Ephesians 6

Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.

1Children, obey your parents, because you belong to the Lord. This is the right thing to do.

2Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise;

2God's rule says, "Honor your father and mother." It is the first rule that comes with a promise.

3That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

3The promise is this: things will go well for you. You will live a long time on the earth.

4And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

4Fathers, do not treat your children in ways that make them angry. Teach them and guide them the way the Lord wants.

5Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;

5Slaves, people owned by others, obey your masters here on earth. Do it with respect and an honest heart, as if you were obeying Christ.

NoteThe old word "servants" here means slaves: people who were owned by a master and could not simply leave.

6Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;

6Do not work hard only when they are watching, just to look good. Work as servants of Christ. Do what God wants, from your heart.

7With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:

7Do your work gladly. Do it as if you were working for the Lord, not for people.

8Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.

8You know the Lord gives back good to each person who does good. That is true for a slave and for a free person.

9And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.

9Masters, treat your slaves in that same good way. Stop scaring them with threats. Their Master and yours is in heaven. He does not treat one person better than another.

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

10Last of all, be strong in the Lord. His power is very great.

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

11Put on all the armor God gives you. Then you can stand strong against the devil's tricks.

12For 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.

12Our fight is not against people made of flesh and blood. We fight rulers, powers, and the dark forces of this world. They are evil spirits in the heavenly places.

13Wherefore 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.

13So take up all the armor God gives you. Then when a bad day comes, you can hold your ground. After you have done it all, you will still be standing.

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

14So stand firm. Wear truth like a belt around your waist. Wear doing what is right like armor over your chest.

15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

15On your feet, wear the good news of peace. It makes you ready to go.

16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

16Most of all, hold up your trust in God like a shield. With it you can put out every burning arrow the evil one shoots.

17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

17Put on being saved like a helmet. Carry the sword the Spirit gives you, which is God's word.

18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

18Pray all the time, in the Spirit, and ask God for what you need. Stay awake and keep at it. Keep praying for all of God's people.

19And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

19Pray for me too. Ask God to give me the right words when I speak. Then I can bravely tell the hidden truth of the good news.

20For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

20I speak for God about that good news, even while I am in chains. Pray that I say it bravely, the way I should.

NoteThe old words "an ambassador in bonds" mean Paul was sent to speak for God, like a king's messenger, but he was in prison in chains.

21But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:

21Tychicus will tell you everything about me and how I am doing. He is a dear brother and a faithful helper who serves the Lord.

22Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.

22That is why I am sending him to you. He will tell you how we are, and he will cheer up your hearts.

23Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

23May God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give peace to the brothers and sisters. May they give love along with trust in God.

24Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.

24May God be kind to everyone who loves our Lord Jesus Christ with a love that never dies. Amen.

NoteThe old word "sincerity" here means a love that does not fade away or wear out.