Revelation 12:3

Authorized King James Version

And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.

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
ὤφθη
G3700
there appeared
to gaze (i.e., with wide-open eyes, as at something remarkable; and thus differing from g0991, which denotes simply voluntary observation; and from g1
#3
ἄλλο
G243
another
"else," i.e., different (in many applications)
#4
σημεῖον
G4592
wonder
an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally
#5
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#6
τῷ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
οὐρανῷ
G3772
heaven
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
#8
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#9
ἰδού,
G2400
behold
used as imperative lo!
#10
δράκων
G1404
dragon
a fabulous kind of serpent (perhaps as supposed to fascinate)
#11
μέγας
G3173
a great
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
#12
πυῤῥός
G4450
red
fire-like, i.e., (specially), flame- colored
#13
ἔχων
G2192
having
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#14
κεφαλὰς
G2776
heads
the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively
#15
ἑπτὰ
G2033
seven
seven
#16
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#17
κέρατα
G2768
horns
a horn (literally or figuratively)
#18
δέκα
G1176
ten
ten
#19
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#20
ἐπὶ
G1909
upon
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#21
τὰς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#22
κεφαλὰς
G2776
heads
the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively
#23
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
#24
διαδήματα
G1238
crowns
a "diadem" (as bound about the head)
#25
ἑπτὰ
G2033
seven
seven

Analysis

Within the broader context of Revelation, this passage highlights kingdom of God through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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