The armor of God: the six pieces in Ephesians 6 and what each one means

What is the armor of God?

At the end of Ephesians, Paul says the Christian’s struggle is “not against flesh and blood” but against spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12). For that struggle he describes a Roman soldier’s equipment:

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

What are the pieces of the armor of God?

1. Belt of truth: the belt held the tunic in place and carried the sword. Truth, in life and in speech, keeps everything together.
2. Breastplate of righteousness: it protected the chest and heart. It stands for upright living and the righteousness received from God.
3. Shoes of the gospel of peace: military sandals gave a firm footing and allowed the soldier to advance. They represent readiness to carry the message of peace.
4. Shield of faith: the Roman shield (scutum) was large and covered almost the whole body. Faith quenches “the fiery darts of the wicked”: doubt, accusation, fear.
5. Helmet of salvation: it protected the head. Confidence in salvation guards the mind.
6. Sword of the Spirit: the only offensive piece. Paul identifies it with the word of God, using the term rhēma, the word spoken at the right moment, as Jesus did when he answered his temptations in the wilderness with Scripture.

What about prayer?

Right after the list, Paul asks his readers to pray “always”, watchfully and for everyone (Ephesians 6:18). Many interpreters see prayer as what puts the armor to use.

Where did Paul get this image?

Paul wrote Ephesians as a prisoner: he calls himself “an ambassador in bonds” (6:20), and in Rome he lived under guard by a soldier (Acts 28:16). The image also comes from the Old Testament. In Isaiah 59:17, God himself puts on “righteousness as a breastplate” and “a helmet of salvation”. Isaiah 52:7 speaks of the “feet” of those who bring good news of peace. The armor is “of God” in two senses: he provides it, and it is the armor he wears.

How the traditions read Ephesians 6

• Catholics: the passage is read in the liturgy and echoes in the Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel, “defend us in battle”. The Catechism describes spiritual battle as part of Christian life (no. 2015).
• Orthodox: monastic tradition speaks of “unseen warfare”, the title of a spiritual classic adapted by St Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain.
• Protestants: it is a central text on spiritual warfare and a favorite in children’s and youth ministry, with the image of putting on each piece every morning.

Ephesians and Philippians were both written in prison. See also our study of Philippians 4:13, on strength to face any situation.

Read next

• Philippians 4:13
• Psalm 91