Revelation 12:16

Authorized King James Version

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.

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
ἐβοήθησεν
G997
helped
to aid or relieve
#3
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
γῆ
G1093
the earth
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
#5
τῇ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
γυναικί
G1135
the woman
a woman; specially, a wife
#7
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#8
ἤνοιξεν
G455
opened
to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)
#9
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
γῆ
G1093
the earth
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
#11
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
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
#13
αὐτῆς
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
#14
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#15
κατέπιεν
G2666
swallowed up
to drink down, i.e., gulp entire (literally or figuratively)
#16
τὸν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
ποταμὸν
G4215
the flood
a current, brook or freshet (as drinkable), i.e., running water
#18
ὃν
G3739
which
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#19
ἔβαλεν
G906
cast
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)
#20
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
δράκων
G1404
the dragon
a fabulous kind of serpent (perhaps as supposed to fascinate)
#22
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
#23
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#24
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
#25
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

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Revelation. The concept of divine revelation reflects the ultimate establishment of divine rule over creation. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to apocalyptic literature revealing God's ultimate victory, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within imperial persecution under Domitian's demand for emperor worship. The author writes to address persecuted Christians in Asia Minor facing pressure to compromise, making the emphasis on kingdom of God particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection