Revelation 12:15

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
ἔβαλεν
G906
cast
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)
#3
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
ὄφις
G3789
the serpent
a snake, figuratively, (as a type of sly cunning) an artful malicious person, especially satan
#5
ὀπίσω
G3694
after
to the back, i.e., aback (as adverb or preposition of time or place; or as noun)
#6
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
γυναικὸς
G1135
the woman
a woman; specially, a wife
#8
ἐκ
G1537
out of
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#9
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
στόματος
G4750
mouth
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
#11
αὐτοῦ
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
#12
ὕδωρ
G5204
water
water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively
#13
ὡς
G5613
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#14
ποταμόν
G4215
a flood
a current, brook or freshet (as drinkable), i.e., running water
#15
ἵνα
G2443
that
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#16
ταὐτὴν
G3778
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#17
ποταμοφόρητον
G4216
to be carried away of the flood
river-borne, i.e., overwhelmed by a stream
#18
ποιήσῃ
G4160
he might cause
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Revelation, this passage highlights kingdom of God through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Revelation.

Historical Context

The historical context of the Domitian persecution period (c. 95 CE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection