Revelation 12:7

And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,

And {G2532} there was {G1096} war {G4171} in {G1722} heaven {G3772}: Michael {G3413} and {G2532} his {G846} angels {G32} fought {G4170} against {G2596} the dragon {G1404}; and {G2532} the dragon {G1404} fought {G4170} and {G2532} his {G846} angels {G32},

Next there was a battle in heaven — Mikha’el and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back.

Then a war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back.

And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angelsgoing forthto war with the dragon; and the dragon warred and his angels;

Commentary

Revelation 12:7 KJV describes a pivotal moment in John's apocalyptic vision: a cosmic battle in the heavens. This verse introduces the primary combatants in this spiritual struggle: Michael, one of the chief angels, and his angelic forces, arrayed against the dragon and his own host of angels.

Context

This verse is situated within a highly symbolic chapter that portrays the spiritual conflict between God's people (represented by the woman) and Satan (the dragon). Prior verses depict the dragon's attempt to devour the male child born to the woman, who is later identified as Christ. The "war in heaven" then reveals the spiritual dimension of this ongoing conflict, illustrating the power and malice of the enemy, but also the strength of God's angelic champions.

Key Themes

  • Cosmic Warfare: The verse vividly portrays a profound spiritual conflict that transcends the earthly realm. It's a battle for dominion and authority, fought in the unseen world.
  • Michael's Role: Michael, whose name means "Who is like God?", is presented as God's powerful angelic warrior. He is a prominent archangel, often depicted as a protector of God's people. His leadership against the dragon highlights the divine opposition to evil. Michael is also seen contending with the devil in Jude 1:9, and his role as a protector is also evident in the book of Daniel.
  • The Dragon's Identity: Although not explicitly named in this verse, the dragon is clearly identified in the subsequent verse (Revelation 12:9) as "that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan." This signifies the ultimate enemy of God and humanity, leading his demonic forces.
  • Divine Victory Foreshadowed: While this verse only describes the fighting, the following verses detail the dragon's defeat and expulsion from heaven, assuring readers of God's ultimate triumph over evil.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "war," polemos (πόλεμος), denotes a serious, prolonged conflict, not a minor skirmish. This emphasizes the intensity and significance of the battle. The identification of Michael and his angels fighting "against the dragon" highlights the direct opposition between divine order and chaotic evil.

Practical Application

This vision reminds believers of the reality of unseen forces and the ongoing spiritual warfare that underlies many earthly events. It offers reassurance that God is actively engaged in this battle through His divine agents, and that Satan's power, though formidable, is ultimately limited and destined for defeat. For Christians, this verse serves as an encouragement to stand firm in faith, knowing that they are on the side of the ultimate victor, and to be vigilant against the schemes of the adversary.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jude 1:9 (18 votes)

    Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.

  • Daniel 12:1 (17 votes)

    ¶ And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation [even] to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.

  • Ephesians 6:12 (13 votes)

    For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places].

  • 2 Peter 2:4 (13 votes)

    For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast [them] down to hell, and delivered [them] into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;

  • Revelation 20:2 (10 votes)

    And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,

  • Daniel 10:21 (10 votes)

    But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and [there is] none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince.

  • Daniel 10:13 (10 votes)

    But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.