What does Revelation 12:17 mean?

And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. Revelation 12:17

Explanation

Revelation 12:17 describes the dragon’s fury toward a woman and its subsequent actions against her offspring. The woman, often interpreted as a symbol for Israel or the Church, has given birth to a male child destined to rule the nations (a reference to Jesus Christ in Revelation 12:5). After failing to destroy the child, the dragon, identified as Satan (Revelation 12:9), turns its wrath on the remaining faithful followers of Jesus.

The “remnant of her seed” refers to those who remain steadfast in their faith, adhering to God’s commandments and holding the testimony of Jesus Christ. The verse emphasizes a spiritual warfare between the forces of Satan and the people who remain loyal to God and Jesus. It represents the ongoing struggle between good and evil and the persecution of believers throughout history.

Historical Context

Revelation was written by John on the island of Patmos, traditionally dated around the end of the first century CE. It was a time of persecution for Christians under the Roman Empire, where adherence to the Christian faith could lead to grave consequences. Early Christians would have read this text in the context of their experience of being marginalized, persecuted, and often put to death for their beliefs.

Symbolism and apocalyptic language were common in Jewish and Christian writings and were used as a way to communicate hope and encouragement to the faithful in a time of distress, often incorporating vivid imagery to describe cosmic battles between good and evil.

Theological Insights

The verse offers a snapshot of Christian eschatology, the study of the end times. Theological interpretations often fall into several camps:

• Historicist: Views Revelation as a panoramic view of church history from the apostolic era to the end of time. From this perspective, Satan’s war against the woman’s offspring represents various persecutions faced by the true Church.
• Preterist: Regards most of Revelation as being fulfilled in the early centuries of Christianity, particularly with the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE.
• Futurist: Believes these events are prophetic and will occur at the end times. The battle between the dragon and the woman’s seed is seen as a literal future event.
• Spiritual (or Idealist): Sees the imagery as a representation of the ongoing struggle between spiritual forces of good and evil throughout the Christian era.

Practical Applications

The enduring message of Revelation 12:17 encourages believers to hold fast to their faith in the face of opposition and persecution. It reminds Christians that struggle is a part of their faith journey. This passage can serve to comfort those who feel besieged by the secular world or by moral and spiritual challenges. It can also inspire steadfastness and courage, reinforcing the importance of obedience to God’s commandments and the testimony of their faith in Jesus Christ.

Cross-References

• Revelation 12:5: “And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.”
• 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 14:12: “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.”
• John 16:33: “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek language of this verse:

• “Dragon” (δράκων, drakōn): The term used for a fearsome serpent or dragon, employed in Revelation to symbolize Satan.
• “Wroth” (ὠργίσθη, orgisthē): Translated from the Greek verb for “to be angry.” In this context, it indicates a fierce, wrathful anger.
• “Woman” (γυνὴ, gynē): While literally meaning a woman or wife, symbolically refers to a group or a collective entity such as Israel or the Church.
• “Remnant” (λοιπός, loipos): Means what is left or remaining, indicating a subset of a larger group.
• “Seed” (σπέρμα, sperma): Used metaphorically for offspring or descendants, often with a spiritual connotation.
• “Testimony” (μαρτυρία, martyria): Meaning witness or evidence, often associated with the proclamation and confession of faith in Jesus.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The imagery of the dragon and the woman bears resemblance to other ancient myths, like the Mesopotamian Tiamat or the Greek myth of Leto and Python. It’s important to note, however, that in other cultures, these myths often revolve around the creation or natural phenomena, whereas in the Christian context, the narrative focuses on spiritual warfare and salvation history.

In various religions, figures of a protective mother or a threatening serpent may serve different purposes but commonly represent fundamental life forces and the struggle between order and chaos.

Scientific Perspectives

The language used in Revelation 12:17 is symbolic and apocalyptic, reflecting a spiritual reality rather than a scientific one. Modern science does not engage directly with such supernatural descriptions, as science deals with the natural and empirical world. However, it’s worth noting that psychological and social sciences might consider the impact of such beliefs on human behavior and social systems.

Commentaries

Scholars and theologians have offered various interpretations of Revelation 12:17. Some see it as a depiction of spiritual realities that transcend time, while others frame it within the context of historical persecutions. Commentators like Matthew Henry see this as a comfort to Christians in distress, symbolizing the church’s ultimate victory over Satan. Others, like Craig S. Keener in his “NIV Application Commentary,” emphasize the community’s call to persevere in faith.

These diverse perspectives highlight the complexity and richness of the text, allowing for multiple layers of understanding and application.