King James Version

What Does Revelation 12:15 Mean?

Revelation 12:15 in the King James Version says “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 th... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 · KJV


Context

13

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

14

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.

15

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.

16

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.

17

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The serpent's water flood symbolizes overwhelming persecution or false teaching seeking to destroy the church. Water often represents chaos and judgment (Genesis 7, Psalm 18:16), here weaponized by Satan. The attempt to 'cause her to be carried away' suggests drowning in tribulation. Reformed theology recognizes Satan's multi-faceted attacks—persecution, deception, discouragement—all aimed at church destruction. Yet God limits Satan's power; the flood cannot overcome divine preservation. This imagery recalls Egypt's attempted destruction of Hebrew infants (Exodus 1-2) and Pharaoh's army at the Red Sea, both thwarted by God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Water imagery would resonate with Mediterranean audiences familiar with drowning dangers. The flood represents Roman persecution's overwhelming scope and intensity. The woman's flight and the flood pursuit depicted the church's vulnerable position humanly speaking, while emphasizing supernatural preservation despite seemingly impossible odds.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'floods' of opposition or overwhelming circumstances has Satan used to attack your faith, and how has God preserved you?
  2. How does recognizing Satan as the source of persecution help you respond with spiritual weapons rather than merely natural resistance?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
καὶ1 of 18

And

G2532

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

ἔβαλεν2 of 18

cast

G906

to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)

3 of 18
G3588

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

ὄφις4 of 18

the serpent

G3789

a snake, figuratively, (as a type of sly cunning) an artful malicious person, especially satan

ὀπίσω5 of 18

after

G3694

to the back, i.e., aback (as adverb or preposition of time or place; or as noun)

τῆς6 of 18
G3588

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

γυναικὸς7 of 18

the woman

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

ἐκ8 of 18

out of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τοῦ9 of 18
G3588

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

στόματος10 of 18

mouth

G4750

the mouth (as if a gash in the face); by implication, language (and its relations); figuratively, an opening (in the earth); specially, the front or e

αὐτοῦ11 of 18
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

ὕδωρ12 of 18

water

G5204

water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively

ὡς13 of 18

as

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

ποταμόν14 of 18

a flood

G4215

a current, brook or freshet (as drinkable), i.e., running water

ἵνα15 of 18

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ταὐτὴν16 of 18
G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

ποταμοφόρητον17 of 18

to be carried away of the flood

G4216

river-borne, i.e., overwhelmed by a stream

ποιήσῃ18 of 18

he might cause

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)


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 12:15 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 12:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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