Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armour so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, . . . [putting on the belt of truth and the body armour of God’s righteousness].
Ephesians 6:13-14
What an interesting combination we have here. Able to resist . . . still be standing firm . . . stand your ground.
Or as more traditional (literal) translations put it “that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand . . . Stand therefore,” KJV
The words used here are ἵστημι [histēmi] and ἀνθίστημι [anthistēmi].
No, it has nothing to do with taking antihistamine tablets. (Joke). But maybe sometimes you need an antihistamine to help you to stand.
Ιστημι [Histēmi] A prolonged form of a primary word στάω staō (of the same meaning, and used for it in certain tenses); to stand ( abide, appoint, bring, continue, covenant, establish, hold up, lay, present, set (up), stanch, stand (by, forth, still, up).
Ανθίστημι [anthistēmi] to stand against, that is, oppose: – resist, withstand.
Paul intriguingly uses this word or its compound three times in two sentences. To be able to stand . . . having done all to stand . . . stand therefore. It seems standing is important. Put on all God’s armour so you are able to stand against the enemy. Having done all you can to stand, stand! The issues of life will come down to your ability to stand and withstand the onslaughts aimed against you. When you feel overcome or vanquish by your foes, that’s the time to stand firm. The language here is taken from war. Every foe is to be subdued – no matter how numerous or formidable they might be. Safety and triumph can be sought only when every enemy was slain.
“having done all, to stand – is a military phrase, and is repeatedly used in this sense by the Greek writers. The sense is to continue in your ranks, maintain your ground against the enemy. Never take off your armour, but standing always ready prepared to repel any new attack. This is crucial to the strength of the Roman army in particular. The shield was a long rectangular device to protect against arrows, spears, swords etc. The Roman shield link to the shield either side of it effectively forming a wall of protection. When needed shields were lifted about a band of solders to form a “roof of protection” as well. What was essential to the might of the Roman army was its defensive strength. Its defensive strength lay in the ability of each soldier to stand firm and not waiver despite the onslaught. It was virtually impenetrable (within reason). Hence standing firm clad in all of the armour was essential to gain victory. Paul mirrors the strength of Roman strategy by saying stand, stand, stand. He uses repetition by repeating the word to drive his point home. Make this your major focus. Much like the Roman army, do all that you can to stand firm and unwavering.
Take note of the number of times in His Word God tells His people to stand firm. Be of good courage and stand firm. Stand firm therefore. You don’t need me to tell you where such references are found. Go find them yourself and it will add to your ability to remember them at a later date. If I tell you the references you won’t remember them two days later.
Fall seven times, stand up eight.
Anon
When life gets too hard to stand… Kneel
Anon
He who kneels before God can stand before anyone.
Anon
If you STAND for nothing, you will FALL for anything!
Brian Houston
The value in living is in letting your life count for something. Pay the price – count the cost – make a stand!
Anon
Unless You Stand For “Truth”, You’ll End Up Falling Prey To Deception.
Robb Thompson