CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Revelation 12:4 His tail swept a third of the stars from the sky, tossing them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, ready to devour her child as soon as she gave birth.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/revelation/12-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/66_Rev_12_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Revelation 12:4 - The Woman and the Dragon" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="His tail swept a third of the stars from the sky, tossing them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, ready to devour her child as soon as she gave birth." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/revelation/12-4.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/revelation/12-4.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/revelation/">Revelation</a> > <a href="/revelation/12.htm">Chapter 12</a> > Verse 4</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/revelation/12-3.htm" title="Revelation 12:3">◄</a> Revelation 12:4 <a href="/revelation/12-5.htm" title="Revelation 12:5">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/revelation/12.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/revelation/12.htm">New International Version</a> Its tail swept a third of the stars out of the sky and flung them to the earth. The dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth, so that it might devour her child the moment he was born. <a href="/nlt/revelation/12.htm">New Living Translation</a> His tail swept away one-third of the stars in the sky, and he threw them to the earth. He stood in front of the woman as she was about to give birth, ready to devour her baby as soon as it was born. <a href="/esv/revelation/12.htm">English Standard Version</a> His tail swept down a third of the stars of heaven and cast them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she bore her child he might devour it. <a href="/bsb/revelation/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> His tail swept a third of the stars from the sky, hurling them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, ready to devour her child as soon as she gave birth. <a href="/blb/revelation/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And his tail drags a third of the stars of heaven, and he cast them to the earth. And the dragon stands before the woman being about to bring forth, so that when she should bring forth, he might devour her child. <a href="/kjv/revelation/12.htm">King James Bible</a> And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. <a href="/nkjv/revelation/12.htm">New King James Version</a> His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to give birth, to devour her Child as soon as it was born. <a href="/nasb_/revelation/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And his tail swept away a third of the stars of heaven and hurled them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she gave birth he might devour her Child. <a href="/nasb/revelation/12.htm">NASB 1995</a> And his tail swept away a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she gave birth he might devour her child. <a href="/nasb77/revelation/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And his tail swept away a third of the stars of heaven, and threw them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she gave birth he might devour her child. <a href="/lsb/revelation/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And his tail swept away a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she gave birth he might devour her child. <a href="/amp/revelation/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a> And his tail swept [across the sky] and dragged away a third of the stars of heaven and flung them to the earth. And the dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she gave birth he might devour her child. <a href="/csb/revelation/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Its tail swept away a third of the stars in heaven and hurled them to the earth. And the dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she did give birth it might devour her child. <a href="/hcsb/revelation/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> His tail swept away a third of the stars in heaven and hurled them to the earth. And the dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she did give birth he might devour her child. <a href="/asv/revelation/12.htm">American Standard Version</a> And his tail draweth the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon standeth before the woman that is about to be delivered, that when she is delivered he may devour her child. <a href="/cev/revelation/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> With its tail, it dragged a third of the stars from the sky and threw them down to the earth. Then the dragon turned toward the woman, because it wanted to eat her child as soon as it was born. <a href="/erv/revelation/12.htm">English Revised Version</a> And his tail draweth the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was about to be delivered, that when she was delivered he might devour her child. <a href="/gwt/revelation/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Its tail swept away one-third of the stars in the sky and threw them down to earth. The serpent stood in front of the woman who was going to give birth so that it could devour her child when it was born. <a href="/gnt/revelation/12.htm">Good News Translation</a> With his tail he dragged a third of the stars out of the sky and threw them down to the earth. He stood in front of the woman, in order to eat her child as soon as it was born. <a href="/isv/revelation/12.htm">International Standard Version</a> Its tail swept away one-third of the stars in the sky and knocked them down to the earth. Then the dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth so that it could devour her child when it was born. <a href="/msb/revelation/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> His tail swept a third of the stars from the sky, hurling them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, ready to devour her child as soon as she gave birth. <a href="/net/revelation/12.htm">NET Bible</a> Now the dragon's tail swept away a third of the stars in heaven and hurled them to the earth. Then the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that he might devour her child as soon as it was born. <a href="/nheb/revelation/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> His tail drew one third of the stars of the sky, and threw them to the earth. The serpent stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she gave birth he might devour her child. <a href="/wbt/revelation/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to be delivered, to devour her child as soon as it was born. <a href="/wey/revelation/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> His tail was drawing after it a third part of the stars of Heaven, and it dashed them to the ground. And in front of the woman who was about to become a mother, the Dragon was standing in order to devour the child as soon as it was born. <a href="/web/revelation/12.htm">World English Bible</a> His tail drew one third of the stars of the sky, and threw them to the earth. The dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she gave birth he might devour her child. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/revelation/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and his tail draws the third of the stars of the sky, and he cast them to the earth; and the dragon stood before the woman who is about to bring forth, that when she may bring forth, he may devour her child; <a href="/blb/revelation/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And his tail drags a third of the stars of heaven, and he cast them to the earth. And the dragon stands before the woman being about to bring forth, so that when she should bring forth, he might devour her child. <a href="/ylt/revelation/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and his tail doth draw the third of the stars of the heaven, and he did cast them to the earth; and the dragon did stand before the woman who is about to bring forth, that when she may bring forth, her child he may devour; <a href="/slt/revelation/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And his tail draws the third of the stars of heaven, and he cast them into the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman about to bring forth, that when she should bring forth he might devour her child.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/revelation/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to be delivered; that, when she should be delivered, he might devour her son. <a href="/cpdv/revelation/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And his tail drew down a third part of the stars of heaven and cast them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman, who was about to give birth, so that, when she had brought forth, he might devour her son. <a href="/nabre/revelation/12.htm">New American Bible</a> Its tail swept away a third of the stars in the sky and hurled them down to the earth. Then the dragon stood before the woman about to give birth, to devour her child when she gave birth. <a href="/nrsvce/revelation/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> His tail swept down a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. Then the dragon stood before the woman who was about to bear a child, so that he might devour her child as soon as it was born.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/revelation/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And his tail cut off a third of the stars of heaven and cast them to the earth; and the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to be delivered, so as to devour her child as soon as it was born. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/revelation/12.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And its tail dragged the third of the stars that are in the Heavens and cast them upon The Earth; and the Dragon was standing before the woman who was ready to give birth, that when she had delivered, it would devour her Son.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/revelation/12.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And his tail drew along the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to bring forth, that, when she had brought forth, he might devour her child. <a href="/godbey/revelation/12.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> and his tail draws the third of the stars of the heaven, and casts them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman about to bring forth, in order that he may eat up her child when she may bring it forth. <a href="/haweis/revelation/12.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And his tail drew a third part of the stars of heaven, and cast them on the earth: and the dragon placed himself before the woman who was ready to be delivered, that when she should bring forth, he might devour her babe. <a href="/mace/revelation/12.htm">Mace New Testament</a> his tail swept the third part of the stars of heaven; and cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to be delivered, in order to devour her child as soon as it was born. <a href="/wey/revelation/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> His tail was drawing after it a third part of the stars of Heaven, and it dashed them to the ground. And in front of the woman who was about to become a mother, the Dragon was standing in order to devour the child as soon as it was born. <a href="/worrell/revelation/12.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And his tail drags the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth. And the dragon has taken his stand before the woman who is about to bring forth; in order that, when she brings forth, he may devour her child. <a href="/worsley/revelation/12.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And his tail drew a third part of the stars of heaven, and cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman, who was ready to bring forth, that when she was delivered, he might devour her child. <a href="/parallel/revelation/12-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LJfD7KQcx0I?start=2379" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/revelation/12.htm">The Woman and the Dragon</a> …3Then another sign appeared in heaven: a huge red dragon with seven heads, ten horns, and seven royal crowns on his heads. 4<a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">His</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hē (Art-NFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3769.htm" title="3769: oura (N-NFS) -- A tail. Apparently a primary word; a tail.">tail</a> <a href="/greek/4951.htm" title="4951: syrei (V-PIA-3S) -- To draw, drag, force away. Probably akin to haireomai; to trail.">swept</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">a</a> <a href="/greek/5154.htm" title="5154: triton (Adj-ANS) -- Third. Ordinal from treis; third; neuter a third part, or a third time, thirdly.">third</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of the</a> <a href="/greek/792.htm" title="792: asterōn (N-GMP) -- A star. Probably from the base of stronnumi; a star, literally or figuratively.">stars</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">from</a> <a href="/greek/3772.htm" title="3772: ouranou (N-GMS) -- Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel.">the sky,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/906.htm" title="906: ebalen (V-AIA-3S) -- (a) I cast, throw, rush, (b) often, in the weaker sense: I place, put, drop. A primary verb; to throw.">tossing</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autous (PPro-AM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">them</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">to</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/1093.htm" title="1093: gēn (N-AFS) -- Contracted from a primary word; soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe.">earth.</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">And</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/1404.htm" title="1404: drakōn (N-NMS) -- A dragon or huge serpent; met: Satan. Probably from an alternate form of derkomai; a fabulous kind of serpent.">dragon</a> <a href="/greek/2476.htm" title="2476: hestēken (V-RIA-3S) -- A prolonged form of a primary stao stah'-o; to stand, used in various applications.">stood</a> <a href="/greek/1799.htm" title="1799: enōpion (Prep) -- Neuter of a compound of en and a derivative of optanomai; in the face of.">before</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/1135.htm" title="1135: gynaikos (N-GFS) -- A woman, wife, my lady. Probably from the base of ginomai; a woman; specially, a wife.">woman</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3195.htm" title="3195: mellousēs (V-PPA-GFS) -- A strengthened form of melo; to intend, i.e. Be about to be, do, or suffer something.">who was about</a> <a href="/greek/5088.htm" title="5088: tekein (V-ANA) -- A strengthened form of a primary teko tek'-o; to produce, literally or figuratively.">to give birth,</a> <a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.">ready to</a> <a href="/greek/2719.htm" title="2719: kataphagē (V-ASA-3S) -- To eat up, eat till it is finished, devour, squander, annoy, injure. From kata and esthio; to eat down, i.e. Devour.">devour</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autēs (PPro-GF3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">her</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/5043.htm" title="5043: teknon (N-ANS) -- A child, descendent, inhabitant. From the base of timoria; a child.">child</a> <a href="/greek/3752.htm" title="3752: hotan (Conj) -- When, whenever. From hote and an; whenever; also causatively inasmuch as.">as soon as</a> <a href="/greek/5088.htm" title="5088: tekē (V-ASA-3S) -- A strengthened form of a primary teko tek'-o; to produce, literally or figuratively.">she gave birth.</a> 5And she gave birth to a son, a male child, who will rule all the nations with an iron scepter. And her child was caught up to God and to His throne.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/daniel/8-10.htm">Daniel 8:10</a> It grew as high as the host of heaven, and it cast down some of the host and some of the stars to the earth and trampled them. <a href="/matthew/2-16.htm">Matthew 2:16</a> When Herod saw that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was filled with rage. Sending orders, he put to death all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, according to the time he had learned from the Magi. <a href="/isaiah/14-12.htm">Isaiah 14:12-15</a> How you have fallen from heaven, O day star, son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the ground, O destroyer of nations. / You said in your heart: “I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God. I will sit on the mount of assembly, in the far reaches of the north. / I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.” ... <a href="/genesis/3-15.htm">Genesis 3:15</a> And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed. He will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” <a href="/luke/10-18.htm">Luke 10:18</a> So He told them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. <a href="/job/1-6.htm">Job 1:6-7</a> One day the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them. / “Where have you come from?” said the LORD to Satan. “From roaming through the earth,” he replied, “and walking back and forth in it.” <a href="/2_peter/2-4.htm">2 Peter 2:4</a> For if God did not spare the angels when they sinned, but cast them deep into hell, placing them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment; <a href="/jude/1-6.htm">Jude 1:6</a> And the angels who did not stay within their own domain but abandoned their proper dwelling—these He has kept in eternal chains under darkness, bound for judgment on that great day. <a href="/ezekiel/28-12.htm">Ezekiel 28:12-17</a> “Son of man, take up a lament for the king of Tyre and tell him that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. / You were in Eden, the garden of God. Every kind of precious stone adorned you: ruby, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx, and jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and emerald. Your mountings and settings were crafted in gold, prepared on the day of your creation. / You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for I had ordained you. You were on the holy mountain of God; you walked among the fiery stones. ... <a href="/matthew/24-29.htm">Matthew 24:29</a> Immediately after the tribulation of those days: ‘The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.’ <a href="/isaiah/34-4.htm">Isaiah 34:4</a> All the stars of heaven will be dissolved. The skies will be rolled up like a scroll, and all their stars will fall like withered leaves from the vine, like foliage from the fig tree. <a href="/jeremiah/51-34.htm">Jeremiah 51:34</a> “Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon has devoured me; he has crushed me. He has set me aside like an empty vessel; he has swallowed me like a monster; he filled his belly with my delicacies and vomited me out. <a href="/psalms/74-13.htm">Psalm 74:13-14</a> You divided the sea by Your strength; You smashed the heads of the dragons of the sea; / You crushed the heads of Leviathan; You fed him to the creatures of the desert. <a href="/john/8-44.htm">John 8:44</a> You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out his desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies. <a href="/1_peter/5-8.htm">1 Peter 5:8</a> Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.his tail.<a href="/revelation/9-10.htm">Revelation 9:10,19</a> And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails: and their power was to hurt men five months… <a href="/daniel/8-9.htm">Daniel 8:9-12</a> And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant land… of the.<a href="/revelation/17-18.htm">Revelation 17:18</a> And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.the dragon.<a href="/revelation/12-2.htm">Revelation 12:2</a> And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.<a href="/exodus/1-16.htm">Exodus 1:16</a> And he said, When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the stools; if it be a son, then ye shall kill him: but if it be a daughter, then she shall live.<a href="/matthew/2-3.htm">Matthew 2:3-16</a> When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/revelation/2-3.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/revelation/12-2.htm">Birth</a> <a href="/revelation/1-5.htm">Born</a> <a href="/revelation/8-8.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/revelation/12-2.htm">Child</a> <a href="/acts/27-29.htm">Dashed</a> <a href="/revelation/12-2.htm">Delivered</a> <a href="/revelation/11-5.htm">Devour</a> <a href="/revelation/12-3.htm">Dragon</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-39.htm">Drawing</a> <a href="/galatians/2-12.htm">Drew</a> <a href="/revelation/11-18.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/revelation/8-5.htm">Flung</a> <a href="/revelation/12-2.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/revelation/8-3.htm">Front</a> <a href="/revelation/6-13.htm">Ground</a> <a href="/revelation/12-3.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-23.htm">Mother</a> <a href="/revelation/6-2.htm">Order</a> <a href="/revelation/11-13.htm">Part</a> <a href="/jude/1-23.htm">Pulling</a> <a href="/revelation/9-15.htm">Ready</a> <a href="/revelation/11-6.htm">Sky</a> <a href="/revelation/11-14.htm">Soon</a> <a href="/revelation/10-8.htm">Standeth</a> <a href="/revelation/11-4.htm">Standing</a> <a href="/revelation/12-1.htm">Stars</a> <a href="/revelation/11-11.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/acts/27-14.htm">Swept</a> <a href="/ezekiel/24-4.htm">Tail</a> <a href="/revelation/11-14.htm">Third</a> <a href="/revelation/8-5.htm">Threw</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/revelation/12-17.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/revelation/12-5.htm">Birth</a> <a href="/genesis/4-18.htm">Born</a> <a href="/revelation/12-9.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/revelation/12-5.htm">Child</a> <a href="/exodus/15-6.htm">Dashed</a> <a href="/revelation/12-5.htm">Delivered</a> <a href="/revelation/17-16.htm">Devour</a> <a href="/revelation/12-7.htm">Dragon</a> <a href="/genesis/33-3.htm">Drawing</a> <a href="/genesis/14-8.htm">Drew</a> <a href="/revelation/12-9.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/revelation/14-16.htm">Flung</a> <a href="/revelation/12-5.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/revelation/13-14.htm">Front</a> <a href="/revelation/18-8.htm">Ground</a> <a href="/revelation/12-7.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/revelation/17-5.htm">Mother</a> <a href="/revelation/13-17.htm">Order</a> <a href="/revelation/13-10.htm">Part</a> <a href="/genesis/37-28.htm">Pulling</a> <a href="/revelation/12-6.htm">Ready</a> <a href="/revelation/12-7.htm">Sky</a> <a href="/revelation/22-6.htm">Soon</a> <a href="/exodus/14-19.htm">Standeth</a> <a href="/revelation/14-1.htm">Standing</a> <a href="/genesis/1-16.htm">Stars</a> <a href="/revelation/12-17.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/revelation/12-15.htm">Swept</a> <a href="/exodus/4-4.htm">Tail</a> <a href="/revelation/14-9.htm">Third</a> <a href="/revelation/14-19.htm">Threw</a><div class="vheading2">Revelation 12</div>1. <a href="/revelation/12-1.htm">A woman clothed with the sun travails.</a> 4. <a href="/revelation/12-4.htm">The great red dragon stands before her, ready to devour her child;</a> 6. <a href="/revelation/12-6.htm">when she is delivered she flees into the desert.</a> 7. <a href="/revelation/12-7.htm">Michael and his angels fight with the dragon, and prevail.</a> 13. <a href="/revelation/12-13.htm">The dragon, being cast down into the earth, persecutes the woman.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/revelation/12.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/revelation/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/revelation/12.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>His tail swept a third of the stars from the sky, hurling them to the earth. This phrase is often interpreted as a symbolic representation of Satan's rebellion and the fall of a portion of the angels. The "tail" signifies the power and influence of the dragon, identified as Satan in <a href="/revelation/12-9.htm">Revelation 12:9</a>. The "third of the stars" is commonly understood to represent the angels who followed Satan in his rebellion against God, as referenced in <a href="/isaiah/14-12.htm">Isaiah 14:12-15</a> and <a href="/ezekiel/28-12.htm">Ezekiel 28:12-17</a>. The act of hurling them to the earth signifies their expulsion from heaven, aligning with Jesus' statement in <a href="/luke/10-18.htm">Luke 10:18</a>, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven." This imagery underscores the cosmic battle between good and evil, with Satan's influence extending to the earthly realm.And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, The "dragon" is a symbol of Satan, as clarified later in <a href="/revelation/12-9.htm">Revelation 12:9</a>. The "woman" is often interpreted as representing Israel, the people of God, from whom the Messiah, Jesus Christ, would come. This imagery draws from Old Testament prophecies, such as <a href="/isaiah/66-7.htm">Isaiah 66:7-8</a>, which speak of Zion giving birth. The dragon's stance before the woman indicates a posture of opposition and threat, reflecting Satan's historical enmity against God's chosen people and his attempts to thwart God's redemptive plan.ready to devour her child as soon as she gave birth. The "child" is widely understood to be Jesus Christ, the Messiah, who is prophesied to rule all nations with a rod of iron (<a href="/revelation/12-5.htm">Revelation 12:5</a>). This phrase captures the historical reality of Satan's attempts to destroy Jesus, as seen in Herod's massacre of the infants in Bethlehem (<a href="/matthew/2-16.htm">Matthew 2:16-18</a>). It also symbolizes the ongoing spiritual warfare against Christ and His followers. The dragon's readiness to "devour" the child highlights the intensity of the spiritual conflict and Satan's determination to oppose God's salvific purposes. This imagery serves as a reminder of the ultimate victory of Christ, despite the adversary's efforts.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_dragon.htm">The Dragon</a> Symbolic of Satan, the dragon represents the adversary of God and His people. The imagery of the dragon is powerful and menacing, indicating the destructive nature of Satan's influence. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_stars.htm">The Stars</a> Often interpreted as angels, the stars being swept from the sky suggest a rebellion or fall, aligning with the idea of fallen angels who followed Satan. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_woman.htm">The Woman</a> Represents Israel or the people of God, who are about to bring forth the Messiah. The woman is a central figure in this vision, symbolizing the faithful community through whom God's plan is realized. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_child.htm">The Child</a> Symbolizes Jesus Christ, the Messiah, who is the focus of Satan's destructive intent. The child represents the fulfillment of God's promise and the hope of salvation. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_earth.htm">The Earth</a> The place where the stars are tossed, symbolizing the realm of human existence where spiritual battles manifest.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_reality_of_spiritual_warfare.htm">The Reality of Spiritual Warfare</a> This verse highlights the ongoing battle between good and evil. Believers should be aware of the spiritual forces at work and remain vigilant in their faith. <a href="/topical/t/the_sovereignty_of_god.htm">The Sovereignty of God</a> Despite the dragon's attempts to thwart God's plan, the birth of the child signifies God's ultimate control and victory over evil. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_church.htm">The Role of the Church</a> The woman symbolizes the faithful community. Believers are called to be part of this community, supporting and nurturing the mission of God in the world. <a href="/topical/h/hope_in_christ.htm">Hope in Christ</a> The child represents the hope and salvation found in Jesus. Believers can find assurance in the victory that Christ has already achieved. <a href="/topical/p/perseverance_in_faith.htm">Perseverance in Faith</a> The imagery of the dragon ready to devour the child serves as a reminder to remain steadfast in faith, trusting in God's protection and deliverance.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_revelation_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Revelation 12</a> <a href="/q/did_2_3_of_angels_stay_with_god.htm">Did two-thirds of the angels remain with God?</a> <a href="/q/what's_the_woman_and_dragon's_meaning.htm">What is the significance of the woman and the dragon?</a> <a href="/q/what's_the_essence_of_angelic_conflict.htm">What is the essence of the Angelic Conflict?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_origin_of_demons.htm">What is the origin of demons?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/revelation/12.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) And his tail . . .--Translate, And his tail drags (or, sweeps) away the third part of the stars of the heaven, and casts them to the earth. The stars are the light- bearers, the illustrious of earth, who were given by God high place that they might be burning and shining lights for Him. A large proportion of these are drawn away in the train of evil; they are cast down from their high position of noble opportunities of good work and great work; they are dragged down from the height of the grandest possibilities of good to the low level of a life enslaved to evil.And the dragon.--Translate, And the dragon stands (not "stood") before the woman who is about to bring forth, that whenever she has brought forth he may devour her child. The spirit of evil is represented as ever on the watch to destroy the first tokens of better things. Our minds go back to the hatred and fear of Pharaoh, setting a watch for the offspring of Israel and ordering their destruction; and even more are we reminded of the jealous hatred of Herod seeking the life of the infant Christ. It seems clear that it is on this last incident that the present vision is primarily built up; but its meaning is much wider than this. It shows us that evermore, as Herod waited to destroy Christ, the devil, the old spirit whose malignity wrought through the fears of Pharaoh and of Herod, is on the watch to destroy every token of good and every resemblance to Christ in the world. The mission of the Church is to bring forth in her members this life of Christ before men: the aim of the wicked spirit is to destroy that life. The same hostility which was shown to the infant Christ is active against His children: "If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you."<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/revelation/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 4. - And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth; draweth (Revised Version). Not the stars with which the woman is crowned (see ver. 1), but other stars. In describing the vast power of the devil, St. John seems to allude to the tremendous result of his rebellious conduct in heaven, in effecting the fall of other angels with himself (<a href="/jude/1-6.htm">Jude 1:6</a>). The seer does not here interrupt his narrative to explain the point, but returns to it after ver. 6, and there describes briefly the origin and cause of the enmity of the devil towards God. The third part (as in <a href="/revelation/8-7.htm">Revelation 8:7</a>, et seq.) signifies a considerable number, but not the larger part. And the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born; which was about to be delivered, that when she was delivered, he might devour her child (Revised Version). A graphic picture of what is true of Christ himself of the Church, both Jewish and Christian, and of every individual member of the Church. This is another example of the personal history of Christ being repeated in the history of his Church. The devil, in the person of Herod, attempts to prevent the salvation of the world; through Pharaoh he endeavours to crush the chosen people of God, through whom the Messiah was to bless all the earth; by means of the power of Rome he labours to exterminate the infant Church of Christ. <a href="/commentaries/revelation/12-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>His αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. tail οὐρὰ (oura) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3769.htm">Strong's 3769: </a> A tail. Apparently a primary word; a tail. swept σύρει (syrei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4951.htm">Strong's 4951: </a> To draw, drag, force away. Probably akin to haireomai; to trail. a τὸ (to) Article - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. third τρίτον (triton) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5154.htm">Strong's 5154: </a> Third. Ordinal from treis; third; neuter a third part, or a third time, thirdly. of the τῶν (tōn) Article - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. stars ἀστέρων (asterōn) Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_792.htm">Strong's 792: </a> A star. Probably from the base of stronnumi; a star, literally or figuratively. from τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. [the] sky, οὐρανοῦ (ouranou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3772.htm">Strong's 3772: </a> Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel. tossing ἔβαλεν (ebalen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_906.htm">Strong's 906: </a> (a) I cast, throw, rush, (b) often, in the weaker sense: I place, put, drop. A primary verb; to throw. them αὐτοὺς (autous) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. to εἰς (eis) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. the τὴν (tēn) Article - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. earth. γῆν (gēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1093.htm">Strong's 1093: </a> Contracted from a primary word; soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe. And καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. the ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. dragon δράκων (drakōn) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1404.htm">Strong's 1404: </a> A dragon or huge serpent; met: Satan. Probably from an alternate form of derkomai; a fabulous kind of serpent. stood ἕστηκεν (hestēken) Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2476.htm">Strong's 2476: </a> A prolonged form of a primary stao stah'-o; to stand, used in various applications. before ἐνώπιον (enōpion) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1799.htm">Strong's 1799: </a> Neuter of a compound of en and a derivative of optanomai; in the face of. the τῆς (tēs) Article - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. woman γυναικὸς (gynaikos) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1135.htm">Strong's 1135: </a> A woman, wife, my lady. Probably from the base of ginomai; a woman; specially, a wife. as she was about μελλούσης (mellousēs) Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3195.htm">Strong's 3195: </a> A strengthened form of melo; to intend, i.e. Be about to be, do, or suffer something. to give birth, τεκεῖν (tekein) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_5088.htm">Strong's 5088: </a> A strengthened form of a primary teko tek'-o; to produce, literally or figuratively. ready to ἵνα (hina) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2443.htm">Strong's 2443: </a> In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. devour καταφάγῃ (kataphagē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2719.htm">Strong's 2719: </a> To eat up, eat till it is finished, devour, squander, annoy, injure. From kata and esthio; to eat down, i.e. Devour. her αὐτῆς (autēs) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Feminine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. child τέκνον (teknon) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5043.htm">Strong's 5043: </a> A child, descendent, inhabitant. From the base of timoria; a child. as soon as ὅταν (hotan) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3752.htm">Strong's 3752: </a> When, whenever. From hote and an; whenever; also causatively inasmuch as. He was born. τέκῃ (tekē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5088.htm">Strong's 5088: </a> A strengthened form of a primary teko tek'-o; to produce, literally or figuratively. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/revelation/12-4.htm">Revelation 12:4 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/revelation/12-4.htm">Revelation 12:4 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/revelation/12-4.htm">Revelation 12:4 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/revelation/12-4.htm">Revelation 12:4 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/revelation/12-4.htm">Revelation 12:4 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/revelation/12-4.htm">Revelation 12:4 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/revelation/12-4.htm">Revelation 12:4 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/revelation/12-4.htm">Revelation 12:4 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/revelation/12-4.htm">Revelation 12:4 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/revelation/12-4.htm">Revelation 12:4 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/revelation/12-4.htm">NT Prophecy: Revelation 12:4 His tail drew one third (Rev. Re Apocalypse)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/revelation/12-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Revelation 12:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Revelation 12:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/revelation/12-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Revelation 12:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Revelation 12:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>