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.

And {G2532} there appeared {G3700} another {G243} wonder {G4592} in {G1722} heaven {G3772}; and {G2532} behold {G2400} a great {G3173} red {G4450} dragon {G1404}, having {G2192} seven {G2033} heads {G2776} and {G2532} ten {G1176} horns {G2768}, and {G2532} seven {G2033} crowns {G1238} upon {G1909} his {G846} heads {G2776}.

Another sign was seen in heaven there was a great red dragon with seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads were seven royal crowns.

Then another sign appeared in heaven: a huge red dragon with seven heads, ten horns, and seven royal crowns on his heads.

And there was seen another sign in heaven: and behold, a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his heads seven diadems.

Revelation 12:3 introduces a striking and formidable figure in John's apocalyptic vision: "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." This verse immediately follows the vision of the woman clothed with the sun, setting the stage for a cosmic conflict central to the book's prophetic narrative.

Context

This verse is part of a pivotal section of Revelation (chapter 12) that unveils the spiritual warfare behind earthly events. The "another wonder" directly contrasts with the "woman" described in Revelation 12:1, immediately establishing the opposing forces. This chapter provides a symbolic overview of the conflict between God's people and the ultimate adversary, Satan, from the time of Christ's birth to the end times.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Adversary Identified: The "great red dragon" is explicitly identified later in Revelation 12:9 as "that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan." This figure represents the ultimate spiritual enemy of God and humanity, a being of immense power and malevolent intent.
  • Symbolism of "Red": The color "red" (Greek: pyrros) often signifies violence, bloodshed, destruction, and wrath. It underscores the dragon's destructive nature and his thirst for power and opposition to divine order.
  • Symbolism of "Seven Heads": The seven heads typically symbolize complete power, wisdom, or dominion. In Revelation, they often represent various historical or future manifestations of evil political power or empires through which Satan operates, hinting at comprehensive authority or multiple ruling entities.
  • Symbolism of "Ten Horns": The ten horns are a common prophetic symbol, appearing also in Daniel 7:7, representing political power, dominion, or kings. In Revelation, they often point to a final confederation of earthly rulers or kingdoms that align with the dragon's agenda, wielding significant authority.
  • Symbolism of "Seven Crowns": The presence of seven crowns upon the heads signifies usurped authority and dominion. These crowns underscore the dragon's claim to kingship and control over the earthly systems represented by the heads, indicating his pervasive influence over worldly powers.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "dragon" is drakon, which denotes a monstrous serpent, often associated with destructive power. The consistent use of symbolic numbers like "seven" (completeness) and "ten" (fullness of earthly power) throughout prophetic literature, particularly in Revelation and Daniel, emphasizes the comprehensive, yet ultimately limited, nature of the dragon's influence.

Practical Application

Understanding the imagery of the great red dragon provides crucial insight into the nature of spiritual warfare. It reminds believers that there is a powerful, malevolent force at work in the world, influencing earthly powers and seeking to oppose God's plan. This vision encourages vigilance and steadfastness in faith, knowing that while the enemy is formidable, his power is ultimately subject to God's sovereignty. It underscores the reality of an unseen battle, motivating believers to rely on divine strength and to participate in God's redemptive work, anticipating the ultimate defeat of this adversary as prophesied throughout Revelation.

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 12:9

    And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

  • Revelation 17:12

    And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.

  • Daniel 7:24

    And the ten horns out of this kingdom [are] ten kings [that] shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings.

  • Daniel 7:20

    And of the ten horns that [were] in his head, and [of] the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even [of] that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spake very great things, whose look [was] more stout than his fellows.

  • Revelation 17:7

    ¶ And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns.

  • Revelation 17:16

    And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.

  • Revelation 12:1

    ¶ And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:

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