King James Version

What Does Revelation 12:17 Mean?

Revelation 12:17 in the King James Version says “And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments ... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 · KJV


Context

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
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.... 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 12:17 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 · 30 words
καὶ1 of 30

And

G2532

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

ὠργίσθη2 of 30

was wroth

G3710

to provoke or enrage, i.e., (passively) become exasperated

τοῦ3 of 30

which

G3588

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

δράκων4 of 30

the dragon

G1404

a fabulous kind of serpent (perhaps as supposed to fascinate)

ἐπὶ5 of 30

with

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

τοῦ6 of 30

which

G3588

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

γυναικί7 of 30

the woman

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

καὶ8 of 30

And

G2532

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

ἀπῆλθεν9 of 30

went

G565

to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively

ποιῆσαι10 of 30

to make

G4160

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

πόλεμον11 of 30

war

G4171

warfare (literally or figuratively; a single encounter or a series)

μετὰ12 of 30

with

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

τοῦ13 of 30

which

G3588

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

λοιπῶν14 of 30

the remnant

G3062

remaining ones

τοῦ15 of 30

which

G3588

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

σπέρματος16 of 30

seed

G4690

something sown, i.e., seed (including the male "sperm"); by implication, offspring; specially, a remnant (figuratively, as if kept over for planting)

αὐτῆς17 of 30

of 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

τοῦ18 of 30

which

G3588

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

τηρούντων19 of 30

keep

G5083

to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from g5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from g2892

τοῦ20 of 30

which

G3588

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

ἐντολὰς21 of 30

the commandments

G1785

injunction, i.e., an authoritative prescription

τοῦ22 of 30

which

G3588

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

θεοῦ23 of 30

of God

G2316

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

καὶ24 of 30

And

G2532

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

ἐχόντων25 of 30

have

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

τοῦ26 of 30

which

G3588

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

μαρτυρίαν27 of 30

the testimony

G3141

evidence given (judicially or genitive case)

τοῦ28 of 30

which

G3588

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

Ἰησοῦ29 of 30

of Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Χριστοῦ30 of 30

Christ

G5547

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


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 12:17 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 12:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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