King James Version

What Does Revelation 12:10 Mean?

Revelation 12:10 in the King James Version says “And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the powe... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Revelation 12:10 · KJV


Context

8

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

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.

10

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.

11

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.

12

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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 the... 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 12:10 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 · 44 words
καὶ1 of 44

And

G2532

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

ἤκουσα2 of 44

I heard

G191

to hear (in various senses)

φωνὴν3 of 44

voice

G5456

a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language

μεγάλην4 of 44

a loud

G3173

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

λέγουσαν5 of 44

saying

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ἐν6 of 44

in

G1722

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

τοῦ7 of 44

which

G3588

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

οὐρανῷ8 of 44

heaven

G3772

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

Ἄρτι9 of 44

Now

G737

just now

ἐγένετο10 of 44

is come

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

τοῦ11 of 44

which

G3588

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

σωτηρία12 of 44

salvation

G4991

rescue or safety (physically or morally)

καὶ13 of 44

And

G2532

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

τοῦ14 of 44

which

G3588

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

δύναμις15 of 44

strength

G1411

force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)

καὶ16 of 44

And

G2532

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

τοῦ17 of 44

which

G3588

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

βασιλεία18 of 44

the kingdom

G932

properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ19 of 44

which

G3588

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

θεοῦ20 of 44

God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἡμῶν21 of 44

of our

G2257

of (or from) us

καὶ22 of 44

And

G2532

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

τοῦ23 of 44

which

G3588

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

ἐξουσία24 of 44

the power

G1849

privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o

τοῦ25 of 44

which

G3588

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

Χριστοῦ26 of 44

Christ

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

αυτῶν27 of 44

of his

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

ὅτι28 of 44

for

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

κατἐβλήθη29 of 44

is cast down

G2598

to throw down

τοῦ30 of 44

which

G3588

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

κατήγορος31 of 44

accused

G2725

against one in the assembly, i.e., a complainant at law; specially, satan

τοῦ32 of 44

which

G3588

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

ἀδελφῶν33 of 44

brethren

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

ἡμῶν34 of 44

of our

G2257

of (or from) us

τοῦ35 of 44

which

G3588

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

κατηγορῶν36 of 44

the accuser

G2723

to be a plaintiff, i.e., to charge with some offence

αυτῶν37 of 44

of his

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

ἐνώπιον38 of 44

before

G1799

in the face of (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ39 of 44

which

G3588

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

θεοῦ40 of 44

God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἡμῶν41 of 44

of our

G2257

of (or from) us

ἡμέρας42 of 44

day

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

καὶ43 of 44

And

G2532

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

νυκτός44 of 44

night

G3571

"night" (literally or figuratively)


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 12:10 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 12:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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