King James Version

What Does Revelation 12:9 Mean?

Revelation 12:9 in the King James Version says “And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he wa... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Revelation 12:9 · KJV


Context

7

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

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.... 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 12:9 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 · 32 words
καὶ1 of 32

And

G2532

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

ἐβλήθησαν2 of 32

he was cast out

G906

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

οἱ3 of 32

which

G3588

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

δράκων4 of 32

dragon

G1404

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

οἱ5 of 32

which

G3588

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

μέγας6 of 32

the great

G3173

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

οἱ7 of 32

which

G3588

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

ὄφις8 of 32

serpent

G3789

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

οἱ9 of 32

which

G3588

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

ἀρχαῖος10 of 32

that old

G744

original or primeval

οἱ11 of 32

which

G3588

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

καλούμενος12 of 32

called

G2564

to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)

Διάβολος13 of 32

the Devil

G1228

a traducer; specially, satan (compare h7854)

καὶ14 of 32

And

G2532

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

οἱ15 of 32

which

G3588

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

Σατανᾶς16 of 32

Satan

G4567

the accuser, i.e., the devil

οἱ17 of 32

which

G3588

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

πλανῶν18 of 32

deceiveth

G4105

to (properly, cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or virtue)

οἱ19 of 32

which

G3588

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

οἰκουμένην20 of 32

world

G3625

land, i.e., the (terrene part of the) globe; specially, the roman empire

ὅλην21 of 32

the whole

G3650

"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb

ἐβλήθησαν22 of 32

he was cast out

G906

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

εἰς23 of 32

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

οἱ24 of 32

which

G3588

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

γῆν25 of 32

the earth

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

καὶ26 of 32

And

G2532

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

οἱ27 of 32

which

G3588

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

ἄγγελοι28 of 32

angels

G32

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

αὐτοῦ29 of 32

him

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

μετ'30 of 32

with

G3326

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

αὐτοῦ31 of 32

him

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

ἐβλήθησαν32 of 32

he was cast out

G906

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


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 12:9 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 12:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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