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.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — The author addresses believers, instructing them to maintain their position after commanding them to put on God’s armor.

The words — πάλē (palē) denotes a wrestling match, and αἷμα (haima) refers to physical blood, together clarifying that the conflict is not human.

The thread — This framework appears in Colossians 1:13, which describes rescue from the dominion of darkness, and 2 Corinthians 4:4, which identifies the god of this age as the one blinding minds. Ephesians 2:2 further names the ruler of the power of the air as the opposing force.

Why it lands — It requires the reader to abandon human-centric explanations for opposition and instead prepare for a non-physical conflict through spiritual readiness.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

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.

Cross-references

Colossians 1:13 He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son,
2 Corinthians 4:4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
Ephesians 2:2 in which you used to walk when you conformed to the ways of this world and of the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit who is now at work in the sons of disobedience.
Colossians 2:15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
Acts 26:18 to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those sanctified by faith in Me.’
Ephesians 1:21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.
Romans 8:38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,
1 Corinthians 9:25 Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable.
Ephesians 3:10 His purpose was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms,
Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms.