Ephesians 6:12 (KJV)

“Spiritual Wickedness in High Places” — Ephesians 6:12 (KJV)

In the King James Version, the phrase appears in Ephesians 6:12: “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” 

Context in Scripture

This verse is part of a larger passage (Ephesians 6:10–13) where the Apostle Paul instructs believers to “put on the whole armour of God” so they can stand against the schemes of the devil 

The surrounding verses emphasize that the Christian’s battle is not agains human opponents (“flesh and blood”) but against supernatural, spiritual forces.

Ephesians 6:11–13 (KJV) 

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Meaning of “Spiritual Wickedness in High Places”

Spiritual wickedness: Refers to evil spiritual beings or forces opposed to God’s purposes.

In high places: In the KJV, “high places” can mean elevated, powerful, or heavenly realms — the domain of these spiritual powers 

The imagery draws from the ancient idea of “high places” as locations of divine or demonic authority, here used to describe the realm where these forces operate.

Application

Paul’s point is that believers must be prepared spiritually, not physically, for the unseen battle. The “armour of God” in the following verses (truth, righteousness, gospel of peace, faith, salvation, word of God) is the means by which Christians can resist and stand firm against these spiritual forces.

In summary: Ephesians 6:12 (KJV) teaches that the Christian’s struggle is against supernatural evil powers in the heavenly realm, not against mere human enemies, and calls for spiritual readiness through God’s armour