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

EPHESIANS 6:15KJV
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Ephesians 6:15 (KJV)

What does Ephesians 6:15 mean?

Ephesians 6:15 describes being ready and equipped, like having shoes on your feet, with the preparation that comes from the good news about peace. The verse uses the image of footwear to picture being prepared to move forward in life with the message of peace that the gospel brings.

Paul is writing this letter to the Christians in Ephesus, explaining how to stand strong in their faith by using the imagery of armor. In this verse, Paul highlights the importance of being prepared—just as a soldier would not go into battle barefoot, believers are to be ready with the gospel’s message of peace as part of their spiritual defense and readiness.

The Greek behind Ephesians 6:15

  • ὑποδεδεμένους (hupodedemenous, "shod"): This word means to have shoes or sandals strapped on. The image is of someone ready to walk or march, not caught off guard or unprepared.
  • ἑτοιμασία (hetoimasia, "preparation"): This word often carries the sense of readiness or a firm foundation. It suggests not just being prepared in general, but having a solid footing that comes from the gospel.
  • εὐαγγέλιον (euangelion, "gospel"): This is the Greek word for "good news." Here, it specifically refers to the message of peace that comes through Jesus.
  • εἰρήνη (eirēnē, "peace"): This word means peace, harmony, or wholeness. The focus is on the kind of peace the gospel brings, both with God and with others.

Why Ephesians 6:15 matters

  • Ephesians 6:15 clarifies that spiritual readiness is not just about defense, but about being equipped to move forward with the message of peace, not aggression or conflict.
  • The verse connects the gospel to the idea of peace, emphasizing that the core of the good news is reconciliation and harmony, not just personal salvation.
  • This verse is part of a larger passage describing the "armor of God," helping the reader see that every part of spiritual life—including sharing the gospel—requires intentional preparation and readiness.

Where else these words appear

“shod” Greek G5265 · used in 3 verses

  • Mark 6:9 But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats.
  • Acts 12:8 And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.

“gospel” Greek G2098 · used in 74 verses

  • Matthew 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.
  • 1 Corinthians 4:15 For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
  • Philippians 1:5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;

“feet” Greek G4228 · used in 86 verses

  • Matthew 4:6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
  • Luke 24:39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
  • Acts 14:10 Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.

“peace” Greek G1515 · used in 86 verses

  • Matthew 10:13 And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.
  • Romans 1:7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
  • Philippians 4:9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.