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Ephesians 6:12 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.
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<a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/ephesians/6.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter"> (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/ephesians/6.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ephesians/6.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ephesians/6.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ephesians/6.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/ephesians/6.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />because to us the wrestling is not against blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against the spiritual <i>forces</i> of evil in the heavenly realms.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ephesians/6.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />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 <i>places</i>.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ephesians/6.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual <i>hosts</i> of wickedness in the heavenly <i>places.</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ephesians/6.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual <i>forces</i> of wickedness in the heavenly <i>places.</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ephesians/6.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ephesians/6.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual <i>forces</i> of wickedness in the heavenly <i>places.</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ephesians/6.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual <i>forces</i> of wickedness in the heavenly <i>places</i>.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ephesians/6.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual <i>forces</i> of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) <i>places.</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ephesians/6.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ephesians/6.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ephesians/6.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ephesians/6.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />We are not fighting against humans. We are fighting against forces and authorities and against rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ephesians/6.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ephesians/6.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />This is not a wrestling match against a human opponent. We are wrestling with rulers, authorities, the powers who govern this world of darkness, and spiritual forces that control evil in the heavenly world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ephesians/6.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />For we are not fighting against human beings but against the wicked spiritual forces in the heavenly world, the rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers of this dark age. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ephesians/6.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />For our struggle is not against human opponents, but against rulers, authorities, cosmic powers in the darkness around us, and evil spiritual forces in the heavenly realm. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ephesians/6.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ephesians/6.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world's rulers of this darkness, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ephesians/6.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/ephesians/6.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />For ours is not a conflict with mere flesh and blood, but with the despotisms, the empires, the forces that control and govern this dark world--the spiritual hosts of evil arrayed against us in the heavenly warfare.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ephesians/6.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ephesians/6.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ephesians/6.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />because our wrestling is not with flesh and blood, but with the principalities, with the authorities, with the world-rulers of the darkness of this age, with the spiritual [forces] of evil in the heavenly [places];<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/ephesians/6.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />because to us the wrestling is not against blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against the spiritual <i>forces</i> of evil in the heavenly realms.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ephesians/6.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> because we have not the wrestling with blood and flesh, but with the principalities, with the authorities, with the world-rulers of the darkness of this age, with the spiritual things of the evil in the heavenly places;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ephesians/6.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For the wrestling is not to us against blood and flesh, but against beginnings, against powers, against the chiefs of the world of darkness of this life, against spiritual things of wickedness in heavenly things.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ephesians/6.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood; but against principalities and power, against the rulers of the world of this darkness, against the spirits of wickedness in the high places. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ephesians/6.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers, against the directors of this world of darkness, against the spirits of wickedness in high places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ephesians/6.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ephesians/6.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ephesians/6.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For your conflict is not only with flesh and blood, but also with the angels, and with powers, with the rulers of this world of darkness, and with the evil spirits under the heavens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/ephesians/6.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />Because your fight has not been with flesh and blood, but with Principalities and The Rulers and The Powers of this dark world and with wicked spirits which are under Heaven.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/ephesians/6.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />for our conflict is not with flesh and blood, but with the principalities, with the authorities, with the rulers of the darkness of this world, with the wicked spirits in the heavenly regions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/ephesians/6.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />because there is not to us fighting against blood and flesh, but against the governments, against the authorities, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spirits of wickedness in the heavenlies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/ephesians/6.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />For our conflict is not merely against flesh and blood, but against principalities, and against powers, and against the rulers of the darkness of this world, and against wicked spirits in the aerial regions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/ephesians/6.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />for our conflict is not barely with men, but with principalities, with potentates, with the princes of darkness, with wicked aereal spirits.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/ephesians/6.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />For ours is not a conflict with mere flesh and blood, but with the despotisms, the empires, the forces that control and govern this dark world--the spiritual hosts of evil arrayed against us in the heavenly warfare.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/ephesians/6.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />because to us the struggle is not against blood and flesh, but against the principalities, against the authorities, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual <i>forces</i> of evil in the heavenly <i>places</i>.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/ephesians/6.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />For our conflict is not with flesh and blood <i>only,</i> but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the world <i>and</i> of the darkness of this age, against wicked spirits in heavenly <i>places.</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ephesians/6-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AfeSHen3sAQ?start=1161" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/ephesians/6.htm">The Armor of God</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">11</span>Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. <span class="reftext">12</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">For</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmin (PPro-D1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">our</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hē (Art-NFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3823.htm" title="3823: palē (N-NFS) -- Wrestling, a wrestling bout; hence: a struggle, fight, conflict, contest. From pallo; wrestling.">struggle</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">is</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">not</a> <a href="/greek/4314.htm" title="4314: pros (Prep) -- To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.">against</a> <a href="/greek/4561.htm" title="4561: sarka (N-AFS) -- Flesh, body, human nature, materiality; kindred. ">flesh</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/129.htm" title="129: haima (N-ANS) -- Blood, literally, figuratively or specially; by implication, bloodshed, also kindred.">blood,</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: alla (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">but</a> <a href="/greek/4314.htm" title="4314: pros (Prep) -- To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.">against</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tas (Art-AFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/746.htm" title="746: archas (N-AFP) -- From archomai; a commencement, or chief.">rulers,</a> <a href="/greek/4314.htm" title="4314: pros (Prep) -- To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.">against</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tas (Art-AFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/1849.htm" title="1849: exousias (N-AFP) -- From exesti; privilege, i.e. force, capacity, competency, freedom, or mastery, delegated influence.">authorities,</a> <a href="/greek/4314.htm" title="4314: pros (Prep) -- To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.">against</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tous (Art-AMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/2888.htm" title="2888: kosmokratoras (N-AMP) -- From kosmos and krateo; a world-ruler, an epithet of Satan.">powers</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: toutou (DPro-GNS) -- This; he, she, it. ">this world’s</a> <a href="/greek/4655.htm" title="4655: skotous (N-GNS) -- Darkness, either physical or moral. From the base of skia; shadiness, i.e. Obscurity.">darkness,</a> <a href="/greek/4314.htm" title="4314: pros (Prep) -- To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.">and against</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-ANP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/4152.htm" title="4152: pneumatika (Adj-ANP) -- Spiritual. From pneuma; non-carnal, i.e. ethereal, or a spirit, or supernatural, regenerate, religious.">spiritual forces</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4189.htm" title="4189: ponērias (N-GFS) -- Wickedness, iniquities. From poneros; depravity, i.e., malice; plural plots, sins.">of evil</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DNP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/2032.htm" title="2032: epouraniois (Adj-DNP) -- From epi and ouranos; above the sky.">heavenly realms.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">13</span>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.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/10-3.htm">2 Corinthians 10:3-5</a></span><br />For though we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh. / The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the flesh. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. / We demolish arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/1-13.htm">Colossians 1:13</a></span><br />He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/5-8.htm">1 Peter 5:8</a></span><br />Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/5-19.htm">1 John 5:19</a></span><br />We know that we are of God, and that the whole world is under the power of the evil one.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/12-7.htm">Revelation 12:7-9</a></span><br />Then a war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. / But the dragon was not strong enough, and no longer was any place found in heaven for him and his angels. / And the great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/10-12.htm">Daniel 10:12-13</a></span><br />“Do not be afraid, Daniel,” he said, “for from the first day that you purposed to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. / However, the prince of the kingdom of Persia opposed me for twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/4-1.htm">Matthew 4:1-11</a></span><br />Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. / After fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry. / The tempter came to Him and said, “If You are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/22-31.htm">Luke 22:31</a></span><br />Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you like wheat.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/12-31.htm">John 12:31</a></span><br />Now judgment is upon this world; now the prince of this world will be cast out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/4-4.htm">1 John 4:4</a></span><br />You, little children, are from God and have overcome them, because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/20-2.htm">Revelation 20:2-3</a></span><br />He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. / And he threw him into the Abyss, shut it, and sealed it over him, so that he could not deceive the nations until the thousand years were complete. After that, he must be released for a brief period of time.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/14-12.htm">Isaiah 14:12-15</a></span><br />How you have fallen from heaven, O day star, son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the ground, O destroyer of nations. / You said in your heart: “I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God. I will sit on the mount of assembly, in the far reaches of the north. / I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/28-12.htm">Ezekiel 28:12-17</a></span><br />“Son of man, take up a lament for the king of Tyre and tell him that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. / You were in Eden, the garden of God. Every kind of precious stone adorned you: ruby, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx, and jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and emerald. Your mountings and settings were crafted in gold, prepared on the day of your creation. / You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for I had ordained you. You were on the holy mountain of God; you walked among the fiery stones. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/3-1.htm">Genesis 3:1-5</a></span><br />Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field that the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden?’” / The woman answered the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden, / but about the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden, God has said, ‘You must not eat of it or touch it, or you will die.’” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/1-6.htm">Job 1:6-12</a></span><br />One day the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them. / “Where have you come from?” said the LORD to Satan. “From roaming through the earth,” he replied, “and walking back and forth in it.” / Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one on earth like him, a man who is blameless and upright, who fears God and shuns evil.” ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">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.</p><p class="hdg">wrestle.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/13-24.htm">Luke 13:24</a></b></br> Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/9-25.htm">1 Corinthians 9:25-27</a></b></br> And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they <i>do it</i> to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_timothy/2-5.htm">2 Timothy 2:5</a></b></br> And if a man also strive for masteries, <i>yet</i> is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.</p><p class="hdg">flesh and blood.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/16-17.htm">Matthew 16:17</a></b></br> And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed <i>it</i> unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/15-50.htm">1 Corinthians 15:50</a></b></br> Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/galatians/1-16.htm">Galatians 1:16</a></b></br> To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:</p><p class="hdg">principalities.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ephesians/1-21.htm">Ephesians 1:21</a></b></br> Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ephesians/3-10.htm">Ephesians 3:10</a></b></br> To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly <i>places</i> might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/8-38.htm">Romans 8:38</a></b></br> For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,</p><p class="hdg">against the.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ephesians/2-2.htm">Ephesians 2:2</a></b></br> Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/2-2.htm">Job 2:2</a></b></br> And the LORD said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/22-53.htm">Luke 22:53</a></b></br> When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.</p><p class="hdg">spiritual wickedness.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ephesians/1-3.htm">Ephesians 1:3</a></b></br> Blessed <i>be</i> the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly <i>places</i> in Christ:</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ephesians/3-21.htm">Age</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-10.htm">Authorities</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-13.htm">Blood</a> <a href="/galatians/5-17.htm">Conflict</a> <a href="/galatians/5-23.htm">Control</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-11.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-11.htm">Darkness</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-4.htm">Fight</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-5.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/romans/8-38.htm">Forces</a> <a href="/romans/12-8.htm">Govern</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-10.htm">Heavenly</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-8.htm">High</a> <a href="/romans/9-29.htm">Hosts</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-19.htm">Mere</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-27.htm">Night</a> <a href="/galatians/2-4.htm">Ours</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-10.htm">Places</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-10.htm">Powers</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-27.htm">Present</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-10.htm">Principalities</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-10.htm">Realms</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-10.htm">Rulers</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-2.htm">Spirits</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-19.htm">Spiritual</a> <a href="/romans/15-30.htm">Struggle</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/6-14.htm">Wickedness</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-21.htm">World</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-4.htm">World's</a> <a href="/psalms/13-2.htm">Wrestle</a> <a href="/romans/15-30.htm">Wrestling</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_timothy/5-9.htm">Age</a> <a href="/colossians/1-16.htm">Authorities</a> <a href="/colossians/1-14.htm">Blood</a> <a href="/philippians/1-30.htm">Conflict</a> <a href="/philippians/3-21.htm">Control</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-4.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/colossians/1-13.htm">Darkness</a> <a href="/philippians/1-30.htm">Fight</a> <a href="/philippians/1-22.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/revelation/9-16.htm">Forces</a> <a href="/hebrews/2-7.htm">Govern</a> <a href="/philippians/2-10.htm">Heavenly</a> <a href="/philippians/2-29.htm">High</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-22.htm">Hosts</a> <a href="/philippians/3-8.htm">Mere</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-9.htm">Night</a> <a href="/philippians/3-21.htm">Ours</a> <a href="/philippians/1-13.htm">Places</a> <a href="/philippians/4-7.htm">Powers</a> <a href="/philippians/1-26.htm">Present</a> <a href="/colossians/1-16.htm">Principalities</a> <a href="/luke/19-38.htm">Realms</a> <a href="/colossians/1-16.htm">Rulers</a> <a href="/philippians/4-23.htm">Spirits</a> <a href="/philippians/3-3.htm">Spiritual</a> <a href="/philippians/1-30.htm">Struggle</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-22.htm">Wickedness</a> <a href="/philippians/2-15.htm">World</a> <a href="/colossians/2-8.htm">World's</a> <a href="/psalms/13-2.htm">Wrestle</a> <a href="/colossians/4-12.htm">Wrestling</a><div class="vheading2">Ephesians 6</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/6-1.htm">The duty of children toward their parents;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/6-5.htm">of servants toward their masters.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/6-10.htm">Our life is a warfare, not only against flesh and blood, but also spiritual enemies.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/6-13.htm">The complete armor of a Christian;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/6-18.htm">and how it ought to be used.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/6-21.htm">Tychicus is commended.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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The term "flesh and blood" is a common biblical idiom for humanity (<a href="/matthew/16-17.htm">Matthew 16:17</a>). The struggle is spiritual, indicating that believers must focus on spiritual disciplines and the power of God rather than human strength or wisdom. This aligns with <a href="/2_corinthians/10-3.htm">2 Corinthians 10:3-4</a>, which speaks of spiritual warfare using divine power.<p><b>but against the rulers</b><br>The "rulers" refer to spiritual entities with authority in the unseen realm. These are not earthly rulers but spiritual beings that exert influence over the world. This concept is echoed in <a href="/colossians/1-16.htm">Colossians 1:16</a>, where Paul speaks of thrones, dominions, rulers, and authorities created through and for Christ, indicating a hierarchy in the spiritual realm.<p><b>against the authorities</b><br>"Authorities" suggests a structured hierarchy of evil spiritual forces. This term implies a level of organization and power that these entities hold. In the context of the Roman Empire, authority was a well-understood concept, and Paul uses this to illustrate the organized nature of spiritual opposition. This is further supported by <a href="/daniel/10-13.htm">Daniel 10:13</a>, where a spiritual prince opposes an angelic messenger.<p><b>against the powers of this world’s darkness</b><br>This phrase highlights the pervasive influence of evil in the world. "World's darkness" suggests a moral and spiritual blindness that pervades human society. <a href="/john/3-19.htm">John 3:19-20</a> speaks of people loving darkness rather than light, indicating a preference for sin. The "powers" are those that perpetuate this darkness, opposing the light of Christ.<p><b>and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms</b><br>The "spiritual forces of evil" are demonic entities operating in the "heavenly realms," which refers to the spiritual dimension. This suggests that the battle is not only earthly but also cosmic. <a href="/ephesians/2-2.htm">Ephesians 2:2</a> describes the "prince of the power of the air," indicating a spiritual realm where these forces operate. The "heavenly realms" also remind believers of their position in Christ, as <a href="/ephesians/1-3.htm">Ephesians 1:3</a> states that God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in these realms.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a></b><br>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.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/e/ephesus.htm">Ephesus</a></b><br>A major city in Asia Minor where the Ephesian church was located. It was a center of commerce and pagan worship, particularly of the goddess Artemis.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_forces.htm">Spiritual Forces</a></b><br>Refers to the unseen, malevolent spiritual entities that oppose God's people and purposes. These include demonic powers and influences.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/h/heavenly_realms.htm">Heavenly Realms</a></b><br>The spiritual dimension where these forces operate, beyond the physical world.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/r/rulers_and_authorities.htm">Rulers and Authorities</a></b><br>Terms used to describe the hierarchy of evil spiritual beings that exert influence over the world.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_the_nature_of_our_struggle.htm">Understanding the Nature of Our Struggle</a></b><br>Recognize that our true battle is spiritual, not physical. This awareness helps us focus on prayer and spiritual disciplines rather than merely human efforts.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_reality_of_spiritual_warfare.htm">The Reality of Spiritual Warfare</a></b><br>Acknowledge the existence of evil spiritual forces. This understanding should lead us to rely on God's strength and the armor of God (<a href="/ephesians/6-13.htm">Ephesians 6:13-17</a>).<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_spiritual_discernment.htm">The Importance of Spiritual Discernment</a></b><br>Develop discernment to identify spiritual attacks and influences. This involves being grounded in Scripture and sensitive to the Holy Spirit's guidance.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_prayer_and_scripture.htm">The Power of Prayer and Scripture</a></b><br>Utilize prayer and the Word of God as primary weapons in spiritual warfare. Regular engagement with these disciplines fortifies us against spiritual attacks.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_in_victory_through_christ.htm">Living in Victory Through Christ</a></b><br>Embrace the victory that Christ has already secured over spiritual forces. This assurance empowers us to stand firm in faith and resist the devil.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ephesians_6.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ephesians 6</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/do_angels_and_demons_engage_in_combat.htm">Do angels and demons engage in combat?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/do_we_battle_beyond_flesh_and_blood.htm">Do we battle beyond flesh and blood?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/isn't_ephesians_6_12_outdated_by_science.htm">Ephesians 6:12: Isn’t the concept of spiritual forces and evil powers an outdated worldview contradicted by scientific understanding of the universe? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_jinn_in_islamic_belief.htm">What are jinn in Islamic belief?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ephesians/6.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) <span class= "bld">For we wrestle.</span>--Properly, <span class= "ital">For our wrestling is.</span> That there is a struggle, a "battle of life," must be assumed at once by all who look at the world as it is; the question is whether it is against flesh and blood, or against a more unearthly power of evil.<p><span class= "bld">Flesh and blood.</span>--Or rather (as perhaps also in <a href="/hebrews/2-14.htm" title="For as much then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;">Hebrews 2:14</a>), <span class= "ital">blood and flesh.</span> So in <a href="/john/1-13.htm" title="Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.">John 1:13</a>, "Not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh." In <a href="/matthew/16-17.htm" title="And Jesus answered and said to him, Blessed are you, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood has not revealed it to you, but my Father which is in heaven.">Matthew 16:17</a>, <a href="/1_corinthians/15-50.htm" title="Now this I say, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither does corruption inherit incorruption.">1Corinthians 15:50</a>, we have "flesh and blood." The sense is clearly, as the comparison of all these passages shows, "mere human power." Possibly the word "blood" is here put first to prevent even a moment's confusion with the idea of wrestling against "the flesh" as an evil power within ourselves. In many passages of this Epistle St. Paul had dwelt on the opposition of the Christian to the heathen life, and the duty of rebuking and putting to shame the works of darkness; but here he warns us that the struggle is not a struggle with the "flesh and blood" of wicked men--a struggle which may still admit of some reserve of sympathy--but a truceless war with the spiritual powers of evil themselves.<p><span class= "bld">Against principalities, against powers.</span>--See Note on <a href="/ephesians/1-21.htm" title="Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:">Ephesians 1:21</a>. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ephesians/6.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 12.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">For we wrestle not against flesh and blood.</span> Our conflict is not with <span class="accented">men</span>, here denoted by "flesh and blood," which is usually a symbol of weakness, therefore denoting that our opponents are not weak mortals, but powers of a far more formidable order. <span class="cmt_word">But against the principalities, against the powers.</span> The same words as in <a href="/ephesians/1-21.htm">Ephesians 1:21</a>; therefore the definite article is prefixed, as denoting what we are already familiar with: for though all of these, evil as well as good, have been put under Christ the Head, they have not been put under the members, but the evil among them are warring against these members with all the greater ferocity that they cannot assail the Head. <span class="cmt_word">Against the world-rulers of this [state of] darkness</span> (comp. <a href="/ephesians/2-2.htm">Ephesians 2:2</a>). "World-rulers" denotes the extent of the dominion of these invisible foes - the term is applied only to the rulers of the most widely extended tracts; there is no part of the globe to which their influence does not extend, and where their dark rule does not show itself (comp. <a href="/luke/4-6.htm">Luke 4:6</a>). "This darkness" expressively denotes the element and the results of their rule. Observe contrast with Christ's servants, who are children of light, equivalent to order, knowledge, purity, joy, peace, etc.; while the element of the devil and his servants is darkness, equivalent to confusion, ignorance, crime, terror, strife, and all misery. <span class="cmt_word">Against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.</span> The natural meaning, though questioned by some, is, either that these hosts of wickedness have their residence in heavenly places, or, that these places are the scene of our conflict with them. The latter seems more agreeable to the context, for "in heavenly places" does not denote a geographical locality here any more than in <a href="/ephesians/1-3.htm">Ephesians 1:3</a> and Ephesians 2:6. When it is said that "we have been seated with Christ in heavenly places," the allusion is to the spiritual experience of his people; in spirit they are at the gate of heaven, where their hearts are full of heavenly thoughts and feelings; the statement now before us is that, even in such places, amid their most fervent experiences or their most sublime services, they are subject to the attacks of the spirits of wickedness. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ephesians/6-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">For</span><br /><span class="grk">ὅτι</span> <span class="translit">(hoti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> </span><span class="str2">Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">our</span><br /><span class="grk">ἡμῖν</span> <span class="translit">(hēmin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> </span><span class="str2">I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">struggle</span><br /><span class="grk">πάλη</span> <span class="translit">(palē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3823.htm">Strong's 3823: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wrestling, a wrestling bout; hence: a struggle, fight, conflict, contest. From pallo; wrestling.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is</span><br /><span class="grk">ἔστιν</span> <span class="translit">(estin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> </span><span class="str2">I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">not</span><br /><span class="grk">οὐκ</span> <span class="translit">(ouk)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> </span><span class="str2">No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">against</span><br /><span class="grk">πρὸς</span> <span class="translit">(pros)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4314.htm">Strong's 4314: </a> </span><span class="str2">To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">flesh</span><br /><span class="grk">σάρκα</span> <span class="translit">(sarka)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4561.htm">Strong's 4561: </a> </span><span class="str2">Flesh, body, human nature, materiality; kindred. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">blood,</span><br /><span class="grk">αἷμα</span> <span class="translit">(haima)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_129.htm">Strong's 129: </a> </span><span class="str2">Blood, literally, figuratively or specially; by implication, bloodshed, also kindred.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀλλὰ</span> <span class="translit">(alla)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> </span><span class="str2">But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">against</span><br /><span class="grk">πρὸς</span> <span class="translit">(pros)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4314.htm">Strong's 4314: </a> </span><span class="str2">To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">τὰς</span> <span class="translit">(tas)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Accusative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">rulers,</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀρχάς</span> <span class="translit">(archas)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_746.htm">Strong's 746: </a> </span><span class="str2">From archomai; a commencement, or chief.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">against</span><br /><span class="grk">πρὸς</span> <span class="translit">(pros)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4314.htm">Strong's 4314: </a> </span><span class="str2">To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">τὰς</span> <span class="translit">(tas)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Accusative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">authorities,</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐξουσίας</span> <span class="translit">(exousias)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1849.htm">Strong's 1849: </a> </span><span class="str2">From exesti; privilege, i.e. force, capacity, competency, freedom, or mastery, delegated influence.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">against</span><br /><span class="grk">πρὸς</span> <span class="translit">(pros)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4314.htm">Strong's 4314: </a> </span><span class="str2">To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">τοὺς</span> <span class="translit">(tous)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Accusative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">powers</span><br /><span class="grk">κοσμοκράτορας</span> <span class="translit">(kosmokratoras)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2888.htm">Strong's 2888: </a> </span><span class="str2">From kosmos and krateo; a world-ruler, an epithet of Satan.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of</span><br /><span class="grk">τοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(tou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Genitive Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">this {world's}</span><br /><span class="grk">τούτου</span> <span class="translit">(toutou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> </span><span class="str2">This; he, she, it. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">darkness,</span><br /><span class="grk">σκότους</span> <span class="translit">(skotous)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4655.htm">Strong's 4655: </a> </span><span class="str2">Darkness, either physical or moral. From the base of skia; shadiness, i.e. Obscurity.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[and] against</span><br /><span class="grk">πρὸς</span> <span class="translit">(pros)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4314.htm">Strong's 4314: </a> </span><span class="str2">To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">τὰ</span> <span class="translit">(ta)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Accusative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">spiritual [forces]</span><br /><span class="grk">πνευματικὰ</span> <span class="translit">(pneumatika)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4152.htm">Strong's 4152: </a> </span><span class="str2">Spiritual. From pneuma; non-carnal, i.e. ethereal, or a spirit, or supernatural, regenerate, religious.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of evil</span><br /><span class="grk">πονηρίας</span> <span class="translit">(ponērias)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4189.htm">Strong's 4189: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wickedness, iniquities. From poneros; depravity, i.e., malice; plural plots, sins.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐν</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">τοῖς</span> <span class="translit">(tois)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Dative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">heavenly realms.</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐπουρανίοις</span> <span class="translit">(epouraniois)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Dative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2032.htm">Strong's 2032: </a> </span><span class="str2">From epi and ouranos; above the sky.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ephesians/6-12.htm">Ephesians 6:12 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ephesians/6-12.htm">Ephesians 6:12 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ephesians/6-12.htm">Ephesians 6:12 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ephesians/6-12.htm">Ephesians 6:12 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ephesians/6-12.htm">Ephesians 6:12 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ephesians/6-12.htm">Ephesians 6:12 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ephesians/6-12.htm">Ephesians 6:12 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ephesians/6-12.htm">Ephesians 6:12 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ephesians/6-12.htm">Ephesians 6:12 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ephesians/6-12.htm">Ephesians 6:12 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ephesians/6-12.htm">NT Letters: Ephesians 6:12 For our wrestling is not against flesh (Ephes. Eph. Ep) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ephesians/6-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ephesians 6:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ephesians 6:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ephesians/6-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ephesians 6:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ephesians 6:13" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>