Ephesians 6:16 Meaning and Explanation
“Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Faith is the great shield that catches and puts out every burning attack aimed at the soul.
The Context of Ephesians 6:16
The Roman shield Paul pictures was a tall door-shaped shield covered in leather and soaked with water before battle, so that flaming arrows striking it would hiss out rather than catch fire. Paul turns that very tactic into a picture of faith.
What Does Ephesians 6:16 Mean?
Paul singles this piece out: above all, the shield of faith. The Roman soldier carried a great rectangular shield, tall enough to crouch behind entirely, soaked with water so that fire-tipped arrows would strike it and go out. Paul knows the enemy fights with fiery darts, the sudden flaming accusations and fears and temptations that fly at us out of nowhere. Faith is the shield raised against them, wide enough to cover the whole person and able to quench every one.
The strength is not in the act of believing but in the One believed. Faith works because it rests on Christ, who is utterly trustworthy, so the shield holds because of what it leans on. When the burning arrows come, we lift not our own resolve but our trust in Him, and behind that shield the fire goes out. The Savior we trust is faithful, and faith in Him can put out anything the enemy throws.
Ephesians 6:16 in the Original Language
thureos (θυρεός), 'shield' -- the large door-shaped shield, from the word for door (thura); big enough to shelter the whole body.
How to Apply Ephesians 6:16 Today
When sudden fears or accusations come at us like flaming arrows, faith is the shield wide enough to catch them all. Its power is in the One we trust, Christ Himself, and behind Him every fiery dart can be quenched.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ephesians 6:16
What does Ephesians 6:16 mean?
Faith is the great shield that catches and puts out every burning attack aimed at the soul.
What is the context of Ephesians 6:16?
The Roman shield Paul pictures was a tall door-shaped shield covered in leather and soaked with water before battle, so that flaming arrows striking it would hiss out rather than catch fire. Paul turns that very tactic into a picture of faith.
How can I apply Ephesians 6:16 today?
When sudden fears or accusations come at us like flaming arrows, faith is the shield wide enough to catch them all. Its power is in the One we trust, Christ Himself, and behind Him every fiery dart can be quenched.