians 6:13 – Wherefore 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.
- Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
- 2 Corinthians 10:4 – (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
- 1 Peter 5:8-9 – Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
Looking for more verses on this theme? Browse Bible Verses About Strength, each with a short note on its context.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the armor of God in Ephesians 6?
It is a picture Paul uses for spiritual protection and readiness. Verses 14 to 17 list belt, breastplate, shoes, shield, helmet and sword, standing for truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation and God's word. The armor is provided by God for standing firm.
What are the wiles of the devil?
Wiles are cunning tricks or schemes. The phrase suggests that evil often works by deception, such as half-truths, temptation or discouragement, more than by open attack. Paul wants readers alert and grounded in truth so they can recognize and resist those schemes.
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