from ποταμός and a derivative of φορέω; river-borne, i.e. overwhelmed by a stream:--carried away of the flood.
Transliteration:potamophórētos
Pronunciation:pot-am-of-or'-ay-tos
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word G4216 (ποταμοφόρητος, *potamophórētos*) is a compound adjective derived from two significant components: ποταμός (potamós), meaning "river" or "flood" `{{G4215}}`, and a derivative of φορέω (phoréō), meaning "to carry," "to bear," or "to be carried" `{{G5409}}`. Etymologically, it precisely conveys the sense of being "river-borne" or "carried away by a stream/flood." The prefix ποταμο- clearly indicates the source of the force, while -φόρητος denotes the passive state of being carried or swept along. This word describes a state of being overwhelmed and uncontrollably moved by a powerful current, highlighting a complete lack of agency or ability to resist the force of the water. Its singular occurrence in the biblical text limits its semantic range to a very specific, vivid metaphorical application.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term potamophórētos appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in [[Revelation 12:15]]. In this highly symbolic passage, the Apostle John describes the dragon (Satan) casting a "flood" (ποταμός) out of his mouth after the woman (representing God's faithful people, often understood as Israel and/or the Church) as she flees into the wilderness. The explicit purpose of this flood is "that he might cause her to be carried away by the flood" (ἵνα αὐτὴν ποταμοφόρητον ποιήσῃ).
The context is one of intense spiritual warfare and persecution. The "flood" is not a literal body of water but a powerful metaphor for overwhelming forces unleashed by Satan against God's chosen. These forces can be interpreted as massive persecutions, deceptive doctrines, societal pressures, or any deluge of evil intended to engulf and destroy the faithful. The dragon's intent is to make the woman potamophórētos—to sweep her away, to overwhelm her completely, to drown her in this torrent of malice and opposition. The imagery powerfully conveys the existential threat posed by the adversary. However, [[Revelation 12:16]] immediately follows with the earth helping the woman by swallowing the flood, thus preventing her from being swept away, underscoring divine intervention and protection.
### Related Words & Concepts
As noted, G4216 is directly related to ποταμός (river, flood) `{{G4215}}`, which denotes the destructive force itself, and φορέω (to carry, bear) `{{G5409}}`, the verb describing the action of being carried.
Conceptually, potamophórētos stands in stark contrast to ideas of stability, being firmly rooted, or standing unmovable. It evokes:
* **Overwhelming Force:** The "flood" signifies an immense, uncontrollable power.
* **Vulnerability:** The one being potamophórētos is helpless against this force.
* **Spiritual Warfare:** The context of Revelation points to the spiritual battle between God's kingdom and the forces of evil.
* **Persecution and Deception:** The flood can represent the various means by which the adversary seeks to destroy or mislead believers.
* **Divine Preservation:** The subsequent intervention of the earth highlights God's protective hand, preventing the ultimate fulfillment of the dragon's destructive intent.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of potamophórētos is profound, despite its singular occurrence. It vividly portrays the relentless and overwhelming nature of the adversary's attacks against God's people throughout history. The dragon's desire to make the woman "carried away by the flood" signifies a comprehensive attempt to obliterate, assimilate, or spiritually drown the community of faith. This speaks to the very real dangers faced by believers from external pressures and internal deceptions orchestrated by the enemy.
However, the word's use also underscores the crucial theological truth of divine preservation. While the threat is existential and the force seemingly irresistible, God's sovereign plan ensures that His people will not ultimately be swept away. The earth's intervention in [[Revelation 12:16]] is a powerful symbol of God's providential care, demonstrating that even in the face of the most formidable spiritual assaults, the Lord provides a way of escape or a means of endurance. It serves as a reminder that while the Church may endure intense tribulation and feel on the brink of being overwhelmed, the ultimate triumph belongs to God, who faithfully preserves His own. This word thus speaks both to the severity of spiritual warfare and the unwavering faithfulness of God's protective hand.
### Summary
G4216 (ποταμοφόρητος, *potamophórētos*) precisely means "carried away by a flood" or "overwhelmed by a stream." Its sole biblical appearance in [[Revelation 12:15]] dramatically illustrates the dragon's attempt to utterly destroy or sweep away the woman (God's people) with a metaphorical flood of persecution and evil. This powerful imagery conveys the immense, overwhelming nature of the adversary's attacks and the inherent vulnerability of humanity when confronted by such forces. The theological significance lies in highlighting the intense spiritual warfare believers face, coupled with the profound truth of God's faithful preservation. Despite the enemy's intent to make His people potamophórētos, God's protective intervention ensures that His Church will not be ultimately engulfed or destroyed, testifying to His unwavering sovereignty and care.
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