Revelation 12:15
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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔβαλεν
cast
G906
ἔβαλεν
cast
Strong's:
G906
Word #:
2 of 18
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄφις
the serpent
G3789
ὄφις
the serpent
Strong's:
G3789
Word #:
4 of 18
a snake, figuratively, (as a type of sly cunning) an artful malicious person, especially satan
ὀπίσω
after
G3694
ὀπίσω
after
Strong's:
G3694
Word #:
5 of 18
to the back, i.e., aback (as adverb or preposition of time or place; or as noun)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκ
out of
G1537
ἐκ
out of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
8 of 18
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
στόματος
mouth
G4750
στόματος
mouth
Strong's:
G4750
Word #:
10 of 18
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
αὐτοῦ
G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 18
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
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
13 of 18
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ποταμόν
a flood
G4215
ποταμόν
a flood
Strong's:
G4215
Word #:
14 of 18
a current, brook or freshet (as drinkable), i.e., running water
ταὐτὴν
G3778
ταὐτὴν
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
16 of 18
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
Cross References
Isaiah 59:19So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.Isaiah 8:7Now therefore, behold, the Lord bringeth up upon them the waters of the river, strong and many, even the king of Assyria, and all his glory: and he shall come up over all his channels, and go over all his banks:Psalms 18:4The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'floods' of opposition or overwhelming circumstances has Satan used to attack your faith, and how has God preserved you?
- How does recognizing Satan as the source of persecution help you respond with spiritual weapons rather than merely natural resistance?
Related Resources
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Analysis & 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.