New Testament
Revelation 12:13
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
When the dragon realized he had been thrown down to the earth, he persecuted the woman who had given birth to the male child.
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And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.
What Revelation 12:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the 'dragon' symbolizes Satan, who, after being cast down to earth, turns his wrath against the 'woman.' The woman represents God's people or the faithful community, and the 'male child' signifies Jesus Christ, who is destined to rule. The dragon's persecution reflects the ongoing spiritual battle between good and evil. This verse highlights the reality of spiritual warfare, where the forces of darkness actively oppose God's plans and His people. The imagery of the dragon emphasizes the ferocity of this opposition, as he seeks to harm the woman who has given birth to the Savior. This moment serves as a reminder of the challenges believers face in their faith journey, as they may encounter trials and tribulations due to their allegiance to Christ. Ultimately, it underscores the importance of perseverance and faith in the face of adversity, knowing that God is sovereign and will ultimately triumph over evil.
How to apply Revelation 12:13 to your life
As believers, we should be aware of the spiritual battles we face and remain steadfast in our faith. This verse encourages us to support one another in times of persecution and to trust in God's ultimate victory over evil. Prayer and community are vital in overcoming challenges.
Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary
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Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
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Keep studying Revelation 12:13
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Key themes
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At a Glance — the Book of Revelation
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 95
- Genre
- Apocalyptic prophecy
- Original Audience
- The seven churches of Asia Minor
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Revelation 12:13 mean?
Revelation 12:13 describes the dragon, symbolizing Satan, who, after being cast down to earth, begins to persecute the woman that represents God's people. This reflects the ongoing spiritual conflict between good and evil.
What is the significance of the dragon in Revelation 12:13?
In Revelation 12:13, the dragon represents Satan, illustrating his fierce opposition to God's plans and His people after being cast down to earth.
Who does the woman represent in Revelation 12:13?
The woman in Revelation 12:13 symbolizes God's faithful community or people, who are targeted by the dragon for persecution.
What does the male child refer to in Revelation 12:13?
The male child in Revelation 12:13 refers to Jesus Christ, who is destined to rule and is the focal point of the conflict between good and evil.
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