The phrase principalities and powers occurs six times in the Bible, always in the King James Version and its derivatives (NKJV, mKJV). Other versions translate it variously as “rulers and authorities,” “forces and authorities,” and “rulers and powers.” In most places where the phrase appears, the reference is to the vast array of evil and malicious spirits who make war against the people of God. The principalities and powers are satanic—they are spiritual beings that wield power in the unseen realms to oppose everything and everyone that is of God.