The Meaning of Romans 13:12 Explained

Romans 13:12

KJV: 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.

YLT: the night did advance, and the day came nigh; let us lay aside, therefore, the works of the darkness, and let us put on the armour of the light;

Darby: The night is far spent, and the day is near; let us cast away therefore the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

ASV: The night is far spent, and the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

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. 

What does Romans 13:12 Mean?

Verse Meaning

Here Paul was thinking similarly to the way he thought when he wrote 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11. The night represents our earthly life plagued as it is with spiritual darkness and danger. When the Lord Jesus calls us to Himself at the Rapture, a new day will begin for us in which we will walk and live in sinless light. In view of this prospect we need to prepare for it by laying aside evil deeds as a garment and putting on deeds of holiness. Paul called these new clothes armor because we are still at war with sin and the forces of evil (cf. Ephesians 6:11).
"Christ"s return is the next event in God"s plan; Paul knew it could take place at any time and sought to prepare Christians-both in his generation and in ours-for that "blessed hope."" [1]

Context Summary

Romans 13:8-14 - Love Fulfills The Law
The one debt which can never be discharged is love. Because we can never be out of debt to God, we are called upon to show unending love to man. So long as we love we cannot injure; and therefore the man who is always caring for others as much as, or more than, he does for himself (and this latter is the Christian ideal) is fulfilling that ancient law.
We resemble soldiers slumbering in their tents while dawn is flushing the sky. Presently the bugle rings out its awakening note. The long night of the world is ending, the dawn is on the sky, and all the malignity of men and demons cannot postpone it by a single hour. Let us put off the garments which only befit the darkness, and array ourselves in the armor of the day! What is that armor? In a word, it is Jesus Christ-His character and method, His unselfishness and purity-so that when men see us, they may involuntarily turn to Him. [source]

Chapter Summary: Romans 13

1  Subjection, and many other duties, we owe to the authorities
8  Love is the fulfillment of the law
11  The acts of darkness are out of season in the time of the Gospel

Greek Commentary for Romans 13:12

Is far spent [προεκοπσεν]
First aorist active indicative of προκοπτω — prokoptō to cut forward, to advance, old word for making progress. See note on Luke 2:52; note on Galatians 1:14; note on 2 Timothy 2:16; and note on 2 Timothy 3:9. [source]
Is at hand [ηγγικεν]
Perfect active indicative, “has drawn nigh.” Vivid picture for day-break. Let us therefore cast off (αποτωμετα ουν — apothōmetha oun). Aorist middle subjunctive (volitive) of αποτιτημι — apotithēmi to put off from oneself “the works of darkness” (τα εργα του σκοτους — ta erga tou skotous) as we do our night-clothes. Let us put on Aorist middle subjunctive (volitive) of ενδυω — enduō to put on. For this same contrast between putting off The weapons of light, that belong to the light (to the day time). For the metaphor of the Christian armour see note on 1 Thessalonians 5:8; 2 Corinthians 6:7; Romans 6:13; Ephesians 6:13. [source]
Let us therefore cast off [αποτωμετα ουν]
Aorist middle subjunctive (volitive) of αποτιτημι — apotithēmi to put off from oneself “the works of darkness” (τα εργα του σκοτους — ta erga tou skotous) as we do our night-clothes. [source]
Let us put on [ενδυσωμετα]
Aorist middle subjunctive (volitive) of ενδυω — enduō to put on. For this same contrast between putting off The weapons of light, that belong to the light (to the day time). For the metaphor of the Christian armour see note on 1 Thessalonians 5:8; 2 Corinthians 6:7; Romans 6:13; Ephesians 6:13. [source]
The armour of light [τα οπλα του ποτος]
The weapons of light, that belong to the light (to the day time). For the metaphor of the Christian armour see note on 1 Thessalonians 5:8; 2 Corinthians 6:7; Romans 6:13; Ephesians 6:13. [source]
Is far spent [προέκοψεν]
The A.V. gives a variety of renderings to this verb. Luke 2:52, increased; Galatians 1:14, profited; 2 Timothy 3:9, proceed; 2 Timothy 3:13, wax. The word originally means to beat forward or lengthen out by hammering. Hence to promote, and intransitively to go forward or proceed. [source]
Let us cast off [ἀποθώμεθα]
As one puts off the garments of the night. For this use of the simple τίθημι , see on giveth his life, John 10:11. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Romans 13:12

Romans 13:14 Put ye on [ενδυσαστε]
The same metaphor as in Romans 13:12. The Lord Jesus Christ is the garment that we all need. See note on Galatians 3:27 with baptism as the symbol. [source]
Romans 6:13 Instruments [οπλα]
Old word for tools of any kind for shop or war (John 18:3; 2 Corinthians 6:7; 2 Corinthians 10:4; Romans 13:12). Possibly here figure of two armies arrayed against each other (Galatians 5:16-24), and see οπλα δικαιοσυνης — hopla dikaiosunēs below. The two sets of οπλα — hopla clash. But present yourselves unto God (αλλα παραστησατε εαυτους τωι τεωι — alla parastēsate heautous tōi theōi). First aorist active imperative of παριστημι — paristēmi same verb, but different tense, do it now and completely. Our “members” (μελη — melē) should be at the call of God “as alive from the dead.” [source]
1 Corinthians 3:13 The day [η ημερα]
The day of judgment as in 1 Thessalonians 5:4 (which see), Romans 13:12; Hebrews 10:25. The work (εργον — ergon) of each will be made manifest. There is no escape from this final testing. [source]
2 Corinthians 10:4 The weapons of our warfare [τα οπλα της στρατειας]
Στρατεια — Strateia (old word, in N.T. only here and 1 Timothy 1:18) is campaign and not army as some MSS. have But both στρατεια — strateia and στρατια — stratia occur in the papyri for the same word (Deissmann, Bible Studies, p. 181f.). For οπλα — hopla (Latin arma) see note on 2 Corinthians 6:7; note on Romans 6:13; note on Romans 13:12. [source]
Galatians 1:14 Profited [προέκοπτον]
Better, advanced. See on is far spent, Romans 13:12. Paul means that he outstripped his Jewish contemporaries in distinctively Jewish culture, zeal, and activity. Comp. Philemon 3:4-6. [source]
Galatians 1:14 I advanced [προεκοπτον]
Imperfect active again of προκοπτω — prokoptō old verb, to cut forward (as in a forest), to blaze a way, to go ahead. In N.T. only here, Romans 13:12; 2 Timothy 2:16; 2 Timothy 3:9, 2 Timothy 3:13. Paul was a brilliant pupil under Gamaliel. See Philemon 3:4-6. He was in the lead of the persecution also. [source]
Philippians 1:6 Until the day of Jesus Christ [αχρι ημερας Χριστου Ιησου]
The second coming as in Phlippians 1:10. See note on 1 Thessalonians 5:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:4; 2 Thessalonians 1:10; 2 Thessalonians 2:2; 1 Corinthians 1:18; 1 Corinthians 3:13; 2 Corinthians 1:14; Romans 13:12. Paul never sets the time for the Lord‘s return, but he is cheered by that blessed hope. [source]
Philippians 1:6 This very thing [αυτο τουτο]
Accusative of the inner object with πεποιτως — pepoithōs “this thing itself.” Will perfect it (επιτελεσει — epitelesei). Future active indicative of επιτελεω — epiteleō will fully (επι — epi̇) finish. God began and God will consummate it (see note on 2 Corinthians 8:6 and note on Galatians 3:3 where both words occur together as here), but not without their cooperation and partnership. Until the day of Jesus Christ The second coming as in Phlippians 1:10. See note on 1 Thessalonians 5:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:4; 2 Thessalonians 1:10; 2 Thessalonians 2:2; 1 Corinthians 1:18; 1 Corinthians 3:13; 2 Corinthians 1:14; Romans 13:12. Paul never sets the time for the Lord‘s return, but he is cheered by that blessed hope. [source]
Colossians 3:8 Put off [ἀπόθεσθε]
Compare Romans 13:12; Ephesians 4:22, Ephesians 4:25; Hebrews 12:1; James 1:21; 1 Peter 2:1. [source]
1 Thessalonians 5:8 Putting on [ἐνδυσάμενοι]
The son of day clothes himself for the day's work or battle. The same association of ideas as in 1 Thessalonians 5:6, 1 Thessalonians 5:8, is found in Romans 13:12-14; Revelation 16:15; 1 Peter 1:13. Comp. lxx, Ephesians href="/desk/?q=eph+6:14&sr=1">Ephesians 6:14. The figures are not original with Paul. See Isaiah 59:17; Wisd. 5:18,19. Notice that only defensive armor is mentioned, in accordance with the darkness and uncertainty of the last time; and that the fundamental elements of Christian character, faith, hope, and love, are brought forward again as in 1 Thessalonians 1:3; 1 Corinthians 13:13. For the figure of the armed soldier, comp. also Romans 13:12; 2 Corinthians 10:4. [source]
1 Thessalonians 5:2 The day of the Lord [ἡμέρα κυρίου]
The day of Christ's second coming. In Paul's Epistles this is expressed by ἡ ἡμέρα theday, absolutely, 1 Thessalonians 5:4; 1 Corinthians 3:13; Romans 13:12: ἡ ἡμέρα ἐκείνη thatday, 2 Thessalonians 1:10: ἡμέρα χριστοῦ theday of Christ, Philemon 1:10; Philemon 2:16: ἡμέρα κυρίου or τοῦ κυρίου dayof the Lord, 1 Corinthians 5:5; 1 Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:2: ἡμέρα τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἱησοῦ ( Χριστοῦ ), 1 Corinthians 1:8; 2 Corinthians 1:14. These expressions refer to a definite time when the Lord is expected to appear, and Paul expects this appearance soon. Attempts to evade this by referring such expressions to the day of death, or to the advance toward perfection after death until the final judgment, are forced, and are shaped by dogmatic conceptions of the nature of Biblical inspiration. In the O.T. the phrase day of the Lord denotes a time in which God will conspicuously manifest his power and goodness or his penal justice. See Isaiah 2:12; Ezekiel 13:5; Joel 1:15; Joel 2:11; and comp. Romans 2:5. The whole class of phrases is rare in N.T. outside of Paul's Epistles. [source]
1 Thessalonians 5:8 Putting on the breastplate of faith and love [ενδυσαμενοι τωρακα πιστεως και αγαπης]
First aorist (ingressive) middle participle of ενδυω — enduō The same figure of breastplate in Ephesians 6:14, only there “of righteousness.” The idea of watchfulness brings the figure of a sentry on guard and armed to Paul‘s mind as in Romans 13:12 “the weapons of light.” The word τωραχ — thōrax (breastplate) is common in the lxx. [source]
2 Timothy 2:16 They will increase [προκόψουσιν]
See on Romans 13:12, and see on Galatians 1:14. [source]
2 Timothy 1:12 That day [ἐκείνην τὴν ἡμέραν]
The day of Christ's second appearing. See on 1 Thessalonians 5:2. In this sense the phrase occurs in the N.T. Epistles only 2 Timothy 1:18; 2 Timothy 4:8; 2 Thessalonians 1:10; but often in the Gospels, as Matthew 7:22; Matthew 26:29; Mark 13:32, etc. The day of the Lord's appearing is designated by Paul as ἡ ἡμέρα , absolutely, the day, Romans 13:12; 1 Corinthians 3:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:4: ἡμέρα τοῦ κυρίου theday of the Lord, 1 Corinthians 1:8; 2 Corinthians 1:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:2: the day of Jesus Christ or Christ, Philemon 1:6, Philemon 1:10; Philemon 2:16day when God shall judge, Romans 2:16: the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, Romans 2:5: the day of redemption, Ephesians 4:30. [source]
2 Timothy 1:12 Against that day [εις εκεινην την ημεραν]
The day of Christ‘s second coming. See also 2 Timothy 1:18; 2 Timothy 4:8; 2 Thessalonians 1:10, and often in the Gospels. Elsewhere, the day of the Lord (1 Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:2; 1 Corinthians 1:8; 2 Corinthians 1:14), the day of Christ or Jesus Christ (Philemon 1:6, Philemon 1:10; Philemon 2:16), the day (1 Thessalonians 5:4; 1 Corinthians 3:13; Romans 13:12), the day of redemption (Ephesians 4:20), the day of judgment (Romans 2:5, Romans 2:16). [source]
2 Timothy 2:16 Babblings [κενοπωνιας]
See note on 1 Timothy 6:20. Will proceed (προκοπσουσιν — prokopsousin). Future active of προκοπτω — prokoptō “will cut forward.” See note on Galatians 1:14; Romans 13:12. Further in ungodliness “To more of ungodliness.” See note on Romans 1:18; 1 Timothy 2:2. [source]
2 Timothy 2:16 Will proceed [προκοπσουσιν]
Future active of προκοπτω — prokoptō “will cut forward.” See note on Galatians 1:14; Romans 13:12. [source]
2 Timothy 1:12 Yet I am not ashamed [αλλ ουκ επαισχυνομαι]
Plain reference to the exhortation to Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:8. Him whom I have believed (ωι πεπιστευκα — hōi pepisteuka). Dative case of the relative (ωι — hōi) with the perfect active of πιστευω — pisteuō the antecedent to the relative not expressed. It is not an indirect question. Paul knows Jesus Christ whom he has trusted. I am persuaded See 2 Timothy 1:5. To guard (πυλαχαι — phulaxai). First aorist active infinitive of πυλασσω — phulassō the very word used in 1 Timothy 6:20 with παρατηκην — parathēkēn as here, to guard against robbery or any loss. That which I have committed unto him Literally, “my deposit,” as in a bank, the bank of heaven which no burglar can break (Matthew 6:19.). See this word also in 2 Timothy 1:14. Some MSS. have the more common παρακατατηκη — parakatathēkē (a sort of double deposit, παρα — para beside, down, κατα — kata). Against that day (εις εκεινην την ημεραν — eis ekeinēn tēn hēmeran). The day of Christ‘s second coming. See also 2 Timothy 1:18; 2 Timothy 4:8; 2 Thessalonians 1:10, and often in the Gospels. Elsewhere, the day of the Lord (1 Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:2; 1 Corinthians 1:8; 2 Corinthians 1:14), the day of Christ or Jesus Christ (Philemon 1:6, Philemon 1:10; Philemon 2:16), the day (1 Thessalonians 5:4; 1 Corinthians 3:13; Romans 13:12), the day of redemption (Ephesians 4:20), the day of judgment (Romans 2:5, Romans 2:16). [source]
2 Timothy 1:12 I am persuaded [πεπεισμαι]
See 2 Timothy 1:5. To guard (πυλαχαι — phulaxai). First aorist active infinitive of πυλασσω — phulassō the very word used in 1 Timothy 6:20 with παρατηκην — parathēkēn as here, to guard against robbery or any loss. That which I have committed unto him Literally, “my deposit,” as in a bank, the bank of heaven which no burglar can break (Matthew 6:19.). See this word also in 2 Timothy 1:14. Some MSS. have the more common παρακατατηκη — parakatathēkē (a sort of double deposit, παρα — para beside, down, κατα — kata). Against that day (εις εκεινην την ημεραν — eis ekeinēn tēn hēmeran). The day of Christ‘s second coming. See also 2 Timothy 1:18; 2 Timothy 4:8; 2 Thessalonians 1:10, and often in the Gospels. Elsewhere, the day of the Lord (1 Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:2; 1 Corinthians 1:8; 2 Corinthians 1:14), the day of Christ or Jesus Christ (Philemon 1:6, Philemon 1:10; Philemon 2:16), the day (1 Thessalonians 5:4; 1 Corinthians 3:13; Romans 13:12), the day of redemption (Ephesians 4:20), the day of judgment (Romans 2:5, Romans 2:16). [source]
2 Timothy 1:12 That which I have committed unto him [την παρατηκην μου]
Literally, “my deposit,” as in a bank, the bank of heaven which no burglar can break (Matthew 6:19.). See this word also in 2 Timothy 1:14. Some MSS. have the more common παρακατατηκη — parakatathēkē (a sort of double deposit, παρα — para beside, down, κατα — kata). Against that day (εις εκεινην την ημεραν — eis ekeinēn tēn hēmeran). The day of Christ‘s second coming. See also 2 Timothy 1:18; 2 Timothy 4:8; 2 Thessalonians 1:10, and often in the Gospels. Elsewhere, the day of the Lord (1 Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:2; 1 Corinthians 1:8; 2 Corinthians 1:14), the day of Christ or Jesus Christ (Philemon 1:6, Philemon 1:10; Philemon 2:16), the day (1 Thessalonians 5:4; 1 Corinthians 3:13; Romans 13:12), the day of redemption (Ephesians 4:20), the day of judgment (Romans 2:5, Romans 2:16). [source]
Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking [μη εγκαταλειποντες]
“Not leaving behind, not leaving in the lurch” (2 Timothy 4:10). The assembling of yourselves together Late double compound from επισυναγω — episunagō to gather together As the custom of some is “As is custom to some.” For ετος — ethos (custom) see Luke 22:39; John 19:40. Already some Christians had formed the habit of not attending public worship, a perilous habit then and now. So much the more as Instrumental case of measure or degree, “by so much the more as,” both with τοσουτωι — tosoutōi and οσωι — hosōi The day drawing nigh The Second Coming of Christ which draws nearer all the time (Romans 13:12). [source]
James 1:21 Putting away [αποτεμενοι]
Second aorist middle participle of αποτιτημι — apotithēmi to put off, metaphor of removing clothing as in Romans 13:12; Colossians 3:8; Ephesians 4:22, Ephesians 4:25; 1 Peter 2:1.Filthiness (ρυπαριαν — ruparian). Late word (Plutarch) from ρυπαρος — ruparos dirty (James 2:2), here only in N.T. Surely a dirty garment.Overflowing of wickedness Περισσεια — Perisseia is a late word (from περισσος — perissos abundant, exceeding), only four times in N.T., in 2 Corinthians 8:2 with χαρας — charas (of joy), in Romans 5:17 with χαριτος — charitos (of grace). Κακια — Kakia (from κακος — kakos evil) can be either general like ρυπαρια — ruparia (filthiness, naughtiness), or special like “malice.” But any of either sense is a “superfluity.”With meekness (εν πρατητι — en praūtēti). In docility. “The contrast is with οργη — orgē rather than κακιας — kakias ” (Ropes).The implanted word This old verbal adjective (from εμπυω — emphuō to implant, to grow in), only here in N.T., meaning properly ingrown, inborn, not εμπυτευτον — emphuteuton (engrafted). It is “the rooted word” (James 1:18), sown in the heart as the soil or garden of God (Matt 13:3-23; Matthew 15:13; 1 Corinthians 3:6).Able to save (δυναμενον σωσαι — dunamenon sōsai). Cf. 1 Peter 1:9; James 2:14; James 4:12; James 5:20; Romans 1:16. Ultimate salvation (effective aorist active infinitive σωσαι — sōsai from σωζω — sōzō). [source]
1 Peter 4:1 Arm yourselves [ὁπλίσασθε]
Only here in New Testament. The thought is Pauline. See Romans 13:12; 2 Corinthians 6:7; Ephesians 6:10, Ephesians 6:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:8; Colossians 3:12. [source]
1 Peter 2:1 Putting away therefore [αποτεμενοι ουν]
Second aorist middle participle of αποτιτημι — apotithēmi old and common verb, in metaphorical sense either to cleanse defilements (1 Peter 3:21; James 1:21) or to put off clothing (Romans 13:12; Colossians 3:5.; Ephesians 4:22). Either sense suits here. Therefore (ουν — oun) because of the new birth (1 Peter 1:23) and the new life demanded. [source]

What do the individual words in Romans 13:12 mean?

The night is nearly over - and the day has drawn near We should cast off therefore the works - of darkness we should put on now armor of light
νὺξ προέκοψεν δὲ ἡμέρα ἤγγικεν ἀποθώμεθα οὖν τὰ ἔργα τοῦ σκότους ἐνδυσώμεθα δὲ ὅπλα φωτός

νὺξ  night 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Feminine Singular
Root: νύξ  
Sense: night.
προέκοψεν  is  nearly  over 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: προκόπτω  
Sense: to beat forward.
  - 
Parse: Article, Nominative Feminine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
ἡμέρα  the  day 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Feminine Singular
Root: ἡμέρα  
Sense: the day, used of the natural day, or the interval between sunrise and sunset, as distinguished from and contrasted with the night.
ἤγγικεν  has  drawn  near 
Parse: Verb, Perfect Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: ἐγγίζω  
Sense: to bring near, to join one thing to another.
ἀποθώμεθα  We  should  cast  off 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Subjunctive Middle, 1st Person Plural
Root: ἀποτίθημι  
Sense: to put off or aside or away.
ἔργα  works 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Neuter Plural
Root: ἔργον  
Sense: business, employment, that which any one is occupied.
τοῦ  - 
Parse: Article, Genitive Neuter Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
σκότους  of  darkness 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Neuter Singular
Root: σκότος  
Sense: darkness.
ἐνδυσώμεθα  we  should  put  on 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Subjunctive Middle, 1st Person Plural
Root: ἐνδύω  
Sense: to sink into (clothing), put on, clothe one’s self.
δὲ  now 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: δέ  
Sense: but, moreover, and, etc.
ὅπλα  armor 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Neuter Plural
Root: ὅπλον  
Sense: any tool or implement for preparing a thing.
φωτός  of  light 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Neuter Singular
Root: φῶς  
Sense: light.