Revelation 12:4

KJV

And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} his {G846} tail {G3769} drew {G4951} the third part {G5154} of the stars {G792} of heaven {G3772}, and {G2532} did cast {G906} them {G846} to {G1519} the earth {G1093}: and {G2532} the dragon {G1404} stood {G2476} before {G1799} the woman {G1135} which {G3588} was ready {G3195} to be delivered {G5088}, for {G2443} to devour {G2719} her {G846} child {G5043} as soon as {G3752} it was born {G5088}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Its tail swept a third of the stars out of heaven and threw them down to the earth. It stood in front of the woman about to give birth, so that it might devour the child the moment it was born.

Berean Standard Bible

His tail swept a third of the stars from the sky, tossing them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, ready to devour her child as soon as she gave birth.

American Standard Version

And his tail draweth the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon standeth before the woman that is about to be delivered, that when she is delivered he may devour her child.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 12:4 vividly portrays the cosmic conflict between God and Satan, depicting the dragon's ancient rebellion and subsequent fall from heaven, taking a significant portion of angelic beings with him. The verse then shifts to the dragon's malevolent intent to thwart God's redemptive plan by attempting to devour the Messiah immediately upon His birth, underscoring the relentless spiritual warfare surrounding the advent of Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation chapter 12 serves as a pivotal interlude within the apocalyptic visions, shifting focus from the judgments and trumpet blasts to the underlying spiritual conflict driving these events. It introduces key symbolic figures—the woman, the child, and the dragon—whose identities are progressively revealed throughout the chapter. Verse 4 immediately follows the description of the great red dragon in [Revelation 12:3](/revelation/12-3 "Revelation 12:3 - The Great Red Dragon"), establishing its formidable appearance and power, particularly its seven heads and ten horns, which symbolize its comprehensive authority and destructive might. This verse sets the stage for the dragon's direct confrontation with the woman and her offspring, providing the cosmic backstory to the earthly events of salvation history.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of a great dragon is deeply rooted in ancient Near Eastern mythology, where serpentine creatures often symbolized chaos, evil, and opposing divine order. In Jewish apocalyptic literature, such figures frequently represented oppressive empires or spiritual adversaries. For John's original audience, likely facing persecution under the Roman Empire, the dragon would have resonated as a symbol of the immense, oppressive power arrayed against God's people. The "stars of heaven" being cast down could evoke Old Testament prophecies of the fall of mighty rulers or spiritual beings (e.g., [Isaiah 14:12-15](/isaiah/14-12-15 "Isaiah 14:12-15 - The Fall of Lucifer") concerning Babylon's king, often interpreted typologically of Satan's fall). The "woman ready to be delivered" draws upon the long-held messianic expectation within Israel, echoing prophecies of a virgin birth and the coming of a deliverer.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Revelation and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the theme of **Cosmic Conflict**, revealing that earthly struggles are manifestations of a deeper spiritual war between God and Satan. It underscores **Satan's Malice and Defeat**, portraying his ancient rebellion and his persistent, though ultimately futile, attempts to thwart God's redemptive plan, particularly through the Messiah. The imagery also reinforces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Protection**, as despite the dragon's immense power and destructive intent, God's plan for the child's birth and ascent remains unhindered, as seen in [Revelation 12:5](/revelation/12-5 "The Child Caught Up to God's Throne"). This verse is foundational to understanding the spiritual dynamics at play throughout the book of [Revelation](/revelation/1 "The Book of Revelation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Dragon (Greek, _drákōn'_):** (G1404) This term, likely from an alternate form of a word meaning "to look," refers to a fabulous kind of serpent, perhaps one supposed to fascinate. In this context, it is a powerful symbol of Satan, emphasizing his monstrous, ancient, and destructive nature. The imagery of a serpent connects directly to the Tempter in [Genesis 3](/genesis/3 "Genesis 3 - The Fall of Man"), establishing a continuity of evil throughout biblical history.
* **Stars (Greek, _astḗr'_):** (G792) From the base of a word meaning "to strow over the sky," this refers to a star. In biblical prophecy and apocalyptic literature, "stars" often symbolize angelic beings, leaders, or people of prominence. Here, "the third part of the stars of heaven" being drawn down by the dragon's tail is widely understood to represent the angelic beings who rebelled with Satan and were cast out of heaven, becoming demons.
* **Devour (Greek, _katesthíō'_):** (G2719) From a combination meaning "to eat down," this verb signifies to consume entirely, to devour (literally or figuratively). It powerfully conveys the dragon's malicious intent to utterly destroy the child, reflecting Satan's relentless and murderous opposition to God's redemptive purposes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth:"** This clause describes the dragon's initial act of rebellion and its devastating consequence. The "tail" symbolizes the dragon's influence and power, by which he "drew" or swept away a significant portion of the heavenly host. "The third part of the stars of heaven" is a symbolic representation of the angels who joined Satan in his rebellion against God, resulting in their expulsion from heaven and their subsequent casting "to the earth." This event signifies the origin of evil spiritual forces that operate in the earthly realm.
* **"and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born."** This second clause shifts the scene to a specific, critical moment in salvation history. The "dragon" (Satan) positions himself "before the woman" (symbolizing Israel, through whom the Messiah would come), demonstrating his direct and hostile opposition. The woman is "ready to be delivered," indicating the imminent birth of the Messiah. The dragon's purpose is explicitly stated: "for to devour her child as soon as it was born," revealing Satan's ancient and persistent agenda to prevent or destroy the Christ, thereby thwarting God's plan of redemption for humanity.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 12:4 is rich in **Symbolism**. The "dragon" is not a literal creature but a symbolic representation of Satan, the Devil, embodying pure evil and destructive power. The "stars of heaven" symbolize angelic beings, specifically those who fell with Satan, illustrating the cosmic scale of his rebellion. The "woman" symbolizes Israel, the lineage from which the Messiah would come, and the "child" is a clear symbol of Jesus Christ. The act of the dragon's "tail" drawing the stars signifies his deceptive influence and power to lead others into rebellion. The phrase "devour her child" is a powerful **Metaphor** for Satan's murderous intent and his attempts to destroy the Messiah, whether through physical means (like Herod's actions) or spiritual attack. The entire passage functions as an **Allegory**, presenting a spiritual reality—the ongoing conflict between good and evil, God's plan and Satan's opposition—through a vivid narrative of symbolic figures and actions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 12:4 profoundly illustrates the reality of spiritual warfare and the ancient, relentless enmity of Satan against God's redemptive purposes. It reveals that the conflict is not merely human but cosmic, originating in a heavenly rebellion where a significant portion of angelic beings chose to follow Satan. This fall established the adversary's domain and set in motion his ceaseless efforts to undermine God's plan, culminating in his direct assault on the Messiah. Yet, the very presence of the woman and child, and the dragon's inability to prevent the birth, foreshadows God's ultimate sovereignty and the futility of Satan's schemes against the divine will.

* [Isaiah 14:12-15](/isaiah/14-12-15 "Isaiah 14:12-15 - The Fall of Lucifer")
* [Luke 10:18](/luke/10-18 "Jesus Sees Satan Fall")
* [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Spiritual Warfare")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse serves as a stark reminder that our struggles are not merely against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil. It unveils the ancient origin of Satan's malice, rooted in his rebellion and subsequent expulsion from heaven, taking a third of the angels with him. This understanding should instill in believers a sober awareness of the reality of spiritual warfare, yet also a profound confidence in God's sovereign power. Just as the dragon could not prevent the birth of Christ or devour Him, so too can he not ultimately thwart God's purposes for His church or for individual believers. We are called to stand firm, recognizing the enemy's schemes, but resting in the assurance that our victory is secured in Christ, who has already triumphed over all the powers of darkness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the cosmic origin of evil, as depicted in this verse, shape your view of the spiritual battles you face in your own life?**
* **In what ways do you see Satan's "devouring" intent manifested in the world today, and how does the ultimate failure of his plan against Christ encourage you?**
* **What practical steps can believers take to stand firm against the schemes of the enemy, knowing that our ultimate victory is in Christ?**

### FAQ

**Who are "the third part of the stars of heaven" that the dragon cast to the earth?**

Answer: In biblical apocalyptic literature, "stars" often symbolize angelic beings. The consensus among biblical scholars is that "the third part of the stars of heaven" refers to the angels who rebelled against God alongside Satan (the "dragon") and were subsequently cast out of heaven with him. These fallen angels are often identified as demons, who now operate under Satan's authority on earth, as described in [Revelation 12:9](/revelation/12-9 "Satan, the Ancient Serpent"). This imagery highlights the vast scope of Satan's original rebellion and the origin of the demonic forces that oppose God and humanity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 12:4 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the "child" the dragon sought to devour. This verse powerfully illustrates the ancient and relentless opposition of Satan to God's redemptive plan, a plan centered entirely on the Messiah. From the protoevangelium in [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "The First Gospel"), where a coming seed would crush the serpent's head, Satan's singular focus has been to prevent the birth of Christ or, failing that, to destroy Him. Historical events like Herod's slaughter of the innocents ([Matthew 2:16](/matthew/2-16 "Herod's Slaughter of the Innocents")) are seen as earthly manifestations of this satanic rage. However, the ultimate triumph of Christ, who was born, lived a sinless life, died on the cross, and rose again, demonstrates the complete futility of the dragon's efforts. Jesus' victory over sin and death ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Triumph Over Powers")) and His ascension to God's throne ([Revelation 12:5](/revelation/12-5 "The Child Caught Up to God's Throne")) signify the definitive defeat of the dragon, ensuring that no spiritual power can ultimately thwart God's purposes or snatch believers from His hand ([John 10:28-29](/john/10-28-29 "No One Can Snatch Them")). Thus, Revelation 12:4, while depicting Satan's malice, ultimately points to the invincible sovereignty and victorious work of Christ.

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

Daniel 8:9

And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant [land].

Daniel 8:12

And an host was given [him] against the daily [sacrifice] by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practised, and prospered.

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.

John 8:44

Ye are of [your] father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

Revelation 12:2

And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.

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 8:7

¶ The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.