CategoryTheological Term / Spiritual Warfare
Modern Equivalentspiritual authorities; angelic and demonic hierarchies in the unseen realm.
KJV Word TypeNoun phrase
DefinitionTerms used by Paul to describe ranks or orders of spiritual beings — whether angelic or demonic. Believers' struggle is not ultimately against flesh and blood but against these spiritual powers in the heavenly realm. Christ's victory on the cross disarmed and triumphed over these powers.
Key Verses"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." (Ephesians 6:12); "Having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it." (Colossians 2:15)