Revelation 12:17

Authorized King James Version

And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

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
ὠργίσθη
G3710
was wroth
to provoke or enrage, i.e., (passively) become exasperated
#3
τοῦ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
δράκων
G1404
the dragon
a fabulous kind of serpent (perhaps as supposed to fascinate)
#5
ἐπὶ
G1909
with
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#6
τοῦ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
γυναικί
G1135
the woman
a woman; specially, a wife
#8
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#9
ἀπῆλθεν
G565
went
to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively
#10
ποιῆσαι
G4160
to make
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
#11
πόλεμον
G4171
war
warfare (literally or figuratively; a single encounter or a series)
#12
μετὰ
G3326
with
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
#13
τοῦ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
λοιπῶν
G3062
the remnant
remaining ones
#15
τοῦ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
σπέρματος
G4690
seed
something sown, i.e., seed (including the male "sperm"); by implication, offspring; specially, a remnant (figuratively, as if kept over for planting)
#17
αὐτῆς
G846
of her
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
#18
τοῦ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
τηρούντων
G5083
keep
to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from g5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from g2892
#20
τοῦ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
ἐντολὰς
G1785
the commandments
injunction, i.e., an authoritative prescription
#22
τοῦ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#23
θεοῦ
G2316
of God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#24
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#25
ἐχόντων
G2192
have
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#26
τοῦ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#27
μαρτυρίαν
G3141
the testimony
evidence given (judicially or genitive case)
#28
τοῦ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#29
Ἰησοῦ
G2424
of Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#30
Χριστοῦ
G5547
Christ
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

Analysis

Within the broader context of Revelation, this passage highlights kingdom of God through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 literary and historical milieu of Jewish apocalyptic literature using symbolic imagery to convey hope shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of kingdom of God within the theological tradition of Revelation Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection