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Revelation 12

And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:

And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.

And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.

And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.

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.

And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.

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

And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.

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.

And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.

And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.

And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.

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.

And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth.

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.

What does Revelation 12:7 mean?

Explanation

Revelation 12:7 depicts a vivid celestial conflict -- a war in heaven between the archangel Michael (along with his angels) and the dragon, who is identified in Revelation 12:9 as Satan the Devil (and his fallen angels).

This verse serves as a symbolic representation of the struggle between good and evil. The imagery of a dragon often personifies chaos and evil in many cultures and religious texts.

Top Rated Revelation Books

Historical Context

The Book of Revelation, also known as the Apocalypse, was written by the apostle John during the late first century AD, likely while he was exiled on the island of Patmos.

This time period was marked by Roman persecution of Christians, and the book is filled with coded language and vivid imagery to convey a message of hope and the eventual triumph of God over evil.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse is fertile ground for various interpretations:

Traditional Christian Interpretation: Typically viewed as either a past event, where Satan was cast out of heaven due to rebellion, or a future event that symbolizes the ultimate defeat of evil by God.
Spiritual Warfare Perspective: Some see this as a depiction of ongoing spiritual warfare between the forces of good and evil.
Preterist Interpretation: This view posits that the events of Revelation occurred in the first century and describes the struggle of the early Church against oppressive forces.
Futurist Interpretation: Others argue that this war in heaven is a future event that will precede the end times.

Practical Applications

This verse can be interpreted as a metaphor for personal struggles between morality and sin, and the message can inspire believers to persevere in their faith, knowing that good will ultimately triumph over evil.

In daily life, this can translate to resisting temptations, providing help to others in their struggles, and maintaining faith during challenging times.

Cross-References

Jude 1:9 - "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."
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."
Daniel 10:13 - "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."

Language Study

The key word "Michael" (Greek: Μιχαὴλ, transliterated as Michaēl) is of Hebrew origin, meaning "Who is like God?" Reflecting his status as a chief angel or archangel.

The term "angels" (Greek: ἀγγέλους, transliterated as angelous), and "dragon" (Greek: δράκων, transliterated as drakōn) are also significant.

"Angels" signifies messengers of God, while "dragon" in this context symbolizes a malevolent force opposed to God.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The theme of a great battle in heaven between good and evil entities is not unique to Christianity. Similar motifs can be found in other cultures and religions, such as Zoroastrianism where Ahura Mazda battles Angra Mainyu, or in the Norse myth where gods fight giants during Ragnarök.

Scientific Perspectives

There is no scientific perspective on the literal event of a battle in heaven, as science only deals with the natural world and empirical evidence.

However, this narrative can be studied from the perspective of psychology, analyzing its metaphorical representations of internal human conflicts between opposing moral and ethical impulses.

Commentaries

Different biblical scholars and theologians have interpreted this verse through various lenses.

For example:

Dispensationalists may view it as a prophecy detailing specific future events leading up to the end times.
Catholic interpretations may highlight the role of St.

Michael, who is revered as a protector and warrior against evil.

Some modern exegetes might focus on the literary and symbolic features of the text, suggesting it reflects the early Christians' experience of spiritual and social conflict within their historical context.

Revelation 12

Revelation 12

What does Revelation 12:7 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Revelation Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Revelation 12:7 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Revelation Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?