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Revelation 12

Rev. 12:4 KJV (With Strong’s)

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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)
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p
Isa. 9:15• 15The ancient and honorable, he is the head; and the prophet that teacheth lies, he is the tail. (Isa. 9:15)

More on:

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Dragon,
Earth,
Heaven,
Star,
Woman

Cross References

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Ministry on This Verse

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his tail.
Rev. 9:10,19• 10And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails: and their power was to hurt men five months.
 19For their power is in their mouth, and in their tails: for their tails were like unto serpents, and had heads, and with them they do hurt. (Rev. 9:10,19)
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Dan. 8:9‑12• 9And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant land.
 10And it waxed great, even to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stamped upon them.
 11Yea, he magnified himself even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily sacrifice was taken away, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down.
 12And an host was given him against the daily 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 that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth. (Rev. 17:18)
the dragon.
Rev. 12:2• 2And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. (Rev. 12:2)
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Ex. 1:16• 16And he said, When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the stools; if it be a son, then ye shall kill him: but if it be a daughter, then she shall live. (Ex. 1:16)
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Matt. 2:3‑16• 3When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
 4And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
 5And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
 6And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
 7Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
 8And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
 9When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
 10When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
 11And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
 12And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
 13And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
 14When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:
 15And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
 16Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men. (Matt. 2:3‑16)
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John 8:44• 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. (John 8:44)
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1 Peter 5:8• 8Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh 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

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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

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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

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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.