Ephesians 6:13-24
Take up ( αναλαβετε ). Second aorist active imperative of αναλαμβανω, old word and used ( αναλαβων ) of "picking up" Mark in 2Ti 4:11.That ye may be able to withstand ( ινα δυνηθητε αντιστηνα ). Final clause with ινα and first aorist passive subjunctive of δυναμα with αντιστηνα (second aorist active infinitive of ανθιστημ, to stand face to face, against).
And having done all to stand ( κα απαντα κατεργασα μενο στηνα ). After the fight (wrestle) is over to stand ( στηνα ) as victor in the contest. Effective aorist here.
Stand therefore ( στητε ουν ). Second aorist active imperative of ιστημ (intransitive like the others). Ingressive aorist here, "Take your stand therefore" (in view of the arguments made).
Having girded your loins with truth ( περιζωσαμενο την οσφυν υμων εν αληθεια ). First aorist middle participle (antecedent action) of περιζωννυω, old verb, to gird around, direct middle (gird yourselves) in Lu 12:37; but indirect here with accusative of the thing, "having girded your own loins." So ενδυσαμενο (having put on) is indirect middle participle.
The breast-plate of righteousness ( τον θωρακα της δικαιοσυνης ). Old word for breast and then for breastplate. Same metaphor of righteousness as breastplate in 1Th 5:8.
Having shod ( υποδησαμενο ). "Having bound under" (sandals). First aorist middle participle of υποδεω, old word, to bind under (Mr 6:9; Ac 12:8, only other N.T. example).
With the preparation ( εν ετοιμασια ). Late word from ετοιμαζω, to make ready, only here in N.T. Readiness of mind that comes from the gospel whose message is peace.
Taking up ( αναλαβοντες ). See verse 13.
The shield of faith ( τον θυρεον της πιστεως ). Late word in this sense a large stone against the door in Homer, from θυρα, door, large and oblong (Latin scutum), ασπις being smaller and circular, only here in N.T.
To quench ( σβεσα ). First aorist active infinitive of σβεννυμ, old word, to extinguish (Mt 12:20).
All the fiery darts ( παντα τα βελη τα πεπυρωμενα ). Βελος is an old word for missile, dart (from βαλλω, to throw), only here in N.T. Πεπυρωμενα is perfect passive participle of πυροω, old verb, to set on fire, from πυρ (fire). These darts were sometimes ablaze in order to set fire to the enemies' clothing or camp or homes just as the American Indians used to shoot poisoned arrows.
The helmet of salvation ( την περικεφαλαιαν του σωτηριου ). Late word ( περι, κεφαλη, head, around the head), in Polybius, LXX, 1Th 5:8; Eph 6:17 alone in N.T.
Which is the word of God ( ο εστιν το ρημα του θεου ). Explanatory relative ( ο ) referring to the sword ( μαχαιραν ). The sword given by the Spirit to be wielded as offensive weapon (the others defensive) by the Christian is the word of God. See Heb 4:12 where the word of God is called "sharper than any two-edged sword."
At all seasons ( εν παντ καιρω ). "On every occasion." Prayer is needed in this fight. The panoply of God is necessary, but so is prayer.
"Satan trembles when he sees The weakest saint upon his knees."
That utterance may be given unto me ( ινα μο δοθη λογος ). Final clause with ινα and first aorist passive subjunctive of διδωμ, to give. See a like request in Col 4:3. Paul wishes their prayer for courage for himself.
For which I am an ambassador in chains ( υπερ ου πρεσβευω εν αλυσε ). "For which mystery" of the gospel (verse 19). Πρεσβευω is an old word for ambassador (from πρεσβυς, an old man) in N.T. only here and 2Co 5:20. Paul is now an old man ( πρεσβυτης, Phm 1:9) and feels the dignity of his position as Christ's ambassador though "in a chain" ( εν αλυσε, old word αλυσις, from α privative and λυω, to loosen). Paul will wear a chain at the close of his life in Rome (2Ti 1:16).
In it ( εν αυτω ). In the mystery of the gospel. This is probably a second purpose ( ινα ), the first for utterance ( ινα δοθη ), this for boldness ( ινα παρρησιασωμα, first aorist middle subjunctive, old word to speak out boldly). See 1Th 2:2. See Col 4:4 for "as I ought."
That ye also may know ( ινα ειδητε κα υμεις ). Final clause with ινα and second perfect subjunctive active of οιδα. For Tychicus, see Col 4:7f.
That ye may know ( ινα γνωτε ). Second aorist active subjunctive of γινωσκω. Just as in Col 4:8 he had not written ινα ειδητε in verse 21.
Our state ( τα περ ημων ). "The things concerning us," practically the same as τα κατ' εμε of verse 21. See both phrases in Col 4:7, 8.
Love and faith ( αγαπη μετα πιστεως ). Love of the brotherhood accompanied by faith in Christ and as an expression of it.
In uncorruptness ( εν αφθαρσια ). A never diminishing love. See 1Co 15:42 for αφθαρσια.
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