Revelation 12:17

KJV

And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the dragon {G1404} was wroth {G3710} with {G1909} the woman {G1135}, and {G2532} went {G565} to make {G4160} war {G4171} with {G3326} the remnant {G3062} of her {G846} seed {G4690}, which {G3588} keep {G5083} the commandments {G1785} of God {G2316}, and {G2532} have {G2192} the testimony {G3141} of Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The dragon was infuriated over the woman and went off to fight the rest of her children, those who obey God’s commands and bear witness to Yeshua.

Berean Standard Bible

And the dragon was enraged at the woman, and went to make war with the rest of her children, who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus. And the dragon stood on the shore of the sea.

American Standard Version

And the dragon waxed wroth with the woman, and went away to make war with the rest of her seed, that keep the commandments of God, and hold the testimony of Jesus:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 12:17 powerfully depicts the intensified spiritual conflict following Satan's (the dragon's) expulsion from heaven and his failed attempts to destroy the Messiah and the collective body of God's people. Frustrated and enraged, the dragon redirects his unyielding wrath and warfare against the faithful remnant of believers on earth, identifying them by their steadfast obedience to God's commandments and their unwavering witness to Jesus Christ. This verse serves as a pivotal point, shifting the prophetic narrative to the ongoing persecution faced by those who genuinely follow Christ in the present age.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 12:17 concludes a dramatic and highly symbolic chapter that provides a cosmic overview of the spiritual battle between God and Satan, specifically concerning the lineage of the Messiah and the people of God. The chapter begins with the "woman" (symbolizing God's people, often understood as Israel, from whom the Messiah came) giving birth to the "male child" (Jesus Christ), who is then "caught up to God and to His throne" [Revelation 12:5](/revelation/12-5 "Revelation 12:5 - The Ascension of the Male Child"). This is followed by the "dragon" (identified as Satan or the Devil [Revelation 12:9](/revelation/12-9 "Revelation 12:9 - The Identity of the Dragon")) being cast out of heaven to the earth after a war with Michael and his angels [Revelation 12:7-9](/revelation/12-7-9 "Revelation 12:7-9 - War in Heaven"). Enraged by his defeat and expulsion, the dragon pursues the woman, but she is supernaturally protected and nourished in the wilderness for a period [Revelation 12:13-14](/revelation/12-13-14 "Revelation 12:13-14 - The Woman's Protection"). Unable to reach the woman directly, the dragon's wrath culminates in this verse, where he turns his focus to her "remnant seed" on earth, signifying a shift from a broad, historical conflict to the specific persecution of individual believers in the end times.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Revelation was written during a period of intense persecution of Christians under the Roman Empire, likely during the reign of Emperor Domitian (late 1st century AD). Early Christians faced immense pressure to conform to Roman imperial cult worship, which involved venerating the emperor as a god. Refusal often led to social ostracism, economic hardship, imprisonment, and even martyrdom. John's apocalyptic vision, therefore, served as a message of encouragement and warning to these suffering believers, assuring them of God's ultimate sovereignty and the eventual defeat of their persecutors. The concept of a "remnant" was deeply rooted in Old Testament prophetic tradition, referring to a faithful core group of God's people who remained true to Him amidst apostasy or judgment (e.g., [Isaiah 10:20-22](/isaiah/10-20-22 "Isaiah 10:20-22 - The Remnant of Israel")). This idea would have resonated strongly with Jewish Christians who understood themselves as the continuation of God's faithful lineage.
* **Key Themes:** Revelation 12:17 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Revelation and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the **unrelenting enmity of Satan** against God and His people, revealing his persistent, though ultimately futile, attempts to thwart God's redemptive plan. Having failed to destroy Christ or the broader body of believers, his fury is now directed at those who embody Christ's truth. Secondly, the verse highlights the **identity and characteristics of true believers** in the face of this opposition: they are defined by their active obedience to God's commands and their steadfast witness to Jesus Christ. This emphasizes that genuine faith is not passive but manifests in both moral conduct and courageous proclamation. Finally, it powerfully portrays the **reality of spiritual warfare** on earth, demonstrating that the cosmic conflict has tangible manifestations in the lives of believers through persecution and opposition, echoing broader New Testament teachings on spiritual struggle, such as those found in [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - The Nature of Spiritual Warfare").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Dragon (Greek, _drákōn'_):** This term (G1404) refers to a fabulous kind of serpent, often associated with fascination or a powerful, mythical beast. In Revelation, it is explicitly identified as "that ancient serpent, who is the Devil and Satan" [Revelation 12:9](/revelation/12-9 "Revelation 12:9 - Identification of the Dragon"). It symbolizes the ultimate embodiment of evil, the adversary of God and humanity, characterized by immense power, deception, and destructive intent. Its "wrath" here is a furious, targeted aggression born of defeat.
* **Seed (Greek, _spérma'_):** This word (G4690) literally means "something sown" or "offspring." In this context, "remnant of her seed" refers to the spiritual descendants of the "woman" (God's people). It signifies those who share the faith and spiritual lineage of the collective body of believers, implying a continuation of God's covenant people, specifically those who are faithful in the end times. The term suggests a continuity of lineage and purpose.
* **Testimony (Greek, _martyría'_):** This noun (G3141) means "evidence given," "report," or "witness." In the phrase "testimony of Jesus Christ," it carries profound theological weight. It refers to the witness *about* Jesus (proclaiming His person and work) and/or the witness *from* Jesus (the truth He reveals and inspires). In Revelation, this "testimony" is intrinsically linked to prophecy and the Spirit's work [Revelation 19:10](/revelation/19-10 "Revelation 19:10 - The Spirit of Prophecy"). It is the core message and mission of the faithful remnant, making them targets of the dragon's wrath.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the dragon was wroth with the woman":** This clause establishes the dragon's intense, furious anger (G3710, _orgízō_) directed at the "woman" (G1135, _gynḗ_), who symbolizes God's people. This wrath is a direct consequence of his failed attempts to destroy the male child (Christ) and his subsequent expulsion from heaven. It signifies his deep-seated hatred for God's redemptive plan and those who are part of it.
* **"and went to make war with the remnant of her seed":** Having failed to overcome the woman (God's collective people) directly, the dragon shifts his strategy. He "went" (G565, _apérchomai_) to "make war" (G4160 _poiéō_ and G4171 _pólemos_) with a specific group: "the remnant" (G3062, _loipoí_) of her "seed" (G4690, _spérma_). This indicates a targeted, ongoing conflict against individual believers who remain faithful, distinguishing them from the broader, protected "woman." The war encompasses persecution, deception, and spiritual attacks.
* **"which keep the commandments of God":** This phrase identifies the first defining characteristic of the faithful remnant. They are those who "keep" (G5083, _tēréō_, meaning to guard or observe carefully) the "commandments" (G1785, _entolḗ_, authoritative prescriptions) "of God" (G2316, _theós_). This signifies active, practical obedience to divine law and living in accordance with God's revealed will, demonstrating genuine devotion and moral integrity.
* **"and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.":** This is the second crucial identifier of the remnant. They "have" (G2192, _échō_, to hold or possess) the "testimony" (G3141, _martyría_) "of Jesus Christ" (G2424, _Iēsoûs_ G5547, _Christós_). This refers to their unwavering allegiance to Jesus, their proclamation of His truth, and their Spirit-inspired witness to His person and work. It implies both a personal conviction and a public declaration of faith, which is a powerful weapon against the enemy but also makes them targets.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 12:17 is rich in **Symbolism**, a hallmark of apocalyptic literature. The "dragon" is a clear symbol for Satan, embodying cosmic evil and opposition to God. The "woman" symbolizes God's people, encompassing both Old Testament Israel and the New Testament church, from whom the Messiah came. Her "seed" represents individual believers who continue her spiritual lineage. The "war" is not merely physical but represents the multifaceted spiritual conflict, including persecution, deception, and spiritual attacks, waged by Satan against the faithful. The phrase "keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ" employs **Parallelism**, presenting two defining characteristics of the remnant side-by-side, emphasizing both their ethical conduct and their prophetic witness. This verse also utilizes **Personification**, attributing human emotions like "wrath" and actions like "making war" to the dragon, making the spiritual adversary feel tangible and menacing. The dramatic shift in the dragon's target from the "woman" to her "remnant seed" serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for the intense persecution and spiritual battles described in subsequent chapters of Revelation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 12:17 profoundly articulates the ongoing reality of spiritual warfare for believers, highlighting that Satan's hatred for God is directly extended to those who bear God's image and Christ's testimony. It asserts that genuine faith is active, marked by both obedience to divine commands and a courageous witness to Jesus. This verse connects the cosmic struggle to the lived experience of believers, affirming that persecution is not an anomaly but an expected consequence of living faithfully in a fallen world. It also underscores the enduring nature of God's covenant people, represented by the "remnant," who persevere through tribulation by clinging to God's truth and proclaiming Christ.

* [John 15:18-20](/john/15-18-20 "John 15:18-20 - The World's Hatred of Believers")
* [1 Peter 5:8-9](/1_peter/5-8-9 "1 Peter 5:8-9 - Resist the Devil")
* [Revelation 14:12](/revelation/14-12 "Revelation 14:12 - Perseverance of the Saints")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 12:17 serves as a stark yet encouraging reminder for believers today. It clarifies that spiritual opposition is not a sign of God's disfavor, but often a direct consequence of our faithfulness. When we strive to obey God's commands and boldly share the truth of Jesus Christ, we inevitably become targets of the enemy's wrath. This understanding should not lead to fear, but to vigilance and a deeper reliance on God's strength. It calls us to examine our lives: are we truly "keeping the commandments of God" by living in practical righteousness and love? Are we "having the testimony of Jesus Christ" by proclaiming His gospel and living as His witnesses in our words and deeds? This verse challenges us to embrace our identity as the faithful remnant, recognizing that our perseverance in faith and witness is a powerful act of defiance against the defeated, yet still raging, adversary. It encourages us to stand firm, knowing that the one who is in us is greater than the one who is in the world, and that our ultimate victory is assured in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do you experience spiritual opposition in your daily life, and how does Revelation 12:17 help you understand its source?**
* **How do "keeping the commandments of God" and "having the testimony of Jesus Christ" manifest in your life, and which of these aspects might you need to strengthen?**
* **Knowing that the dragon is "wroth" with the faithful, how does this truth impact your perspective on suffering or persecution for your faith?**
* **What practical steps can you take to more boldly live out your "testimony of Jesus Christ" in your sphere of influence?**

### FAQ

**What is the "woman" in Revelation 12, and who is her "seed"?**

Answer: In Revelation 12, the "woman" is a highly symbolic figure. Most commonly, she is understood to represent God's people throughout salvation history, encompassing Old Testament Israel (from whom the Messiah, the "male child," came) and, by extension, the New Testament church. She is depicted as giving birth to the Messiah and being protected by God. Her "seed" or "offspring" in [Revelation 12:17](/revelation/12-17 "Revelation 12:17 - The Dragon's War on the Remnant") refers to individual believers who are spiritually descended from her, those who follow Christ and embody the characteristics of faithfulness: keeping God's commandments and having the testimony of Jesus Christ. They are the continuation of God's faithful lineage on earth.

**What does "keeping the commandments of God" mean in this context?**

Answer: "Keeping the commandments of God" (G1785, _entolḗ_) in [Revelation 12:17](/revelation/12-17 "Revelation 12:17 - The Dragon's War on the Remnant") refers to active obedience to God's revealed will and moral law. It signifies a life lived in alignment with divine principles, demonstrating practical righteousness, devotion, and love for God and neighbor. In the New Testament, Jesus Himself emphasized the importance of obedience, stating, "If you love me, keep my commandments" [John 14:15](/john/14-15 "John 14:15 - Jesus on Keeping His Commandments"). This characteristic distinguishes genuine believers from those who merely profess faith but do not live it out.

**What is the "testimony of Jesus Christ"?**

Answer: The "testimony of Jesus Christ" (G3141, _martyría_) is a crucial identifying mark of the faithful remnant. It can be understood in two primary ways, both of which are likely intended: (1) The testimony *about* Jesus Christ: proclaiming the truth of who He is, what He has done, and His saving work. This is the content of the gospel message. (2) The testimony *from* Jesus Christ: the prophetic revelation and truth that Jesus Himself gives and inspires through the Holy Spirit. [Revelation 19:10](/revelation/19-10 "Revelation 19:10 - The Spirit of Prophecy") states, "For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy," indicating that a Spirit-inspired declaration of Christ's person and work is at the heart of this testimony. It is the core message and mission of the church, and it is precisely this witness that provokes the dragon's wrath.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 12:17, while depicting the dragon's wrath against the faithful, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "male child" born to the woman, who was "caught up to God and to His throne" [Revelation 12:5](/revelation/12-5 "Revelation 12:5 - The Ascension of the Male Child"), is Jesus Himself. His ascension signifies His ultimate victory over Satan, who is then cast down from heaven [Revelation 12:9](/revelation/12-9 "Revelation 12:9 - Satan Cast Down"). The dragon's subsequent war against the "remnant of her seed" is a direct consequence of his defeat by Christ. This means that the persecution faced by believers is not a sign of Christ's weakness, but rather a testament to His triumph and the enemy's impotent rage. The "remnant" is defined by "having the testimony of Jesus Christ," highlighting that their very identity and mission are centered on Him. Their perseverance in "keeping the commandments of God" is empowered by Christ's indwelling Spirit, enabling them to live out the righteousness that He perfectly fulfilled. Ultimately, the "war" waged by the dragon against the saints is a futile attempt to undermine the kingdom established by Christ's death and resurrection. Believers overcome "by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony" [Revelation 12:11](/revelation/12-11 "Revelation 12:11 - Overcoming by the Blood of the Lamb"), demonstrating that Christ's finished work is the source of their strength and the guarantee of their ultimate victory, even amidst tribulation. The conflict in [Revelation 12:17](/revelation/12-17 "Revelation 12:17 - The Dragon's War on the Remnant") thus points forward to the Lamb's ultimate triumph, when He will finally crush the dragon underfoot [Romans 16:20](/romans/16-20 "Romans 16:20 - God Will Crush Satan").

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

Revelation 14:12

Here is the patience of the saints: here [are] they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

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 19:10

And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See [thou do it] not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

Revelation 6:9

¶ And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:

Revelation 1:2

Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.

Revelation 11:7

And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.

Revelation 13:7

And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.