Revelation 12:15

And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.

And {G2532} the serpent {G3789} cast {G906} out of {G1537} his {G846} mouth {G4750} water {G5204} as {G5613} a flood {G4215} after {G3694} the woman {G1135}, that {G2443} he might cause {G4160} her {G5026} to be carried away of the flood {G4216}.

The serpent spewed water like a river out of its mouth after the woman, in order to sweep her away in the flood;

Then from the mouth of the serpent spewed water like a river to overtake the woman and sweep her away in the torrent.

And the serpent cast out of his mouth after the woman water as a river, that he might cause her to be carried away by the stream.

Revelation 12:15 describes the intense persecution launched by the dragon, identified as Satan, against the woman, who symbolizes God's faithful people. This verse is part of a dramatic vision portraying the cosmic conflict between good and evil, specifically focusing on Satan's relentless efforts to destroy those who follow God.

Context

This verse follows the heavenly war where the great dragon, that old serpent, called the Devil and Satan, was cast out of heaven to the earth (Revelation 12:9). Having failed to devour the male child (Christ) at birth (Revelation 12:4) and unable to reach Him after His ascension, the dragon turns his fury towards the woman. The woman, representing God's chosen people (often understood as Israel, from whom Christ came, and by extension, the Church), had fled into the wilderness to a place prepared for her by God (Revelation 12:6). Verse 15 details Satan's next desperate tactic to destroy her.

Key Themes

  • Relentless Persecution: The verse vividly portrays Satan's undying malice and his continuous efforts to destroy God's people, even after his defeat in heaven.
  • Spiritual Warfare: It highlights the ongoing spiritual battle that believers face, where the adversary employs overwhelming tactics to overwhelm and consume.
  • Divine Protection (Implied): Though the verse focuses on the attack, the subsequent verses in Revelation 12 reveal God's intervention, underscoring the theme of divine care for His own.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses "serpent" which in Greek is drakōn (dragon), consistent with how Satan is identified throughout Revelation 12. The phrase "water as a flood" (Greek: hydōr hōs potamon) literally means "water as a river." This imagery conveys an overwhelming, irresistible current, designed to sweep away and engulf. The intent is clear: "that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood," signifying complete destruction or spiritual annihilation.

Symbolism Explained

  • The Serpent/Dragon: This figure is explicitly identified as Satan, the Devil, the ancient deceiver (Revelation 12:9). His actions here reveal his character as an implacable enemy of God and His people.
  • The Woman: As discussed, she represents the collective body of God's faithful, whether understood as believing Israel or the Church, through whom God's purposes are fulfilled and preserved.
  • Water as a Flood: This is a powerful symbol with multiple interpretations, all pointing to an overwhelming, destructive force aimed at God's people:
    • Overwhelming Persecutions: It could represent a torrent of trials, suffering, and physical attacks aimed at wiping out believers throughout history.
    • False Doctrines and Heresy: A "flood" of deceptive teachings and spiritual lies designed to spiritually drown and draw people away from truth.
    • Armies or Destructive Forces: Literal armies or political powers raised up by Satan to crush the people of God.
    The common denominator is Satan's intent to utterly overwhelm and destroy the woman.

Practical Application

Revelation 12:15 offers profound insights for believers today. It reminds us that spiritual warfare is real and intense. Satan's tactics are not merely subtle temptations but can manifest as overwhelming pressures, whether through societal hostility, false teachings, or personal trials. Just as the serpent cast a flood, we can expect to face situations that feel like they are designed to sweep us away from our faith.

However, this verse also implicitly points to the resilience of God's people, who, though attacked, are not ultimately destroyed. It encourages us to be vigilant, to discern the enemy's schemes, and to trust in God's sovereign protection. While the immediate context shows the woman's escape, the broader message for believers is to stand firm and remember that God provides a way through every trial, ensuring His people are not utterly overcome (1 Corinthians 10:13). We are called to put on the full armor of God to withstand such spiritual attacks (Ephesians 6:11).

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.

  • Isaiah 59:19

    So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.

  • Psalms 18:4

    The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid.

  • Isaiah 8:7

    Now therefore, behold, the Lord bringeth up upon them the waters of the river, strong and many, [even] the king of Assyria, and all his glory: and he shall come up over all his channels, and go over all his banks:

  • Psalms 65:7

    Which stilleth the noise of the seas, the noise of their waves, and the tumult of the people.

  • Psalms 93:3

    The floods have lifted up, O LORD, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves.

  • Psalms 93:4

    The LORD on high [is] mightier than the noise of many waters, [yea, than] the mighty waves of the sea.

  • Isaiah 28:2

    Behold, the Lord hath a mighty and strong one, [which] as a tempest of hail [and] a destroying storm, as a flood of mighty waters overflowing, shall cast down to the earth with the hand.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back