Bible Strands
Ephesians 6:16
In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Ephesian congregation in the armor-of-God passage (6:10–18), instructing believers as soldiers in a present, ongoing conflict.
The words — θυρεὸν (thureon) is the large, body-covering shield of a Roman soldier, distinct from the smaller hand shield (aspis), implying a broad, encompassing defense rather than a point-block.
The thread — The same logic appears in 1 John 5:4, where faith is named the victory that overcomes the world, and in Proverbs 18:10, where the name of the LORD functions as a strong tower the righteous run to.
Why it lands — Faith here is not a sentiment but a deliberate, active act of taking up a weapon against identified, incoming attacks. It asks the reader to treat doubt and accusation as real projectiles requiring a real response.
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
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
Cross-references
- 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
- 1 John 5:4 because everyone born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world: our faith.
- Proverbs 18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
- Psalms 56:3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.
- Genesis 15:1 After these events, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.”
- Psalms 56:10 In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise,
- 2 Corinthians 4:16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day.
- Hebrews 11:24 By faith Moses, when he was grown, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.
- 2 Corinthians 1:24 Not that we lord it over your faith, but we are fellow workers with you for your joy, because it is by faith that you stand firm.
- Hebrews 6:17 So when God wanted to make the unchanging nature of His purpose very clear to the heirs of the promise, He guaranteed it with an oath.