Revelation 12:9

Authorized King James Version

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.

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
ἐβλήθησαν
G906
he was cast out
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)
#3
οἱ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
δράκων
G1404
dragon
a fabulous kind of serpent (perhaps as supposed to fascinate)
#5
οἱ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
μέγας
G3173
the great
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
#7
οἱ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
ὄφις
G3789
serpent
a snake, figuratively, (as a type of sly cunning) an artful malicious person, especially satan
#9
οἱ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
ἀρχαῖος
G744
that old
original or primeval
#11
οἱ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
καλούμενος
G2564
called
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
#13
Διάβολος
G1228
the Devil
a traducer; specially, satan (compare h7854)
#14
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#15
οἱ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
Σατανᾶς
G4567
Satan
the accuser, i.e., the devil
#17
οἱ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
πλανῶν
G4105
deceiveth
to (properly, cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or virtue)
#19
οἱ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
οἰκουμένην
G3625
world
land, i.e., the (terrene part of the) globe; specially, the roman empire
#21
ὅλην
G3650
the whole
"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb
#22
ἐβλήθησαν
G906
he was cast out
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)
#23
εἰς
G1519
into
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#24
οἱ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#25
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)
#26
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#27
οἱ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#28
ἄγγελοι
G32
angels
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
#29
αὐτοῦ
G846
him
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
#30
μετ'
G3326
with
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
#31
αὐτοῦ
G846
him
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
#32
ἐβλήθησαν
G906
he was cast out
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)

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

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