Revelation 12:13

And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man [child].

And {G2532} when {G3753} the dragon {G1404} saw {G1492} that {G3754} he was cast {G906} unto {G1519} the earth {G1093}, he persecuted {G1377} the woman {G1135} which {G3748} brought forth {G5088} the man {G730} child.

When the dragon saw that he had been hurled down to the earth, he went in pursuit of the woman who had given birth to the male child.

And when the dragon saw that he had been thrown to the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child.

And when the dragon saw that he was cast down to the earth, he persecuted the woman that brought forth the man child.

Revelation 12:13 describes the immediate aftermath of a significant cosmic event: the defeat and expulsion of Satan, symbolized as "the dragon," from heaven. Having lost his place in the heavenly realms, his wrath turns towards the earthly realm, specifically targeting "the woman which brought forth the man child." This verse marks a pivotal shift in the narrative of spiritual warfare, highlighting the devil's relentless malice against God's chosen people.

Context

To fully grasp Revelation 12:13, it's essential to understand the preceding verses in this chapter. Revelation 12 opens with the symbolic vision of a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, giving birth to a "man child." This woman is widely interpreted as representing Israel, the nation from which the Messiah, Jesus Christ, was born. The "man child" is explicitly identified as Christ, who is "caught up unto God, and to his throne" (Revelation 12:5). The "dragon" is revealed in Revelation 12:9 as "that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world." Verses 7-9 detail a cosmic war in heaven where Michael and his angels fight against the dragon and his angels, resulting in the dragon being "cast out into the earth." Upon his expulsion, the dragon's rage is unleashed upon the woman, signifying his intensified persecution of God's people on earth.

Key Themes

  • Satan's Unrelenting Malice: The verse vividly portrays the dragon's intense hatred and vengeful nature. After his defeat and expulsion from heaven, his focus immediately shifts to persecuting those connected to the Messiah's lineage and mission. This underscores the reality of spiritual warfare and the devil's ongoing opposition to God's plan and His people.
  • Persecution of God's People: The "persecution" of the woman represents the historical and ongoing suffering faced by Israel and, by extension, the faithful followers of Christ throughout history. This is a recurring theme in biblical prophecy, where the forces of evil relentlessly attack those who bear witness to God.
  • The Dragon's Limited Sphere: While powerful and malicious, the dragon is "cast unto the earth," indicating a confined sphere of operation. His defeat in heaven means he no longer has access to accuse believers before God's throne, as suggested in Revelation 12:10. His power, though significant on earth, is ultimately subject to God's sovereign control.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated as "persecuted" is diōkō (διώκω). While it can mean "to pursue" or "to chase," in this context, it carries the strong connotation of "to harass," "to oppress," or "to persecute." It implies a deliberate and hostile pursuit with the intent to harm or destroy. This choice of word emphasizes the active, aggressive nature of the dragon's post-defeat strategy against the woman.

Practical Application

Revelation 12:13 offers several important insights for believers today:

  1. Expect Spiritual Opposition: Just as the dragon persecuted the woman, believers should expect opposition and spiritual attacks. This verse reminds us that Satan is a real adversary, as warned in 1 Peter 5:8, who seeks to devour.
  2. God's Ultimate Sovereignty: Despite the dragon's wrath, the narrative of Revelation goes on to show God's protection and ultimate victory. Even in persecution, God's people are not abandoned.
  3. Stand Firm in Faith: Understanding the enemy's tactics allows believers to be vigilant and to put on the full armor of God to withstand the schemes of the devil. Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces, as highlighted in Ephesians 6:12.

This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing spiritual conflict but also points to the hope that the enemy's efforts are ultimately futile against God's eternal plan.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Genesis 3:15

    And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

  • Revelation 12:3

    And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.

  • Revelation 12:5

    And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and [to] his throne.

  • John 16:33

    These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

  • Psalms 37:12

    The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth.

  • Psalms 37:14

    The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, [and] to slay such as be of upright conversation.

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