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◄ Romans 13:12►

New International Version
The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.

New Living Translation
The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living.

English Standard Version
The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.

Berean Standard Bible
The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near. So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.

Berean Literal Bible
The night is nearly over, and the day has drawn near; therefore we should cast off the works of darkness and should put on the armor of light.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.

New American Standard Bible
The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let’s rid ourselves of the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.

NASB 1995
The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.

NASB 1977
The night is almost gone, and the day is at hand. Let us therefore lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.

Legacy Standard Bible
The night is almost gone, and the day is at hand. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.

Amplified Bible
The night [this present evil age] is almost gone and the day [of Christ’s return] is almost here. So let us fling away the works of darkness and put on the [full] armor of light.

Christian Standard Bible
The night is nearly over, and the day is near; so let us discard the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The night is nearly over, and the daylight is near, so let us discard the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.

American Standard Version
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.

Contemporary English Version
Night is almost over, and day will soon appear. We must stop behaving as people do in the dark and be ready to live in the light.

English Revised Version
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 armour of light.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The night is almost over, and the day is near. So we should get rid of the things that belong to the dark and take up the weapons that belong to the light.

Good News Translation
The night is nearly over, day is almost here. Let us stop doing the things that belong to the dark, and let us take up weapons for fighting in the light.

International Standard Version
The night is almost over, and the day is near. Let's therefore put aside the actions of darkness and put on the armor of light.

NET Bible
The night has advanced toward dawn; the day is near. So then we must lay aside the works of darkness, and put on the weapons of light.

New Heart English Bible
The night is far gone, and the day is near. Let us therefore throw off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.

Webster's Bible Translation
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 armor of light.

Weymouth New Testament
The night is far advanced, and day is about to dawn. We must therefore lay aside the deeds of darkness, and clothe ourselves with the armour of Light.

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near. So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.

World English Bible
The night is far gone, and the day is near. Let’s therefore throw off the deeds of darkness, and let’s put on the armor of light.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
the night advanced, and the day came near; let us lay aside, therefore, the works of the darkness, and let us put on the armor of the light;

Berean Literal Bible
The night is nearly over, and the day has drawn near; therefore we should cast off the works of darkness and should put on the armor of light.

Young's Literal Translation
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;

Smith's Literal Translation
The night has advanced, and the day has drawn near: therefore let us lay down the works of darkness, and put on the weapons of light.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
The night is passed, and the day is at hand. Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and put on the armour of light.

Catholic Public Domain Version
The night has passed, and the day draws near. Therefore, let us cast aside the works of darkness, and be clothed with the armor of light.

New American Bible
the night is advanced, the day is at hand. Let us then throw off the works of darkness [and] put on the armor of light;

New Revised Standard Version
the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light;

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
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 armor of light.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
The night has passed and the day has arrived, therefore let us strip off the works of darkness from us, and let us put on the armor of light.

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
the night is far advanced, the day draws near. Let us, therefore, put off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.

Godbey New Testament
For the night is far spent, and the day is at hand. Therefore let us lay aside the works of the darkness, and let us put on the arms of the light.

Haweis New Testament
The night is far advanced, the day approaches: let us therefore put off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

Mace New Testament
the night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore throw off the habits of darkness, and be invested with the ornaments of light.

Weymouth New Testament
The night is far advanced, and day is about to dawn. We must therefore lay aside the deeds of darkness, and clothe ourselves with the armour of Light.

Worrell New Testament
The night was far spent, and the day has drawn near; let us, therefore, put off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.

Worsley New Testament
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.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Put On Christ
11And do this, understanding the occasion. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.12The night is nearly over;the day has drawn near.So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.13Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

Ephesians 5:8-14
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, / for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth. / Test and prove what pleases the Lord. ...

1 Thessalonians 5:4-8
But you, brothers, are not in the darkness so that this day should overtake you like a thief. / For you are all sons of the light and sons of the day; we do not belong to the night or to the darkness. / So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober. ...

2 Corinthians 6:7
in truthful speech and in the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left;

Colossians 3:8-10
But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. / Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices, / and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.

1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

1 John 1:5-7
And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you: God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. / If we say we have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. / But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.

1 John 2:8-11
Then again, I am also writing to you a new commandment, which is true in Him and also in you. For the darkness is fading and the true light is already shining. / If anyone claims to be in the light but hates his brother, he is still in the darkness. / Whoever loves his brother remains in the light, and there is no cause of stumbling in him. ...

2 Peter 1:19
We also have the word of the prophets as confirmed beyond doubt. And you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.

John 12:35-36
Then Jesus told them, “For a little while longer, the Light will be among you. Walk while you have the Light, so that darkness will not overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. / While you have the Light, believe in the Light, so that you may become sons of light.” After Jesus had spoken these things, He went away and was hidden from them.

Matthew 5:14-16
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. / Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. / In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Isaiah 60:1-3
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. / For behold, darkness covers the earth, and thick darkness is over the peoples; but the LORD will rise upon you, and His glory will appear over you. / Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

Isaiah 2:5
Come, O house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the LORD.

Isaiah 59:17
He put on righteousness like a breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on His head; He put on garments of vengeance and wrapped Himself in a cloak of zeal.

Job 29:14
I put on righteousness, and it clothed me; justice was my robe and my turban.

Psalm 104:2
He wraps Himself in light as with a garment; He stretches out the heavens like a tent,

Treasury of Scripture

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 armor of light.

night.

Song of Solomon 2:17
Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, turn, my beloved, and be thou like a roe or a young hart upon the mountains of Bether.

1 John 2:8
Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.

cast.

Isaiah 2:20
In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they madeeach one for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats;

Isaiah 30:22
Ye shall defile also the covering of thy graven images of silver, and the ornament of thy molten images of gold: thou shalt cast them away as a menstruous cloth; thou shalt say unto it, Get thee hence.

Ezekiel 18:31,32
Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel? …

works.

Job 24:14-17
The murderer rising with the light killeth the poor and needy, and in the night is as a thief…

John 3:19-21
And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil…

Ephesians 5:11
And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprovethem.

put.

Romans 13:14
But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, tofulfil the luststhereof.

2 Corinthians 6:7
By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,

Ephesians 6:11-18
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil…

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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.

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

The night is nearly over;
This phrase suggests a transition from a period of spiritual darkness to one of enlightenment and righteousness. In biblical context, "night" often symbolizes ignorance, sin, and separation from God. The Apostle Paul uses this metaphor to indicate that the time of living in sin is coming to an end. Historically, this reflects the anticipation of Christ's return, a common theme in early Christian teachings. The urgency in Paul's message is a call to readiness and transformation, as believers are encouraged to leave behind their former ways.

the day has drawn near.
"The day" refers to the coming of Christ and the establishment of His kingdom. This is a common eschatological theme in the New Testament, where the "day" signifies the time of salvation and judgment. The nearness of the day implies that believers should live in a state of preparedness and holiness. This connects to other scriptures such as1 Thessalonians 5:2-8, where the day of the Lord is described as coming like a thief in the night, urging vigilance and moral integrity.

So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness
"Deeds of darkness" refers to sinful behaviors and lifestyles that are contrary to God's will. In the cultural context of the Roman Empire, where immorality and pagan practices were prevalent, this call to abandon such deeds was radical. Paul emphasizes the need for a clear break from past sins, aligning with the transformative power of the Gospel. This is reminiscent ofEphesians 5:11, which advises believers to have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness.

and put on the armor of light.
The "armor of light" symbolizes the virtues and righteous living that protect believers from spiritual harm. This metaphor of armor is also found inEphesians 6:10-18, where Paul describes the full armor of God. The imagery suggests a readiness for spiritual battle, highlighting the need for truth, righteousness, and faith. Light, in biblical terms, often represents purity, truth, and the presence of God, contrasting sharply with darkness. This call to action is a directive to embody the characteristics of Christ, who is the Light of the World (John 8:12).

Persons / Places / Events

1.Paul the Apostle
The author of the Book of Romans, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings.

2.The Roman Church
The recipients of the letter, the early Christian community in Rome, which was diverse and included both Jewish and Gentile believers.

3.The Metaphor of Night and Day
Paul uses the imagery of night and day to contrast the present age of sin and the coming age of salvation.

4.Deeds of Darkness
Refers to sinful behaviors and actions that are contrary to God's will.

5.Armor of Light
Symbolizes the righteous and holy living that believers are called to adopt in anticipation of Christ's return.

Teaching Points

Understanding the Urgency
Recognize the urgency of the present time. The "night" of sin is nearly over, and the "day" of Christ's return is near. This calls for immediate action in our spiritual lives.

Rejecting Sinful Behaviors
Actively lay aside sinful behaviors and habits. This involves a conscious decision to turn away from actions that are not in line with God's will.

Embracing Righteous Living
Put on the "armor of light," which means living in a way that reflects God's holiness and righteousness. This involves adopting virtues such as truth, faith, and love.

Living in Anticipation
Live with the expectation of Christ's return. This anticipation should influence our daily decisions and interactions, encouraging us to live in a way that honors God.

Community Accountability
Engage with fellow believers to encourage and hold each other accountable in living out these principles. The Christian journey is not meant to be walked alone.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Romans 13:12?

2.How can we "put aside the deeds of darkness" in our daily lives?

3.What does "put on the armor of light" mean for a Christian today?

4.How does Romans 13:12 connect with Ephesians 6:11 on spiritual armor?

5.Why is it urgent to "put on the armor of light" now?

6.How can we encourage others to embrace the teachings of Romans 13:12?

7.What does "put on the armor of light" mean in Romans 13:12?

8.How does Romans 13:12 relate to Christian behavior in modern society?

9.What historical context influenced Paul's writing of Romans 13:12?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Romans 13?

11.Is the day approaching as the night ends?

12.Is the day approaching as the night ends?

13.If (1 Peter 4:7) states “the end of all things is near,” how do we explain that nearly two millennia have passed without fulfillment?

14.Why did the apostle Paul work as a tentmaker?

What Does Romans 13:12 Mean

The night is nearly over

“The night is nearly over” (Romans 13:12a) pictures the present fallen world as a long, dark night.

• Darkness in Scripture often represents sin, ignorance of God, and the rule of evil (John 3:19;Ephesians 6:12).

• Paul assures believers that this night “is nearly over,” echoing1 John 2:8, “The darkness is fading and the true light is already shining.”

• The nearness of the end means God’s plan is moving steadily toward Christ’s visible reign (Hebrews 10:37;Revelation 22:20).

• Knowing the night is passing gives hope and urgency: we are on the edge of dawn, not stuck in endless midnight (1 Peter 4:7).

The day has drawn near

“…the day has drawn near” (Romans 13:12b) refers to the dawning of Christ’s kingdom.

• “The day of the Lord” is the long-anticipated time when Jesus returns in glory (1 Thessalonians 5:2).

• Believers already taste that future day through the Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14), so it is “near” in both promise and certainty (Philippians 4:5).

• This perspective changes priorities: investing in eternal things makes sense when sunrise is imminent (Matthew 6:19-21).

• Like watchmen longing for morning (Psalm 130:6), Christians live in expectation, not complacency (Titus 2:13).

Lay aside the deeds of darkness

“So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness” (Romans 13:12c) calls for decisive action.

• “Lay aside” is the image of stripping off filthy clothes (Ephesians 4:22;Colossians 3:8).

• “Deeds of darkness” include every practice incompatible with God’s light—sexual immorality, envy, strife, drunkenness, dishonesty (Galatians 5:19-21;Ephesians 5:11).

• Repentance is not optional; the approaching day demands a clean break with sin (2 Corinthians 7:1).

• The verb is plural—this is a community project. Churches help one another abandon darkness (Hebrews 3:13).

Put on the armor of light

“…and put on the armor of light” (Romans 13:12d) describes positive readiness.

• “Put on” mirrors the language of clothing oneself with Christ (Romans 13:14;Colossians 3:12-14).

• “Armor” signals battle; dawn brings conflict with lingering darkness (2 Corinthians 10:4).

• Light is both defensive and offensive: truth, righteousness, faith, and the word of God protect and advance the gospel (Ephesians 6:11-17;1 Thessalonians 5:8).

• Believers shine, exposing evil and guiding others to safety (Matthew 5:16;Philippians 2:15).

• The armor is Christ Himself; to wear light is to walk intimately with Him (John 8:12).

summary

Romans 13:12 urges believers, who stand at the edge of history’s sunrise, to live like it. The fading night warns us to cast off every work that belongs to darkness, while the approaching day summons us to suit up in the radiant armor of Christlike character. Because dawn is certain and near, holiness, vigilance, and hopeful anticipation mark the lifestyle of all who love His appearing.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(12)The night.--The time during which the Messiah is absent from His people is compared to night. He is the sun. whose coming converts it to day.

It is rather strange that here, as in1Thessalonians 5:8, the metaphor of night and day should suggest that of "armour." The warfare in which the Christian is engaged is between the powers of light and of darkness. (Comp.Ephesians 6:12.) And the use of the word "putting off" (stripping oneself as of clothing) supplies a link between the two ideas by suggesting the putting on of a different kind of clothing, the Christian panoply.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

The
ἡ(hē)
Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

night
νὺξ(nyx)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3571:The night, night-time. A primary word; 'night'.

is nearly over;
προέκοψεν(proekopsen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4298:From pro and kopto; to drive forward, i.e. to advance.

the
ἡ(hē)
Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

day
ἡμέρα(hēmera)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2250:A day, the period from sunrise to sunset.

has drawn near.
ἤγγικεν(ēngiken)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1448:Trans: I bring near; intrans: I come near, approach. From eggus; to make near, i.e. approach.

So
οὖν(oun)
Conjunction
Strong's 3767:Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.

let us lay aside
ἀποθώμεθα(apothōmetha)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 659:To lay off or aside, renounce, stow away, put. From apo and tithemi; to put away.

the
τὰ(ta)
Article - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

deeds
ἔργα(erga)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2041:From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act.

of darkness
σκότους(skotous)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 4655:Darkness, either physical or moral. From the base of skia; shadiness, i.e. Obscurity.

and
δὲ(de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.

put on
ἐνδυσώμεθα(endysōmetha)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1746:To put on, clothe (another). From en and duno; to invest with clothing.

the
τὰ(ta)
Article - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

armor
ὅπλα(hopla)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3696:An instrument; plur: arms, weapons. Probably from a primary hepo; an implement or utensil or tool.

of light.
φωτός(phōtos)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 5457:Light, a source of light, radiance. From an obsolete phao; luminousness.

Links

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NT Letters: Romans 13:12 The night is far gone and (Rom. Ro)