Revelation 12:9

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the great {G3173} dragon {G1404} was cast out {G906}, that old {G744} serpent {G3789}, called {G2564} the Devil {G1228}, and {G2532} Satan {G4567}, which {G3588} deceiveth {G4105} the whole {G3650} world {G3625}: he was cast out {G906} into {G1519} the earth {G1093}, and {G2532} his {G846} angels {G32} were cast out {G906} with {G3326} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The great dragon was thrown out, that ancient serpent, also known as the Devil and Satan [the Adversary], the deceiver of the whole world. He was hurled down to the earth, and his angels were hurled down with him.

Berean Standard Bible

And the great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.

American Standard Version

And the great dragon was cast down, the old serpent, he that is called the Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world; he was cast down to the earth, and his angels were cast down with him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 12:9 vividly describes the decisive expulsion of the primary antagonist in the cosmic drama, identifying him by multiple names that underscore his ancient origins and malevolent character. This "great dragon," also known as the "old serpent," the "Devil," and "Satan," is definitively cast out of the heavenly realm, along with his demonic angels, into the earth. His defining characteristic is his pervasive deception, by which he has misled the entire world, setting the stage for intensified conflict on the earthly plane.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation chapter 12 serves as a pivotal interlude within John's apocalyptic vision, shifting focus from the judgments of the trumpets to the underlying spiritual conflict. Immediately preceding [Revelation 12:9](/revelation/12-9 "Revelation 12:9 - The Dragon Cast Out"), verses 7-8 describe a heavenly war where Michael and his angels fight against the dragon and his forces, resulting in the dragon's defeat and no longer finding a place in heaven. Following this verse, [Revelation 12:10-12](/revelation/12-10-12 "Revelation 12:10-12 - The Accuser Cast Down") celebrates the victory of God's kingdom and the casting down of the "accuser of our brethren," while also warning of the dragon's intensified wrath on earth due to his limited time. The subsequent verses in [Revelation 12](/revelation/12 "Revelation 12 - The Woman, The Dragon, and The Child") depict the dragon's pursuit of the woman (symbolizing God's people) and his war against her offspring, establishing the earthly consequences of his expulsion.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of a "great dragon" resonates with ancient Near Eastern mythologies where chaotic, serpentine creatures often represented forces of evil or opposing deities. In the Greco-Roman world, dragons could symbolize formidable power, often associated with imperial might. For early Christians facing persecution under the Roman Empire, such imagery would have been highly evocative, portraying the spiritual power behind the oppressive political structures. The identification of the dragon with the "old serpent" immediately links this cosmic adversary to the deceptive figure in [Genesis 3](/genesis/3 "Genesis 3 - The Fall of Humanity"), grounding the cosmic conflict in the foundational narrative of humanity's fall. This connection would have reminded John's audience of the ancient, persistent nature of evil and its methods of deception.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Revelation and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the theme of **cosmic conflict** and **spiritual warfare**, revealing that behind earthly events lies a profound battle between divine and demonic forces. The explicit naming of the adversary as "Devil" and "Satan" reinforces the theme of the **identity and nature of evil**, portraying him as the ultimate accuser and adversary of God and humanity. His expulsion underscores the theme of **divine sovereignty and ultimate victory**, demonstrating that even the most powerful rebel is subject to God's authority and will ultimately be defeated. Finally, the phrase "deceiveth the whole world" emphasizes the pervasive and insidious theme of **deception** as Satan's primary weapon, a theme echoed throughout Scripture, from the serpent in Eden to the warnings in [2 Corinthians 11:14](/2_corinthians/11-14 "2 Corinthians 11:14 - Satan Disguises Himself").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **dragon (Greek, _drákōn'_):** From a word suggesting "to look," this term refers to a fabulous kind of serpent, perhaps one thought to fascinate or mesmerize. In Revelation, it is consistently used as a powerful symbol for Satan, embodying his destructive power, ferocity, and ancient malevolence, drawing on ancient mythological associations with chaos and evil.
* **Devil (Greek, _diábolos'_):** Derived from a verb meaning "to throw across" or "to slander," this word literally means "a traducer" or "slanderer." It specifically refers to Satan, emphasizing his primary role as an accuser who maligns God to humanity and humanity to God, constantly seeking to undermine truth and relationships.
* **deceiveth (Greek, _planáō'_):** This verb means to cause to roam, to lead astray, to wander, or to err. It implies a cunning and misleading influence that distorts truth, creates confusion, and lures individuals or even entire populations away from righteousness, safety, or divine truth. It highlights Satan's pervasive and subtle method of operation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the great dragon was cast out":** This clause introduces the central action of the verse: the forceful and definitive expulsion of the primary antagonist. The description "great dragon" immediately conveys his immense power and terrifying nature, setting the stage for a significant cosmic event. The passive voice "was cast out" implies a divine agent, indicating that this expulsion is by God's sovereign power.
* **"that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan":** This part identifies the "great dragon" with multiple, significant names. "That old serpent" explicitly links him to the deceiver in [Genesis 3](/genesis/3 "Genesis 3 - The Serpent in Eden"), emphasizing his ancient origins and consistent method of subtle temptation and deception. "Called the Devil" (Greek _diabolos_) highlights his role as an accuser and slanderer, while "and Satan" (Hebrew _satan_) defines him as the adversary, one who opposes God and His people. These titles collectively reveal his consistent, malevolent character throughout history.
* **"which deceiveth the whole world":** This phrase describes the primary modus operandi and widespread influence of the adversary. His method is deception, a cunning manipulation of truth that leads humanity astray. The scope of his deception is global, affecting "the whole world," underscoring the pervasive nature of his influence and the spiritual blindness he perpetuates.
* **"he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.":** This final clause reiterates the expulsion and specifies the destination: "into the earth." This signifies a shift in the arena of conflict from the heavenly to the earthly realm, intensifying the spiritual battle for humanity. Crucially, Satan is not alone; "his angels" (demonic forces) share in his judgment and accompany him, indicating that the spiritual conflict involves a host of rebellious spirits under his command.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 12:9 is rich with literary devices that amplify its theological message. **Symbolism** is paramount, with "the great dragon" serving as a potent symbol for Satan, embodying destructive power and ancient evil. This imagery is further enhanced by **Allusion** to the "old serpent," directly linking the dragon to the deceptive figure in [Genesis 3](/genesis/3 "Genesis 3 - The Fall of Humanity") and establishing the continuity of Satan's character and methods throughout biblical history. The multiple names—"the Devil" and "Satan"—function as **Epithets**, each highlighting a specific aspect of his character: accuser and adversary. The phrase "deceiveth the whole world" employs **Hyperbole** to emphasize the widespread and pervasive nature of Satan's influence, suggesting a near-universal susceptibility to his lies. The repetition of "was cast out" creates a sense of **Emphasis**, underscoring the definitive and irreversible nature of his expulsion from heaven, a divine act of judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 12:9 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of evil, divine sovereignty, and the ongoing spiritual conflict. It reveals that the forces of evil are not merely abstract concepts but are personified in a powerful, ancient adversary, Satan, who relentlessly opposes God and seeks to deceive humanity. However, the verse simultaneously asserts God's ultimate authority, demonstrating that even this formidable foe is subject to divine judgment and expulsion. This event signifies a decisive turning point, marking the limitation of Satan's access to the heavenly courts and intensifying his focus on the earthly realm. For believers, it underscores the reality of spiritual warfare while providing the assurance that the enemy's power is ultimately constrained by God's sovereign will and that his final defeat is certain.

* [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities")
* [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Struggle Against Spiritual Forces")
* [Romans 16:20](/romans/16-20 "Romans 16:20 - God Will Crush Satan Under Your Feet")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 12:9 offers a crucial perspective for believers navigating the complexities of life in a fallen world. It reminds us that our struggles are not merely against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil. Understanding the identity and methods of "the great dragon," particularly his pervasive deception, equips us to be vigilant and discerning. In a world saturated with misinformation and competing narratives, grounding ourselves in the unshakeable truth of God's Word becomes paramount. This verse also provides immense comfort and hope: despite the enemy's power and widespread influence, his ultimate defeat is a settled fact. He has been "cast out," his power is limited, and his time is short. This knowledge empowers us to stand firm, knowing that we fight from a position of Christ's victory, not for it. It calls us to live with sober vigilance, resisting deception, and confidently proclaiming the triumph of God's kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding Satan's identity as "the great dragon" and "old serpent" inform your view of evil in the world?**
* **In what ways do you see Satan's "deceiveth the whole world" at work in contemporary society or in your own life?**
* **Knowing that Satan has been "cast out" and his power is limited, how should this truth impact your sense of spiritual security and boldness?**

### FAQ
**When was Satan "cast out" as described in Revelation 12:9?**

Answer: The timing of Satan's expulsion in [Revelation 12:9](/revelation/12-9 "Revelation 12:9 - The Dragon Cast Out") is a subject of theological debate. Some interpretations view it as a past event, referring to Satan's original fall from heaven before the creation of humanity, as perhaps alluded to by Jesus in [Luke 10:18](/luke/10-18 "Luke 10:18 - Jesus Sees Satan Fall"). Others see it as a definitive event tied to Christ's crucifixion and resurrection, where Satan's authority was decisively broken, and his access to accuse believers before God was curtailed (cf. [John 12:31](/john/12-31 "John 12:31 - The Prince of This World Cast Out")). A third perspective interprets it as a future event, occurring during the tribulation period, where Satan is physically cast out of the heavenly realm to intensify his wrath on earth for a limited time before Christ's return. Given the context of Revelation 12, which describes a cosmic war leading to this expulsion, it most likely refers to a decisive defeat of Satan's authority, perhaps initially secured at the cross and then fully manifested in a future eschatological event, marking a significant shift in the spiritual battle.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 12:9, while depicting the expulsion of Satan, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the redemptive work of Jesus. It is through Christ's life, death, and resurrection that the "great dragon" is decisively defeated. The cross, far from being a defeat, was the very means by which Jesus "disarmed the powers and authorities" and "made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities")). Jesus came to "destroy the works of the devil" ([1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - Jesus Destroys the Devil's Works")) and through His death, to "destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil" ([Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Christ Destroys the Devil")). The casting out of Satan from heaven in Revelation 12:9 is thus a cosmic echo and consequence of Christ's triumph on earth, signifying that the accuser's power and access to God's presence have been irrevocably broken by the blood of the Lamb ([Revelation 12:11](/revelation/12-11 "Revelation 12:11 - Overcoming by the Blood of the Lamb")). Ultimately, the dragon's casting out into the earth foreshadows his final, eternal doom in the lake of fire ([Revelation 20:10](/revelation/20-10 "Revelation 20:10 - The Devil's Final Doom")), a victory secured and guaranteed by the reigning 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

Luke 10:18

And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.

John 12:31

Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.

Revelation 20:10

And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet [are], and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

1 John 5:19

[And] we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.

Revelation 20:2

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

Revelation 20:3

And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.

Isaiah 14:12

How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! [how] art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!