Revelation 12:17

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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:

Revelation 12:17 describes the intensified spiritual conflict following the dragon's (Satan's) failed attempts to destroy the Messiah and God's people. This verse pivots the focus of the prophetic narrative towards the ongoing persecution faced by faithful believers on earth.

Context of Revelation 12:17

This verse concludes the dramatic twelfth chapter of Revelation, which presents a symbolic overview of cosmic spiritual warfare. The "woman" represents God's people, often understood as Israel, from whom the Messiah (the "man child") was born. After the male child (Jesus Christ) was caught up to God's throne (Revelation 12:5), and the dragon (identified as Satan, Revelation 12:9) was cast out of heaven, the dragon pursued the woman. However, she was supernaturally protected and nourished in the wilderness (Revelation 12:14). Frustrated by his inability to overcome the woman directly, the dragon turns his wrath and war against her remaining offspring.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Satan's Unrelenting Enmity: The verse highlights the dragon's persistent hatred and aggression towards God's people. Having failed to defeat Christ and the collective body of believers, his fury is redirected towards individual faithful followers. This portrays Satan as a defeated but still dangerous adversary.
  • The Identity of the Remnant: The "remnant of her seed" refers to those who are spiritually descended from the woman (God's faithful people) and are characterized by two distinct marks:
    1. Keeping the Commandments of God: This signifies obedience to divine law and living in accordance with God's will. It points to a life of practical righteousness and devotion (John 14:15).
    2. Having the Testimony of Jesus Christ: This refers to bearing witness to Jesus, proclaiming His truth, and holding firm to faith in Him. In Revelation, the "testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy", suggesting a Spirit-inspired declaration of Christ's person and work.
  • Spiritual Warfare on Earth: This verse underscores the reality of spiritual conflict. The dragon's "war" is not merely symbolic but manifests as persecution, deception, and various forms of opposition against believers who live out their faith and bear witness to Christ. This echoes Paul's teaching about wrestling against spiritual wickedness.

Linguistic Insights

  • The term "wroth" (Greek: ōrgisthē) conveys intense anger and indignation, emphasizing the dragon's furious response to his defeat and the woman's protection.
  • "Remnant" (Greek: loipōn) literally means "the rest" or "the remaining ones," indicating a specific group within the larger body of God's people who endure and remain faithful.
  • The phrase "testimony of Jesus Christ" (Greek: tēn martyrian Iēsou Christou) can be understood as either testimony *about* Jesus (objective genitive) or testimony *from* Jesus (subjective genitive), or both. Given the context of Revelation, it strongly implies a prophetic witness inspired by Jesus, testifying to His truth and authority.

Practical Application

Revelation 12:17 serves as a powerful reminder for believers across all ages:

  • Expect Opposition: It clarifies that spiritual conflict is a certainty for those who genuinely follow Christ. Satan's hatred for God extends to His obedient and witnessing children.
  • Embrace Your Identity: The verse defines true believers by their obedience to God's commands and their steadfast testimony of Jesus. These are not merely theological concepts but practical calls to a life of devotion and evangelism.
  • Persevere in Faith: Knowing that the dragon is "wroth" should not cause despair but rather inspire vigilance and perseverance. Believers are called to endure, knowing that their adversary is ultimately defeated, and God protects His own (Revelation 14:12).
  • The Power of Witness: Our witness to Jesus Christ is a powerful weapon against the enemy, even as it makes us targets. Remaining faithful in proclaiming Christ's truth is central to our calling.
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.

  • 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.

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