New Testament

Revelation 12:17

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, the 'dragon' symbolizes Satan, who is furious with the 'woman,' representing God's people or the faithful church.

Author: John the apostle
Written: Around AD 95
Genre: Apocalyptic prophecy
Original Audience: The seven churches of Asia Minor

CBTClear Bible Translation

The dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her children — those who obey God's commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus Christ.

KJVKing James Version

And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, the 'dragon' symbolizes Satan, who is furious with the 'woman,' representing God's people or the faithful church. The dragon's anger leads him to wage war against her 'children,' which refers to those who follow God's commandments and maintain their faith in Jesus Christ. This highlights the ongoing spiritual battle between good and evil, where believers are targeted for their faithfulness. The verse emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's laws and the testimony of Jesus as essential aspects of a believer's life. It serves as a reminder that while believers may face opposition and persecution, they are called to remain steadfast in their faith and commitment to God, despite the challenges they encounter. This conflict illustrates the reality of spiritual warfare and the need for vigilance and perseverance in the Christian journey.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Revelation 12:17 to your life

As believers, we should be aware that our faith may attract opposition. It's crucial to stay committed to God's commandments and share our testimony of Jesus. By doing so, we strengthen our resolve and encourage others in their faith, knowing that we are part of a larger spiritual battle.

Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does the dragon represent in Revelation 12:17?

In Revelation 12:17, the dragon symbolizes Satan. This imagery highlights his role as the adversary of God's people, representing the forces of evil that oppose the faithful. The dragon's anger towards the woman signifies his relentless pursuit of those who follow God and uphold their faith in Jesus Christ.

Who are the 'children' mentioned in this verse?

The 'children' referred to in Revelation 12:17 are those who obey God's commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus Christ. This group represents the faithful believers who live according to God's laws and bear witness to their faith in Jesus, illustrating the ongoing spiritual battle between good and evil.

What does this verse teach about spiritual warfare?

Revelation 12:17 emphasizes the reality of spiritual warfare, showing that believers may face opposition and persecution for their faith. It serves as a reminder that the struggle between good and evil is ongoing, and that Christians must remain vigilant and steadfast in their commitment to God and His commandments.

How can I apply the message of Revelation 12:17 in my life?

To apply the message of Revelation 12:17, focus on staying committed to God's commandments and sharing your testimony of Jesus. Recognize that facing opposition is part of the Christian journey, and use these challenges as opportunities to strengthen your faith and encourage others in their walk with God.

Book Summary

The Book of Revelation

Revelation 1: The Revelation of Jesus Christ

This is the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gives Him to show His servants things which must shortly come to pass, sent and signified by His angel to John, who bears record of the word of God. A blessing is pronounced upon those who read and hear the words of this prophecy and keep the things written therein, for the time is at hand. John writes to the seven churches in Asia, sending grace and peace from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first begotten of the dead, who washed us from our sins in His own blood. He declares Himself Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending. John, in the isle of Patmos for the word of God, is in the Spirit on the Lord's day and hears behind him a great voice as a trumpet. Turning, he sees seven golden candlesticks and one like the Son of man among them, clothed to the foot, His head and hairs white as wool, His eyes as a flame of fire, His feet like fine brass, His voice as the sound of many waters, seven stars in His right hand, and a sharp twoedged sword going out of His mouth. John falls at His feet as dead, and the Lord lays His right hand upon him, saying, Fear not, I am the first and the last, He that liveth and was dead and is alive for evermore. He reveals that the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches and the seven candlesticks are the seven churches.

Revelation 2: Letters to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, and Thyatira The Lord dictates letters to four of the seven churches. To Ephesus He commends their labor and patience and their rejection of evil men, but charges that they have left their first love, calling them to repent and do the first works. To Smyrna, suffering tribulation and poverty yet rich, He warns of coming imprisonment and bids them be faithful unto death to receive a crown of life, promising the overcomer shall not be hurt by the second death. To Pergamos, dwelling where Satan's seat is, He commends their holding fast His name but rebukes those holding the doctrine of Balaam and of the Nicolaitans, promising the overcomer hidden manna and a white stone with a new name. To Thyatira He commends their charity and works yet rebukes their suffering the woman Jezebel to teach and seduce His servants, declaring He will cast her into a bed of tribulation and that He searcheth the reins and hearts; the overcomer shall have power over the nations and the morning star. Revelation 3: Letters to Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea The Lord continues to the remaining three churches. To Sardis He declares they have a name that they live but are dead, urging them to be watchful and strengthen the things that remain, yet noting a few who have not defiled their garments who shall walk with Him in white. To Philadelphia, who has kept His word and not denied His name, He sets before them an open door which no man can shut, promising to keep them from the hour of temptation that shall come upon all the world, and that the overcomer shall be a pillar in the temple of God. To Laodicea He rebukes their being lukewarm, neither cold nor hot, so that He will spue them out of His mouth; they think themselves rich and increased with goods, but are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked, and He counsels them to buy of Him gold tried in the fire. He declares that He stands at the door and knocks, and if any man hear His voice and open the door, He will come in to him; the overcomer shall sit with Him in His throne.

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