Revelation 12:9
And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 32
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐβλήθησαν
he was cast out
G906
ἐβλήθησαν
he was cast out
Strong's:
G906
Word #:
2 of 32
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)
οἱ
which
G3588
οἱ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δράκων
dragon
G1404
δράκων
dragon
Strong's:
G1404
Word #:
4 of 32
a fabulous kind of serpent (perhaps as supposed to fascinate)
οἱ
which
G3588
οἱ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μέγας
the great
G3173
μέγας
the great
Strong's:
G3173
Word #:
6 of 32
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
οἱ
which
G3588
οἱ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄφις
serpent
G3789
ὄφις
serpent
Strong's:
G3789
Word #:
8 of 32
a snake, figuratively, (as a type of sly cunning) an artful malicious person, especially satan
οἱ
which
G3588
οἱ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἱ
which
G3588
οἱ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καλούμενος
called
G2564
καλούμενος
called
Strong's:
G2564
Word #:
12 of 32
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 32
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
which
G3588
οἱ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἱ
which
G3588
οἱ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πλανῶν
deceiveth
G4105
πλανῶν
deceiveth
Strong's:
G4105
Word #:
18 of 32
to (properly, cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or virtue)
οἱ
which
G3588
οἱ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἰκουμένην
world
G3625
οἰκουμένην
world
Strong's:
G3625
Word #:
20 of 32
land, i.e., the (terrene part of the) globe; specially, the roman empire
ὅλην
the whole
G3650
ὅλην
the whole
Strong's:
G3650
Word #:
21 of 32
"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb
ἐβλήθησαν
he was cast out
G906
ἐβλήθησαν
he was cast out
Strong's:
G906
Word #:
22 of 32
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
23 of 32
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
οἱ
which
G3588
οἱ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
24 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γῆν
the earth
G1093
γῆν
the earth
Strong's:
G1093
Word #:
25 of 32
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
26 of 32
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
which
G3588
οἱ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
27 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἄγγελοι
angels
G32
ἄγγελοι
angels
Strong's:
G32
Word #:
28 of 32
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
29 of 32
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
μετ'
with
G3326
μετ'
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
30 of 32
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
Cross References
Luke 10:18And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.John 12:31Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.Revelation 20:10And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.1 John 5:19And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.Isaiah 14:12How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!2 Corinthians 4:4In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.Genesis 3:1Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?Isaiah 65:25The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent's meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD.John 8:44Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.Revelation 12:7And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
Historical Context
John received this revelation circa AD 95 during Domitian's persecution, exiled on Patmos for his testimony. The seven churches of Asia Minor faced increasing pressure to participate in emperor worship and pagan religious practices. Refusal meant economic hardship, social ostracism, and potential martyrdom. Understanding this context illuminates Revelation's encouragement to faithful endurance.
The apocalyptic genre was familiar to first-century Jewish and Christian readers. Rather than newspaper-style predictions, apocalyptic literature uses symbolic imagery to reveal spiritual realities behind earthly events, encourage the faithful, warn the unfaithful, and assert God's ultimate sovereignty over history. Parallels with Daniel, Ezekiel, and intertestamental apocalyptic writings would help original readers decode the symbols.
Rome's imperial cult demanded worship of Caesar as divine, placing Christians in impossible situations—compromise their faith or face persecution. Revelation identifies Rome as "Babylon" and assures believers that despite appearances, the Lamb conquered through His death and resurrection, and all earthly kingdoms will submit to His reign.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Revelation 12:9 reveal God's character, particularly His sovereignty, holiness, and justice?
- What specific encouragement or warning does this verse offer for maintaining faithful Christian witness amid cultural pressure?
- How does this passage point to Christ's victory and the hope of new creation, and how should that shape your present priorities?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.... This verse from Revelation's vision of woman, child, and dragon - cosmic conflict, satan's defeat, messiah's victory employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic literature, drawing heavily from Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Zechariah.
The symbolism must be interpreted within its first-century context while recognizing timeless spiritual realities. The imagery would resonate powerfully with persecuted believers facing Roman imperial cult worship, providing hope that despite present suffering, Christ reigns sovereign and will consummate His kingdom. The apocalyptic genre uses symbolic numbers (seven, twelve, 144,000), colors, beasts, and cosmic imagery to convey theological truth rather than photographic descriptions.
Christologically, Revelation consistently exalts Jesus as the victorious Lamb, the faithful witness, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Every vision ultimately points to Christ's supremacy, His finished redemptive work, and His certain return to judge the living and dead and establish the new creation.