Revelation 12:13

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 12:13 vividly portrays the immediate aftermath of a decisive cosmic conflict, where the "dragon," identified as Satan, is decisively defeated and expelled from the heavenly realms. Enraged by his downfall and limited to the earthly sphere, his malevolent focus immediately shifts to persecuting "the woman," a symbolic representation of God's people, particularly Israel, who gave birth to the Messiah. This verse marks a critical turning point, highlighting the intensified spiritual warfare against those connected to Christ, as the adversary unleashes his wrath upon the earth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 12:13 is situated at a pivotal juncture within the apocalyptic visions of Revelation 12, which introduces a grand cosmic drama. The chapter opens with the symbolic vision of [a woman clothed with the sun](/revelation/12-1 "Revelation 12:1 - The Woman Clothed with the Sun"), universally understood to represent Israel, the lineage through which the Messiah would come. This woman gives birth to a [male child, who is immediately caught up to God's throne](/revelation/12-5 "Revelation 12:5 - The Man Child Caught Up to God"), clearly identifying him as Jesus Christ. The narrative then introduces the "great red dragon," explicitly named as [that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan](/revelation/12-9 "Revelation 12:9 - The Identity of the Dragon"), who attempts to devour the child but fails. Verses 7-9 describe a cosmic war in heaven, where Michael and his angels cast the dragon and his angels down to earth. Revelation 12:10-12 celebrates this heavenly victory and the silencing of "the accuser of our brethren," yet it also warns of the dragon's great wrath on earth, knowing his time is short. Verse 13, therefore, directly follows this expulsion, explaining the dragon's immediate and vengeful response to his defeat: the persecution of the woman.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Revelation was written during a period of intense persecution for early Christians, likely under the Roman Emperor Domitian (c. AD 95). John, exiled on Patmos, received these visions to encourage and warn the suffering church. The imagery of a "dragon" would resonate with ancient Near Eastern mythology, where serpentine figures often symbolized chaos, evil, and opposing divine order. For Jewish readers, the "serpent" would immediately evoke the tempter in [Genesis 3](/genesis/3 "Genesis 3 - The Fall of Humanity"), solidifying the dragon's identity as the ultimate adversary. The concept of persecution was a lived reality for the original audience, as they faced social ostracism, economic hardship, and even martyrdom for their faith. The "woman" could be understood as both historical Israel (from whom Christ came) and, by extension, the church, which inherits the promises and the spiritual conflict. The "earth" (gē) in this context signifies the terrestrial realm, where the dragon's influence is now concentrated, contrasting with his former access to the heavenly courts.
* **Key Themes:** Revelation 12:13 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Revelation and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Spiritual Warfare**, revealing the cosmic conflict between God's forces and Satan's kingdom. The dragon's expulsion from heaven, though a victory for God's people, precipitates an intensified earthly battle, as seen in his immediate turn to persecution. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Malice and Persistence of Evil**. Despite his defeat, Satan's nature remains unchanged; his rage is redirected, not diminished. This portrays an enemy who is relentless in his opposition to God's redemptive plan and His people, a theme echoed in [1 Peter 5:8](/1_peter/5-8 "1 Peter 5:8 - Be Sober, Be Vigilant"). Thirdly, it emphasizes the **Vulnerability and Protection of God's People**. The woman, though persecuted, is not destroyed. This foreshadows the divine protection and ultimate triumph that God provides for His church, even amidst severe trials, a promise woven throughout the fabric of Revelation, particularly in passages like [Revelation 7:9-17](/revelation/7-9-17 "Revelation 7:9-17 - The Multitude from Every Nation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Dragon (Greek, _drákōn'_):** (G1404) This term, derived from a word suggesting "to look" or "to fascinate," denotes a "fabulous kind of serpent." In Revelation 12, this symbolic creature is explicitly identified as "that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan" ([Revelation 12:9](/revelation/12-9 "Revelation 12:9 - The Identity of the Dragon")). The imagery connects to the primordial serpent in [Genesis 3](/genesis/3 "Genesis 3 - The Fall of Humanity"), establishing Satan's ancient enmity against God and humanity. The "dragon" here embodies the ultimate embodiment of evil, chaos, and destructive power.
* **Persecuted (Greek, _diṓkō'_):** (G1377) This verb, a prolonged and causative form of a primary verb meaning "to flee," signifies "to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, to persecute." While it can mean simple pursuit, in this context, it carries the strong connotation of hostile, aggressive, and relentless harassment with the intent to harm, oppress, or destroy. It reveals the dragon's active, vengeful strategy against the woman, driven by his recent defeat.
* **Woman (Greek, _gynḗ'_):** (G1135) This term simply means "a woman" or "a wife." In the highly symbolic context of Revelation 12, the "woman" is a profound allegorical figure. Given that she "brought forth the man child" who is Christ, she primarily represents Israel, the nation from whom the Messiah descended. By extension, and in the ongoing spiritual conflict, she also symbolizes God's faithful people—the church—who are spiritually connected to Christ and continue to bear witness to Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth":** This clause describes the dragon's realization of his new, diminished status. The act of "being cast unto the earth" refers to his definitive expulsion from heaven, a cosmic defeat at the hands of Michael and his angels ([Revelation 12:7-9](/revelation/12-7-9 "Revelation 12:7-9 - The War in Heaven")). "Saw" (eídō) implies not just visual perception, but a full understanding and awareness of his new, confined sphere of operation. This awareness ignites his wrath, as he knows his time is now short and his ultimate defeat is certain.
* **"he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man [child]":** This segment reveals the immediate and direct consequence of the dragon's expulsion and rage. His defeated malice is redirected from the heavenly realm to the earthly, specifically targeting "the woman." As established, the woman represents Israel, the people from whom the Messiah (the "man child") originated. The persecution signifies Satan's relentless, hostile pursuit and oppression of God's chosen people throughout history, extending to all who identify with Christ, because they are the lineage and spiritual offspring connected to the one who defeated him.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 12:13 is rich in **Symbolism** and **Allegory**, which are central to apocalyptic literature. The "dragon" is not a literal creature but a powerful symbol for Satan, the Devil, representing the ultimate evil and adversary of God. The "woman" is a multifaceted symbol, embodying Israel as the mother of the Messiah and, by extension, the church, the people of God who continue the witness of Christ. The "man child" is a clear symbol for Jesus Christ, whose ascension to God's throne secures His victory. The entire scene is an **Allegory** for the cosmic spiritual warfare between good and evil, depicting Satan's defeat in heaven and his subsequent earthly rage. The dragon's "seeing" and subsequent "persecuting" also employ **Personification**, attributing human-like actions and motivations (realization, malice, active pursuit) to a spiritual entity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 12:13 provides profound theological insight into the nature of spiritual warfare and the enemy's tactics. It reveals that Satan, though defeated in the heavenly realm and stripped of his access to accuse believers before God's throne, remains a formidable and enraged adversary on earth. His expulsion from heaven does not lead to his cessation of activity but rather a redirection of his malice towards God's people. This highlights the reality that while Christ's victory is decisive, its full manifestation awaits His return, and in the interim, believers must contend with the dragon's intensified wrath. The persecution of the woman underscores the historical and ongoing suffering of God's people at the hands of evil, yet it also implicitly points to God's protective hand, as the woman is not utterly consumed.

* [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium")
* [1 Peter 5:8](/1_peter/5-8 "1 Peter 5:8 - Be Sober, Be Vigilant")
* [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 12:13 serves as a stark reminder that the Christian life is lived in the midst of an ongoing spiritual conflict. The dragon's rage, redirected to the earth, signifies that believers should expect opposition, trials, and even direct attacks from the enemy. This understanding should not breed fear, but rather vigilance and a sober recognition of the spiritual realities at play. It calls us to remain grounded in Christ's ultimate victory, knowing that while the enemy is active, his power is limited and his defeat is sealed. Our response to persecution should be rooted in faith, perseverance, and reliance on God's sovereign protection, rather than succumbing to despair or retaliation. This verse encourages us to stand firm, trusting that even in the fiercest storms, God is with His people, preserving them for His ultimate triumph.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the dragon's defeat in heaven change your perspective on the spiritual battles you face on earth?**
* **In what ways do you see the "persecution of the woman" manifesting in the world today, both against the church and against individuals?**
* **How can knowing that the dragon's wrath is intensified because "he knows that he hath but a short time" (Revelation 12:12) motivate you to live more faithfully and urgently for Christ?**
* **What practical steps can you take to "stand firm against the schemes of the devil" (Ephesians 6:11) in light of this verse?**

### FAQ

**Who is "the woman" in Revelation 12:13, and why is the dragon persecuting her?**

Answer: In Revelation 12, "the woman" is a profound symbolic figure. Primarily, she represents Israel, the nation from whom the Messiah, Jesus Christ, was born. This interpretation is strongly supported by her giving birth to the "man child" who is caught up to God's throne ([Revelation 12:5](/revelation/12-5 "Revelation 12:5 - The Man Child Caught Up to God")). By extension, and in the ongoing spiritual conflict, she also symbolizes God's faithful people—the church—who are spiritually connected to Christ and continue to bear witness to Him. The dragon, identified as Satan ([Revelation 12:9](/revelation/12-9 "Revelation 12:9 - The Identity of the Dragon")), persecutes her because she is the instrument through which God's redemptive plan, culminating in Christ, was brought forth. Having failed to destroy the Messiah directly, and having been cast out of heaven, Satan redirects his intense wrath and malice towards those who belong to Christ and bear His testimony on earth, seeking to hinder God's purposes and inflict suffering upon His people.

**What does it mean that the dragon "was cast unto the earth"?**

Answer: The phrase "cast unto the earth" signifies Satan's decisive defeat and expulsion from his former position of access and influence in the heavenly realms. Prior to this, Satan is depicted as having access to God's presence, where he could "accuse our brethren" ([Revelation 12:10](/revelation/12-10 "Revelation 12:10 - The Accuser Cast Down")). The cosmic war described in [Revelation 12:7-9](/revelation/12-7-9 "Revelation 12:7-9 - The War in Heaven"), where Michael and his angels fight against the dragon, results in Satan's permanent removal from heaven. This does not mean he is powerless, but rather that his sphere of operation is now confined to the earthly realm. His rage is intensified precisely because he knows his time is short and his ultimate defeat is certain ([Revelation 12:12](/revelation/12-12 "Revelation 12:12 - Woe to the Earth")). It marks a significant turning point in the spiritual battle, shifting the primary arena of conflict to the earth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 12:13, though describing Satan's post-defeat rage, is profoundly Christ-centered in its implications. The "man child" whom the woman brought forth is unequivocally Jesus Christ, whose ascension to God's throne ([Revelation 12:5](/revelation/12-5 "Revelation 12:5 - The Man Child Caught Up to God")) signifies His ultimate victory over sin, death, and the devil. It is Christ's perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection that disarmed the powers and authorities ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Powers")), leading to Satan's expulsion from heaven. The dragon's persecution of the woman, therefore, is a direct consequence of his defeat by Christ. This ongoing spiritual warfare against God's people is a testament to the enemy's hatred for Christ and all who bear His name. Yet, Christ's work on the cross and His present reign ensure that while persecution may rage, the gates of hell will not prevail against His church ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - The Gates of Hell")). The ultimate fulfillment of this narrative lies in Christ's promised return, when the dragon will be finally and eternally cast into the lake of fire ([Revelation 20:10](/revelation/20-10 "Revelation 20:10 - The Devil Cast into the Lake of Fire")), bringing an end to all persecution and ushering in the new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells ([2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.