King James Version

What Does Revelation 12:1 Mean?

Revelation 12:1 in the King James Version says “And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her hea... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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: wonder: or, sign

Revelation 12:1 · KJV


Context

1

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: wonder: or, sign

2

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

3

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. wonder: or, sign


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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:... This verse from Revelation's vision of woman, child, and dragon - cosmic conflict, satan's defeat, messiah's victory employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic literature, drawing heavily from Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Zechariah.

The symbolism must be interpreted within its first-century context while recognizing timeless spiritual realities. The imagery would resonate powerfully with persecuted believers facing Roman imperial cult worship, providing hope that despite present suffering, Christ reigns sovereign and will consummate His kingdom. The apocalyptic genre uses symbolic numbers (seven, twelve, 144,000), colors, beasts, and cosmic imagery to convey theological truth rather than photographic descriptions.

Christologically, Revelation consistently exalts Jesus as the victorious Lamb, the faithful witness, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Every vision ultimately points to Christ's supremacy, His finished redemptive work, and His certain return to judge the living and dead and establish the new creation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

John received this revelation circa AD 95 during Domitian's persecution, exiled on Patmos for his testimony. The seven churches of Asia Minor faced increasing pressure to participate in emperor worship and pagan religious practices. Refusal meant economic hardship, social ostracism, and potential martyrdom. Understanding this context illuminates Revelation's encouragement to faithful endurance.

The apocalyptic genre was familiar to first-century Jewish and Christian readers. Rather than newspaper-style predictions, apocalyptic literature uses symbolic imagery to reveal spiritual realities behind earthly events, encourage the faithful, warn the unfaithful, and assert God's ultimate sovereignty over history. Parallels with Daniel, Ezekiel, and intertestamental apocalyptic writings would help original readers decode the symbols.

Rome's imperial cult demanded worship of Caesar as divine, placing Christians in impossible situations—compromise their faith or face persecution. Revelation identifies Rome as "Babylon" and assures believers that despite appearances, the Lamb conquered through His death and resurrection, and all earthly kingdoms will submit to His reign.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Revelation 12:1 reveal God's character, particularly His sovereignty, holiness, and justice?
  2. What specific encouragement or warning does this verse offer for maintaining faithful Christian witness amid cultural pressure?
  3. How does this passage point to Christ's victory and the hope of new creation, and how should that shape your present priorities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
καὶ1 of 26

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

σημεῖον2 of 26

wonder

G4592

an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally

μέγα3 of 26

a great

G3173

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

ὤφθη4 of 26

there appeared

G3700

to gaze (i.e., with wide-open eyes, as at something remarkable; and thus differing from g0991, which denotes simply voluntary observation; and from g1

ἐν5 of 26

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ6 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

οὐρανῷ7 of 26

heaven

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

γυνὴ8 of 26

a woman

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

περιβεβλημένη9 of 26

clothed

G4016

to throw all around, i.e., invest (with a palisade or with clothing)

τὸν10 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἥλιον11 of 26

with the sun

G2246

the sun; by implication, light

καὶ12 of 26

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

13 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σελήνη14 of 26

the moon

G4582

the moon

ὑποκάτω15 of 26

under

G5270

down under, i.e., beneath

τῶν16 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ποδῶν17 of 26

feet

G4228

a "foot" (figuratively or literally)

αὐτῆς18 of 26

her

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καὶ19 of 26

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐπὶ20 of 26

upon

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τῆς21 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κεφαλῆς22 of 26

head

G2776

the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively

αὐτῆς23 of 26

her

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

στέφανος24 of 26

a crown

G4735

a chaplet (as a badge of royalty, a prize in the public games or a symbol of honor generally; but more conspicuous and elaborate than the simple fille

ἀστέρων25 of 26

stars

G792

a star (as strown over the sky), literally or figuratively

δώδεκα26 of 26

of twelve

G1427

two and ten, i.e., a dozen


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Revelation. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Revelation 12:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Revelation 12:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study