Revelation 12:4

Authorized King James Version

And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.

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
τὸ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
οὐρὰ
G3769
tail
a tail
#4
αὐτῆς
G846
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
#5
σύρει
G4951
drew
to trail
#6
τὸ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
τρίτον
G5154
the third part
third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly
#8
τὸ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
ἀστέρων
G792
of the stars
a star (as strown over the sky), literally or figuratively
#10
τὸ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
οὐρανοῦ
G3772
of heaven
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
#12
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#13
ἔβαλεν
G906
did cast
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)
#14
αὐτῆς
G846
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
#15
εἰς
G1519
to
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#16
τὸ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
γῆν
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)
#18
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#19
τὸ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
δράκων
G1404
the dragon
a fabulous kind of serpent (perhaps as supposed to fascinate)
#21
ἕστηκεν
G2476
stood
to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)
#22
ἐνώπιον
G1799
before
in the face of (literally or figuratively)
#23
τὸ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#24
γυναικὸς
G1135
the woman
a woman; specially, a wife
#25
τὸ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#26
μελλούσης
G3195
was ready
to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili
#27
τέκῃ
G5088
it was born
to produce (from seed, as a mother, a plant, the earth, etc.), literally or figuratively
#28
ἵνα
G2443
for
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#29
ὅταν
G3752
as soon as
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
#30
τέκῃ
G5088
it was born
to produce (from seed, as a mother, a plant, the earth, etc.), literally or figuratively
#31
τὸ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#32
τέκνον
G5043
child
a child (as produced)
#33
αὐτῆς
G846
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
#34
καταφάγῃ
G2719
to devour
to eat up, i.e., devour (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection