Revelation 12:16
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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γῆ
the earth
G1093
γῆ
the earth
Strong's:
G1093
Word #:
4 of 25
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἤνοιξεν
opened
G455
ἤνοιξεν
opened
Strong's:
G455
Word #:
8 of 25
to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γῆ
the earth
G1093
γῆ
the earth
Strong's:
G1093
Word #:
10 of 25
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
στόματος
mouth
G4750
στόματος
mouth
Strong's:
G4750
Word #:
12 of 25
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
αὐτῆς
G846
αὐτῆς
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 of 25
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
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
κατέπιεν
swallowed up
G2666
κατέπιεν
swallowed up
Strong's:
G2666
Word #:
15 of 25
to drink down, i.e., gulp entire (literally or figuratively)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ποταμὸν
the flood
G4215
ποταμὸν
the flood
Strong's:
G4215
Word #:
17 of 25
a current, brook or freshet (as drinkable), i.e., running water
ὃν
which
G3739
ὃν
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
18 of 25
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἔβαλεν
cast
G906
ἔβαλεν
cast
Strong's:
G906
Word #:
19 of 25
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δράκων
the dragon
G1404
δράκων
the dragon
Strong's:
G1404
Word #:
21 of 25
a fabulous kind of serpent (perhaps as supposed to fascinate)
ἐκ
out of
G1537
ἐκ
out of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
22 of 25
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 #:
23 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Ancient audiences familiar with earthquakes and land shifts would appreciate this imagery. The earth swallowing threats paralleled Old Testament accounts, establishing continuity between God's past deliverances and present preservation. This vision encouraged believers that the same God who protected Israel would preserve the church through any threat.
Questions for Reflection
- How have you experienced unexpected 'help' from circumstances or creation in times of spiritual attack?
- What does creation's assistance teach about the comprehensive scope of God's sovereignty in protecting His people?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The earth helping the woman by swallowing the flood demonstrates God's sovereignty over creation to protect His people. This recalls Numbers 16:32 (earth swallowing Korah's rebellion) and Exodus 15:12 (earth swallowing Pharaoh's army). Even natural elements serve God's purposes for the elect's preservation. Reformed theology emphasizes providence—God governs all things, including apparent coincidences and natural events, for His people's good (Romans 8:28). The earth's assistance represents unexpected provision and deliverance from seemingly certain destruction.