Romans 13:12 Meaning and Explanation
“The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Since the long night is nearly over and daybreak approaches, believers must strip off deeds of darkness and clothe themselves in light.
What Does Romans 13:12 Mean?
Paul extends the image of waking into the picture of dawn. The present age is the 'night,' nearly ended; the coming day of God is 'at hand.' At such an hour one does not return to the deeds done in darkness but dresses for the light, putting on the 'armour of light' as a soldier arms himself at sunrise.
The contrast between darkness and light runs deep through Scripture, and Christ himself is named the light of the world. To 'cast off' and 'put on' describes a deliberate change, like exchanging soiled night-clothes for clean garments. The believer actively lays aside what belongs to the dark and takes up a life that can stand exposed to the day. This is no passive waiting but a clothing of oneself in righteousness, ready to walk openly in the light that is dawning.
Frequently Asked Questions About Romans 13:12
What does Romans 13:12 mean?
Since the long night is nearly over and daybreak approaches, believers must strip off deeds of darkness and clothe themselves in light.