Revelation 12:7

Authorized King James Version

And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,

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
ἐγένετο
G1096
there was
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#3
πόλεμος
G4171
war
warfare (literally or figuratively; a single encounter or a series)
#4
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#5
τῷ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
οὐρανῷ
G3772
heaven
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
#7
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
Μιχαὴλ
G3413
Michael
michael, an archangel
#9
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#10
οἱ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
ἄγγελοι
G32
angels
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
#12
αὐτοῦ
G846
his
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
#13
ἐπολέμησεν
G4170
fought
to be (engaged) in warfare, i.e., to battle (literally or figuratively)
#14
κατὰ
G2596
against
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
#15
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
δράκων
G1404
the dragon
a fabulous kind of serpent (perhaps as supposed to fascinate)
#17
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#18
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
δράκων
G1404
the dragon
a fabulous kind of serpent (perhaps as supposed to fascinate)
#20
ἐπολέμησεν
G4170
fought
to be (engaged) in warfare, i.e., to battle (literally or figuratively)
#21
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#22
οἱ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#23
ἄγγελοι
G32
angels
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
#24
αὐτοῦ
G846
his
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

Within the broader context of Revelation, this passage highlights kingdom of God through simile or metaphorical language. 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

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