Revelation 12:10
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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 44
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
φωνὴν
voice
G5456
φωνὴν
voice
Strong's:
G5456
Word #:
3 of 44
a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
μεγάλην
a loud
G3173
μεγάλην
a loud
Strong's:
G3173
Word #:
4 of 44
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
λέγουσαν
saying
G3004
λέγουσαν
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
5 of 44
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 44
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὐρανῷ
heaven
G3772
οὐρανῷ
heaven
Strong's:
G3772
Word #:
8 of 44
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
ἐγένετο
is come
G1096
ἐγένετο
is come
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
10 of 44
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 44
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 44
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 44
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δύναμις
strength
G1411
δύναμις
strength
Strong's:
G1411
Word #:
15 of 44
force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 44
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 44
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλεία
the kingdom
G932
βασιλεία
the kingdom
Strong's:
G932
Word #:
18 of 44
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 44
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
God
G2316
θεοῦ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
20 of 44
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
22 of 44
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
23 of 44
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐξουσία
the power
G1849
ἐξουσία
the power
Strong's:
G1849
Word #:
24 of 44
privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
25 of 44
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αυτῶν
of his
G846
αυτῶν
of his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
27 of 44
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
ὅτι
for
G3754
ὅτι
for
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
28 of 44
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
30 of 44
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κατήγορος
accused
G2725
κατήγορος
accused
Strong's:
G2725
Word #:
31 of 44
against one in the assembly, i.e., a complainant at law; specially, satan
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
32 of 44
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφῶν
brethren
G80
ἀδελφῶν
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
33 of 44
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
35 of 44
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κατηγορῶν
the accuser
G2723
κατηγορῶν
the accuser
Strong's:
G2723
Word #:
36 of 44
to be a plaintiff, i.e., to charge with some offence
αυτῶν
of his
G846
αυτῶν
of his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
37 of 44
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
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
39 of 44
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
God
G2316
θεοῦ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
40 of 44
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ἡμέρας
day
G2250
ἡμέρας
day
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
42 of 44
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
Cross References
Luke 22:31And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:Revelation 11:15And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.Daniel 2:44And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.1 Chronicles 29:11Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.Matthew 28:18And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.Job 1:11But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.Job 1:9Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?Revelation 2:26And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:Job 2:5But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face.Matthew 6:10Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Revelation 12:10 reveal God's character, particularly His sovereignty, holiness, and justice?
- What specific encouragement or warning does this verse offer for maintaining faithful Christian witness amid cultural pressure?
- How does this passage point to Christ's victory and the hope of new creation, and how should that shape your present priorities?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & 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.