What does Revelation 12:15 mean?

And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood. Revelation 12:15

Explanation

Revelation 12:15 is a symbolic verse found in the book of Revelation, the last book of the New Testament. In this verse, the “serpent” is an allusion to Satan or the devil, and the “woman” represents the people of God, which could be interpreted as the faithful Church or Israel. The “water as a flood” is symbolic of a massive onslaught or attack aimed at overwhelming and destroying the woman. The image of a flood is often used in the Bible to represent chaos, destruction, and judgment. Therefore, this verse portrays a desperate attempt by Satan to annihilate the faithful followers of God through means that could encompass persecution, deception, or any form of adversity.

Historical Context

The Book of Revelation was written by John the Apostle while he was in exile on the island of Patmos, likely around 95 AD during the reign of Emperor Domitian. The early Christians experienced significant persecution during this time, and the verse reflects the ongoing conflict between the early Christian community and the forces of evil, often associated with the oppressive Roman Empire. The symbolic language used in Revelation draws heavily on the Old Testament and Jewish apocalyptic literature, incorporating visions, prophecies, and cosmic battles between good and evil.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints have interpreted this verse in various ways:

• Preterist View: This perspective sees the verse as a reference to past events, specifically the Roman persecutions of Christians in the first century.
• Futurist View: Those with a futurist perspective understand this verse as a prediction of events that will happen in the end times, as Satan launches a final attack against the people of God.
• Historicist View: Historicists might interpret the water from the serpent as various historical attempts to destroy the Church, such as through heresies or corrupting influences.
• Idealist/Spiritual View: The idealist viewpoint sees this as an ongoing spiritual battle throughout the Christian era and not tied to any specific historical events.

Practical Applications

The verse can offer several practical applications for individuals and communities of faith:

• Perseverance: Just as the woman is threatened by the serpent’s actions, believers may face adversities in life that require steadfast faith and endurance.
• Vigilance: Christians are encouraged to stay alert to spiritual deception and moral corruption that may sweep over society like a flood.
• Hope: Despite Satan’s attempts to destroy the faithful, the imagery assures believers that God’s protection and deliverance are certain.

Cross-References

• Genesis 3:15: “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.”
• Isaiah 59:19: “So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.”
• 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 17:15: “And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.”

Language Study

In the original Koine Greek text of Revelation, a few key words stand out:

• “Serpent” (ὄφις – ophis): This term is synonymous with Satan or the devil, carrying connotations of deception and danger.
• “Cast out” (ἐκβάλλει – ekballei): This verb conveys an expulsion or an aggressive action, enhancing the intensity of the serpent’s attack.
• “Water” (ὕδωρ – hudor): Water, in this context, signifies a multitude or force, as floods can represent overwhelming or uncontrollable situations.
• “Flood” (ποταμὸν – potamon): A flood or river signifies power or something that can carry away and destroy.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Ancient Near Eastern cultures were replete with flood narratives, such as the Epic of Gilgamesh, which have thematic parallels with biblical stories. Floods were often seen as divine judgments or chaotic forces. The use of serpents as evil entities can also be found in other cultures, such as the Greek myth of the Hydra or Hinduism’s depiction of demons like Naga.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific standpoint, the verse’s language is metaphorical and not intended to describe natural phenomena. However, one could draw from the recognition of floods’ destructive power and the psychological understanding of chaos and fear related to being overwhelmed, which is what the metaphor of the flood aims to convey.

Commentaries

Commentators offer different perspectives on Revelation 12:15:

• Matthew Henry: Henry views the flood as symbolic of violent persecutions and all manner of afflictions that Satan stirs up against the Church.
• Albert Barnes: Barnes suggests that the flood represents more subtle forms of persecution, like false doctrines or philosophies that could sweep away the unguarded faithful.
• David Guzik: Guzik interprets the verse futuristically, seeing the flood as an end-times persecution that targets the godly remnant, but ultimately God protects His people from this assault.