Ephesians 6

integrity
“Integrity” is a translation of ἁπλότης (haplotes), which means either “generosity” in the context of giving or “sincerity/integrity” as it is translated here. Since the word has the nuance of singleness here and Colossians 3:22 it is translated as “integrity” whereas in 2 Corinthians 1:12 it is translated “sincerity” to emphasize the contextual nuance of honesty.

serving with good will
The translation “serving with good will” reflects the participial phrase μετʼ εὐνοίας δουλεύοντες (metʼ eunoias douleuontes). Paul is describing the manner with which Christian slaves are to be obedient to their masters as slaves of Christ. They are to obey their masters with a pure heart and a good will, as if they are serving their true Master—Christ.

giving up
The phrase “giving up” helps to indicate that the underlying Greek word is a participle and not a finite verb. Participles play a supporting role to the main verb of a sentence, and are thus intentionally translated in such a way that readers can clearly recognize the main idea of a verse and how the modifying words like participles support that idea. Here, the main verb is “do” (ποιεῖτε; poieite), modified by the two participial phrases “giving up threatening” (ἀνιέντες τὴν ἀπειλήν; anientes tēn apeilēn) and “knowing” (εἰδότες; eidotes). Thus the main idea of this verse is what masters are to do to their slaves, that is, how they are to treat them, and the following participles demonstrate what that good conduct is to be characterized by.

having taken up
The word for “having taken up” here is a participle (cf. note for verse 9 above). It is one of the six participial phrases following the main verb “stand firm” in verse 14 (“having girded” [v. 14], “having put on” [v. 14], “having shod” [v. 15], “having taken up” [here], “praying” [v. 18], and “being on the alert” [v. 18]). These are all actions which necessarily characterize a believer who is truly standing firm. Thus, the participle ἀναλαβόντες (analabontes) here is translated in the same manner as the previous participles for accuracy to the Greek syntax and to show consistency within the flow of the passage.

receive
While some translations have “take up” here, this is a different Greek word (δέχομαι; dechomai) than the word used for “take up” in verse 16 (ἀναλαμβάνω; analambanō). Thus, it is translated distinctly as “receive” here, which also better represents the sense of the verb in this context. While the shield of faith is something believers can actively take up, the helmet of salvation is simply received. As salvation has already been accomplished for believers through Christ, they need only to bear this in mind for the full confidence in their eternal security, since Satan and his demons can never issue a spiritually fatal blow to any true believer.

praying
The word for “praying” here is a participle. It is one of the six participial phrases following the main verb “stand firm” in verse 14 (cf. note for verse 9 above). Persistent praying is one of the essential practices of a believer who is truly standing firm in the Lord.

being on the alert
The phrase “being on the alert” also represents a participle in Greek (see previous note). Watchful alertness is another essential practice of a believer who is truly standing firm in the Lord.

words
While some translations might say something like “utterances,” the term “words” is a more literal rendering for the Greek term λόγος (logos), and so this translation provides readers the clearest window into the Greek. In this text, Paul is not so much requesting prayer from the Ephesian saints for the ability to speak, or for confident speech, which a term like “utterances” might be taken as, but rather for him to be given words (lit. “a word”) to boldly make known the gospel. Paul is therefore more concerned with the content of his speaking, rather than the speaking itself.

as well as on my behalf
While some translations add the imperative “pray” at the beginning of this verse, the Greek simply continues the same sentence from the participle “praying” in verse 18. This is not an additional command, but a continuation of the same instruction in verse 18, and the literal translation here helps to bring that out in English. As part of their persistent praying, the Ephesian believers are to include Paul’s preaching and teaching ministry in their requests to God. By this, Paul emphasizes the importance of believers praying specifically for their preaching and teaching pastors because God’s chosen means by which to accomplish the work of the gospel is the prayers of faithful saints who are standing firm in the Lord.

for which I am an ambassador in chains—
The dashes here and at the end of verse 19 set off opening phrase of verse 20 in order to show the connection between “so that” (ἵνα; hina) in this verse the ἵνα (hina) clause at the end of verse 19. In other words, Paul asks that words be given to him to make known and speak with boldness regarding the mystery of the gospel.

encourage
This translation seeks to be as consistent as possible in rendering specific terms in similar contexts. The Greek verb παρακαλέω (parakaleō) has a wide range of meaning and depending on context can have the idea of “pleading,” “urging,” “exhorting,” “comforting,” or “encouraging.” In contexts where either “heart” (καρδία; kardia) or “stand firm” (στηρίζω; stērizō) is also included, the best contextual understanding is the idea of encouragement, as it is here (cf. also 2 Thess 2:15–17). The translation here as “encourage” communicates Paul’s intended sense and also maintains consistency with the similar context in 2 Thessalonians.