Go
Articles on

Revelation 12

Rev. 12:4 KJV (With Strong’s)

+
4
And
histemi (Greek #2476)
to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)
KJV usage: abide, appoint, bring, continue, covenant, establish, hold up, lay, present, set (up), stanch, stand (by, forth, still, up). Compare 5087.
Pronounce: his'-tay-mee
Origin: a prolonged form of a primary στάω (stah'-o) (of the same meaning, and used for it in certain tenses)
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
kai (Greek #2532)
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
KJV usage: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
Pronounce: kahee
Origin: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force
his
autos (Greek #846)
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative 1438) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
KJV usage: her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which. Compare 848.
Pronounce: ow-tos'
Origin: from the particle αὖ (perhaps akin to the base of 109 through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward)
tail
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
oura (Greek #3769)
a tail
KJV usage: tail.
Pronounce: oo-rah'
Origin: apparently a primary word
p drew
suro (Greek #4951)
to trail
KJV usage: drag, draw, hale.
Pronounce: soo'-ro
Origin: probably akin to 138
the third part
tritos (Greek #5154)
third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly
KJV usage: third(-ly).
Pronounce: tree'-tos
Origin: ordinal from 5140
of the stars
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
aster (Greek #792)
a star (as strown over the sky), literally or figuratively
KJV usage: star.
Pronounce: as-tare'
Origin: probably from the base of 4766
of heaven
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
ouranos (Greek #3772)
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of God); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel (Christianity)
KJV usage: air, heaven(-ly), sky.
Pronounce: oo-ran-os'
Origin: perhaps from the same as 3735 (through the idea of elevation)
, and
kai (Greek #2532)
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
KJV usage: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
Pronounce: kahee
Origin: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force
did cast
ballo (Greek #906)
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)
KJV usage: arise, cast (out), X dung, lay, lie, pour, put (up), send, strike, throw (down), thrust. Compare 4496.
Pronounce: bal'-lo
Origin: a primary verb
them
autos (Greek #846)
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative 1438) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
KJV usage: her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which. Compare 848.
Pronounce: ow-tos'
Origin: from the particle αὖ (perhaps akin to the base of 109 through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward)
to
eis (Greek #1519)
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
KJV usage: (abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), ...ward, (where-)fore, with. Often used in composition with the same general import, but only with verbs (etc.) expressing motion (literally or figuratively).
Pronounce: ice
Origin: a primary preposition
the earth
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
ge (Greek #1093)
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
KJV usage: country, earth(-ly), ground, land, world.
Pronounce: ghay
Origin: contracted from a primary word
: and
kai (Greek #2532)
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
KJV usage: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
Pronounce: kahee
Origin: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force
the dragon
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
drakon (Greek #1404)
a fabulous kind of serpent (perhaps as supposed to fascinate)
KJV usage: dragon.
Pronounce: drak'-own
Origin: probably from an alternate form of δέρκομαι (to look)
stood
histemi (Greek #2476)
to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)
KJV usage: abide, appoint, bring, continue, covenant, establish, hold up, lay, present, set (up), stanch, stand (by, forth, still, up). Compare 5087.
Pronounce: his'-tay-mee
Origin: a prolonged form of a primary στάω (stah'-o) (of the same meaning, and used for it in certain tenses)
before
enopion (Greek #1799)
in the face of (literally or figuratively)
KJV usage: before, in the presence (sight) of, to.
Pronounce: en-o'-pee-on
Origin: neuter of a compound of 1722 and a derivative of 3700
the woman
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
gune (Greek #1135)
a woman; specially, a wife
KJV usage: wife, woman.
Pronounce: goo-nay'
Origin: probably from the base of 1096
which was ready
mello (Greek #3195)
to intend, i.e. be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probability, possibility, or hesitation)
KJV usage: about, after that, be (almost), (that which is, things, + which was for) to come, intend, was to (be), mean, mind, be at the point, (be) ready, + return, shall (begin), (which, that) should (after, afterwards, hereafter) tarry, which was for, will, would, be yet.
Pronounce: mel'-lo
Origin: a strengthened form of 3199 (through the idea of expectation)
to be delivered
tikto (Greek #5088)
to produce (from seed, as a mother, a plant, the earth, etc.), literally or figuratively
KJV usage: bear, be born, bring forth, be delivered, be in travail.
Pronounce: tik'-to
Origin: a strengthened form of a primary τέκω (tek'-o) (which is used only as alternate in certain tenses)
, for
hina (Greek #2443)
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
KJV usage: albeit, because, to the intent (that), lest, so as, (so) that, (for) to. Compare 3363.
Pronounce: hin'-ah
Origin: probably from the same as the former part of 1438 (through the demonstrative idea; compare 3588)
to devour
katesthio (Greek #2719)
to eat down, i.e. devour (literally or figuratively)
KJV usage: devour.
Pronounce: kat-es-thee'-o
Origin: from 2596 and 2068 (including its alternate)
her
autos (Greek #846)
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative 1438) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
KJV usage: her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which. Compare 848.
Pronounce: ow-tos'
Origin: from the particle αὖ (perhaps akin to the base of 109 through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward)
child
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
teknon (Greek #5043)
a child (as produced)
KJV usage: child, daughter, son.
Pronounce: tek'-non
Origin: from the base of 5098
as soon as
hotan (Greek #3752)
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
KJV usage: as long (soon) as, that, + till, when(-soever), while.
Pronounce: hot'-an
Origin: from 3753 and 302
it was born
tikto (Greek #5088)
to produce (from seed, as a mother, a plant, the earth, etc.), literally or figuratively
KJV usage: bear, be born, bring forth, be delivered, be in travail.
Pronounce: tik'-to
Origin: a strengthened form of a primary τέκω (tek'-o) (which is used only as alternate in certain tenses)
.
p
Isa. 9:15• 15the ancient and honourable, he is the head; and the prophet that teacheth lies, he is the tail. (Isa. 9:15)

More on:

+
Dragon,
Earth,
Heaven,
Star,
Woman

Cross References

+

Ministry on This Verse

+
his tail.
Rev. 9:10,19• 10and they have tails like scorpions, and stings; and their power was in their tails to hurt men five months.
 19For the power of the horses is in their mouth and in their tails: for their tails are like serpents, having heads, and with them they injure. (Rev. 9:10,19)
;
Dan. 8:9‑12• 9And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which became exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the beauty of the earth.
 10And it became great, even to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground, and trampled upon them.
 11(And he magnified himself even to the prince of the host, and from him the continual sacrifice was taken away, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down.
 12And a time of trial was appointed unto the continual sacrifice by reason of transgression.) And it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practised and prospered. (Dan. 8:9‑12)
of the.
Rev. 17:18• 18And the woman which thou sawest is the great city, which has kingship over the kings of the earth. (Rev. 17:18)
the dragon.
Rev. 12:2• 2and being with child she cried, being in travail, and in pain to bring forth. (Rev. 12:2)
;
Ex. 1:16• 16and he said, When ye help the Hebrew women in bearing, and see them on the stool, if it be a son, then ye shall kill him, but if a daughter, then she shall live. (Ex. 1:16)
;
Matt. 2:3‑16• 3But Herod the king having heard of it, was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him;
 4and, assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ should be born.
 5And they said to him, In Bethlehem of Judaea; for thus it is written through the prophet:
 6And *thou* Bethlehem, land of Juda, art in no wise the least among the governors of Juda; for out of thee shall go forth a leader who shall shepherd my people Israel.
 7Then Herod, having secretly called the magi, inquired of them accurately the time of the star that was appearing;
 8and having sent them to Bethlehem, said, Go, search out accurately concerning the child, and when ye shall have found him bring me back word, so that *I* also may come and do him homage.
 9And they having heard the king went their way; and lo, the star, which they had seen in the east, went before them until it came and stood over the place where the little child was.
 10And when they saw the star they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
 11And having come into the house they saw the little child with Mary his mother, and falling down did him homage. And having opened their treasures, they offered to him gifts, gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
 12And being divinely instructed in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
 13Now, they having departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appears in a dream to Joseph, saying, Arise, take to thee the little child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be there until I shall tell thee; for Herod will seek the little child to destroy it.
 14And, having arisen, he took to him the little child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt.
 15And he was there until the death of Herod, that that might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
 16Then Herod, seeing that he had been mocked by the magi, was greatly enraged; and sent and slew all the boys which were in Bethlehem, and in all its borders, from two years and under, according to the time which he had accurately inquired from the magi. (Matt. 2:3‑16)
;
John 8:44• 44Ye are of the devil, as your father, and ye desire to do the lusts of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has not stood in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks falsehood, he speaks of what is his own; for he is a liar and its father: (John 8:44)
;
1 Peter 5:8• 8Be vigilant, watch. Your adversary the devil as a roaring lion walks about seeking whom he may devour. (1 Peter 5:8)
• The crowns were upon the heads of the dragon, but upon the horns of the beast. That is, in the Roman empire we have the exercise of the power represented as a matter of fact, but in Satan's case merely as a matter of principle or the root of the thing. Satan is the great moving spring, though unseen. (“The Apostasy and the Antichrist” by E. Dennett)
• in Matt. 2 we find all Jerusalem was troubled at His birth. This was the working of the dragon. Herod was a sort of expression of the dragon's power, who would gladly have devoured the child as soon as it was born. through that evil king as his instrument. (“Lectures on Revelation 12” by W. Kelly)
• This seems to be his malignant power in the way of false teaching and prophesying. In Isaiah 9 we are told that "the prophet that teacheth lies, he is the tail." The tail of the dragon does not set forth his earthly power, but his influence, through false teaching, in misleading souls, and specially those that were in the place of rule and authority — "the stars of heaven." (“Lectures on Revelation 12” by W. Kelly)
• Tail of the Dragon: Malignant influence through false teaching (Isa. 9:15). (“Revelation 12 Symbols” by A.H. Burton)
• Third Part of the Stars: Rulers of the Roman Empire (See Rev. 8). (“Revelation 12 Symbols” by A.H. Burton)

J. N. Darby Translation

+
4
and his tail draws the third part of the stars of the heaven; and he cast them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to bring forth, in order that when she brought forth he might devour her child.

W. Kelly Translation

+
4
And his tail drawetha the third of the stars of the heaven, and cast them unto the earth: and the dragon stoodb before the woman that was about to bring forth, that when she brought forthc he might devour her child.

WK Translation Notes

+
a
"Drew" is an error, not of text but of translation in all the English versions down to the KJV.
b
All the English versions have "stood" for "standeth." However, there is no doubt that the American correctors of the RV are justified in giving a present force to the principal verb "standeth," and hence to the correction that follows. The truth is that here as in the Old Testament prophecy the Seer was expressly inspired to intermingle the past with the present and future. All was thus felt the more vividly to be before God who made His word known. This has led to a little swerving from a literal rendering.
c
It was Tyndale who misled the early translators in giving "as soon as it was born," instead of Wycliffe’s more correct "when she had borne a child" or "been delivered" as in the RV.