Ephesians 6:12 (KJV)

Passage

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Nearby Context

Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Ephesians 6:13 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.

Ephesians 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

Study Lenses

The verse centers on "Spirit", "world", "darkness", "wrestle", "against", "flesh", "blood", and "principalities". It is saying that the verse draws attention to "Spirit" and "world", so its meaning should be read from those terms before moving to application.

The nearby context moves from verse 11's "Put on the whole armour of God..." into verse 13's "Wherefore take unto you the whole armour...", so "Spirit" and "world" belong inside that flow. In Ephesians context, the local focus is grace, union with Christ, the church, and new creation.

A plain takeaway is to answer the verse's own emphasis on "Spirit" and "world" with trust shaped by these words, not by a vague optimism outside the passage.