Satan tries to destroy the newborn Child. He is depicted as a dragon who swept away a third of the angels with his tail, indicating that a third of the angels fell with him.
John’s vision continues in Revelation 12:3-4Revelation 12:3-4 commentary with another sign: And another sign appeared in heaven: and behold, a great red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads were seven diadems (v. 3).
The great red dragon is identified later in Revelation 12:9Revelation 12:9 commentary as “the serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan.” The color red depicts fire, here likely the fire of destruction. Satan is a deceiver and a murderer and seeks to destroy all that stands in his way (John 8:44John 8:44 commentary).
This is another sign that appears in heaven. John’s vision in Revelation 12Revelation 12 commentary began with a sign appearing in heaven of woman about to give birth. In scriptural terms, heaven is God’s dwelling place (Isaiah 66:1Isaiah 66:1 commentary). Another way to think about Heaven is that it is the place where God’s will is done (Matthew 6:10Matthew 6:10 commentary). Heaven can also be associated with the spiritual realm. This highlights the cosmic scope of the conflict: it is not just a battle confined to earth, but also one that rages in the heavens.
The seven heads and ten horns hearken back to imagery in Daniel 7:7-8Daniel 7:7-8 commentary, commentary where multiple heads and horns represent kingdoms and powers under Satan’s influence. The seven diadems (royal crowns) on the dragon’s heads suggest his authority over worldly realms—an authority permitted by God for a limited time (Matthew 4:8-9Matthew 4:8-9 commentary).
The number seven represents completion in scripture, as in seven days to complete creation. That the dragon has seven heads might picture that he has assembled a ruling coalition of leaders which gives him complete authority over the earth.
We know from John 12:31John 12:31 commentary that Satan is the “ruler of this world.” Jesus’s death and resurrection “cast out” Satan from ruling. Humanity had its right to reign restored through Jesus. All authority was given unto Jesus because of His faithful service (Matthew 28:18Matthew 28:18 commentary, commentaryPhilippians 2:8-10Philippians 2:8-10 commentary). Because of the “suffering of death,” Jesus was crowned (given authority) with the “glory and honor” of having dominion over the earth (Hebrews 2:5-9Hebrews 2:5-9 commentary). However, Satan’s authority is not completely removed until the events of Revelation, and even then his authority is removed in stages.
In Revelation 12:12Revelation 12:12 commentary, commentary we will see heaven cheering when Satan is “thrown down” from having any authority in heaven. But at the same time, a “woe” is pronounced upon the earth because his destructive power will now be focused there.
The complete fulfillment of Satan having all of his authority taken away will take place in Revelation 20:10Revelation 20:10 commentary, commentary when the unholy trinity of Satan, the beast, and the false prophet are cast into the lake of fire, where they will be tormented day and night forever.
The ten horns may represent the power and authority of the seven heads. The number ten is often used in scripture to refer to that which has over-abundance, beyond a reasonable limit, similar to modern hyperbole, “you have said that a million times” (Genesis 31:7Genesis 31:7 commentary, commentaryNumbers 14:22Numbers 14:22 commentary). The power and authority of the dragon appears to be complete and without a practical limit upon the earth. But that will not be the case for much longer, because God is still on His heavenly throne and His plan will not be thwarted.
We will soon see the complete fulfillment of Daniel’s “seventy weeks” prophecy which includes the inauguration of a kingdom of everlasting righteousness, the exact opposite of what is taking place on the earth here (Daniel 9:24-27Daniel 9:24-27 commentary). The final seven-year period will witness a great struggle between God’s and Satan’s forces, but God will prevail.
The seven seals have unfurled, with all their judgments (Revelation 6Revelation 6 commentary, 8:18:1 commentary). Out of the seventh seal came the seven trumpets (Revelation 8:7 - 9:21Revelation 8:7 - 9:21 commentary, 11:11-1911:11-19 commentary). When the seventh trumpet sounded, the kingdom of God was proclaimed (Revelation 11:15Revelation 11:15 commentary). Out of the seventh trumpet will also come the seven bowl judgments which lead to the ushering in of Jesus’s kingdom on earth (Revelation 16Revelation 16 commentary, 20:420:4 commentary).
The great red dragon here is a key antagonist in that sequence, consistently opposing God’s redemptive plan, seeking to derail it at every turn. This passage continues, speaking of the dragon, representing Satan, And his tail swept away a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth (v.4).
The stars of heaven here are likely the angels who followed Satan in his heavenly rebellion against God. “Satan” means “adversary.” Satan chose to become God’s opponent, seeking to take God’s place.
Satan’s given name is “Lucifer” which ironically means “light-bearer.” We read of Satan’s rebellion and resulting fall in Isaiah 14:12-15Isaiah 14:12-15 commentary. His ambition was to usurp God’s authority and take His throne. He was defeated, but he apparently took a third of the angels with him, spiritual beings who still fight for him. This likely includes demons who afflict humans.
While Scripture does not assign an exact timeframe to Satan’s original fall, it seems to be placed well before humanity’s creation (Isaiah 14:12-15Isaiah 14:12-15 commentary). This dramatic picture of fallen angels underscores the cosmic nature of the conflict: spiritual forces at war long before we see these events unfold in Revelation.
Behind earthly tribulations is a heavenly spiritual battle, one that climaxes in the final confrontation between God’s throne and Satan’s throne. We get a glimpse into this battle in Daniel 10:13Daniel 10:13 commentary, commentary when the angel Gabriel is prevented for twenty-one days from reaching Daniel in answer to his prayer. However, Gabriel is helped by the angel Michael and finally reaches Daniel.
Next, the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she gave birth he might devour her child (v. 4).
In the immediate context, the woman (Israel) is at the point of delivering her child who is the promised Messiah (Revelation 12:1-2Revelation 12:1-2 commentary). From a historical standpoint, Satan repeatedly tried to prevent the birth or survival of the Messiah. He attempted to kill Jesus through his instrument Herod. Herod was thwarted by the wisemen, so Herod was not able to murder Him. Thus Herod ordered a massacre of all infants in Bethlehem in an attempt to kill the Messiah (Matthew 2:16Matthew 2:16 commentary). This was Herod’s basic approach to any perceived threat to his power, including members of his own family. This mirrors the tyranny of Satan. He is a tyrant and desires to reign as a tyrant.
The sign of the dragon standing before the woman who was about to give birth so that he might devour her child illustrates Satan’s dedication to thwart God’s plan to redeem humanity. The redemption of humanity will lead to Satan’s downfall, as Revelation describes. It also illustrates Satan’s violent nature, and that human history is substantially impacted by spiritual warfare.
The final three-and-a-half years of our current age, which Jesus called a time of great tribulation, will involve intense spiritual and earthly conflict between the dragon and the Messiah, the child of this great sign. After the abomination of desolation triggers the time of “great tribulation,” there will be a time of unprecedented distress where the dragon (Satan) will persecute the woman (Israel) and oppose the child (Jesus) by persecuting His people (Matthew 24:15-21Matthew 24:15-21 commentary). Just as God protected Jesus by warning His parents to flee to Egypt, in the next section we will see God’s protection for His people during the time of “great tribulation.”
We can also interpret the dragon’s intent to devour the child as Satan’s antagonism toward Israel. Satan has consistently attempted to eliminate the nation and people of Israel. One manifestation of this was during World War II through the National Socialist German Worker’s Party, whose leadership advocated a “final solution” for the Jews, which was total annihilation.
Satan’s efforts, whether to devour the woman’s child or to persecute God’s people in the future, will ultimately not succeed. The Great Tribulation, though fearsome, is still under God’s sovereign control. Even in the face of the red dragon’s fury, we can trust that the final victory belongs to the Lamb. New Testament believers are promised this, such as in James 4:7James 4:7 commentary which guarantees that Satan will flee from us if we resist him (also see 1 Peter 5:8-91 Peter 5:8-9 commentary).
Set to dark mode
Revelation 12:3-4 meaning
John’s vision continues in Revelation 12:3-4Revelation 12:3-4 commentary with another sign: And another sign appeared in heaven: and behold, a great red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads were seven diadems (v. 3).
The great red dragon is identified later in Revelation 12:9Revelation 12:9 commentary as “the serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan.” The color red depicts fire, here likely the fire of destruction. Satan is a deceiver and a murderer and seeks to destroy all that stands in his way (John 8:44John 8:44 commentary).
This is another sign that appears in heaven. John’s vision in Revelation 12Revelation 12 commentary began with a sign appearing in heaven of woman about to give birth. In scriptural terms, heaven is God’s dwelling place (Isaiah 66:1Isaiah 66:1 commentary). Another way to think about Heaven is that it is the place where God’s will is done (Matthew 6:10Matthew 6:10 commentary). Heaven can also be associated with the spiritual realm. This highlights the cosmic scope of the conflict: it is not just a battle confined to earth, but also one that rages in the heavens.
The seven heads and ten horns hearken back to imagery in Daniel 7:7-8Daniel 7:7-8 commentary, commentary where multiple heads and horns represent kingdoms and powers under Satan’s influence. The seven diadems (royal crowns) on the dragon’s heads suggest his authority over worldly realms—an authority permitted by God for a limited time (Matthew 4:8-9Matthew 4:8-9 commentary).
The number seven represents completion in scripture, as in seven days to complete creation. That the dragon has seven heads might picture that he has assembled a ruling coalition of leaders which gives him complete authority over the earth.
We know from John 12:31John 12:31 commentary that Satan is the “ruler of this world.” Jesus’s death and resurrection “cast out” Satan from ruling. Humanity had its right to reign restored through Jesus. All authority was given unto Jesus because of His faithful service (Matthew 28:18Matthew 28:18 commentary, commentary Philippians 2:8-10Philippians 2:8-10 commentary). Because of the “suffering of death,” Jesus was crowned (given authority) with the “glory and honor” of having dominion over the earth (Hebrews 2:5-9Hebrews 2:5-9 commentary). However, Satan’s authority is not completely removed until the events of Revelation, and even then his authority is removed in stages.
In Revelation 12:12Revelation 12:12 commentary, commentary we will see heaven cheering when Satan is “thrown down” from having any authority in heaven. But at the same time, a “woe” is pronounced upon the earth because his destructive power will now be focused there.
The complete fulfillment of Satan having all of his authority taken away will take place in Revelation 20:10Revelation 20:10 commentary, commentary when the unholy trinity of Satan, the beast, and the false prophet are cast into the lake of fire, where they will be tormented day and night forever.
The ten horns may represent the power and authority of the seven heads. The number ten is often used in scripture to refer to that which has over-abundance, beyond a reasonable limit, similar to modern hyperbole, “you have said that a million times” (Genesis 31:7Genesis 31:7 commentary, commentary Numbers 14:22Numbers 14:22 commentary). The power and authority of the dragon appears to be complete and without a practical limit upon the earth. But that will not be the case for much longer, because God is still on His heavenly throne and His plan will not be thwarted.
We will soon see the complete fulfillment of Daniel’s “seventy weeks” prophecy which includes the inauguration of a kingdom of everlasting righteousness, the exact opposite of what is taking place on the earth here (Daniel 9:24-27Daniel 9:24-27 commentary). The final seven-year period will witness a great struggle between God’s and Satan’s forces, but God will prevail.
The seven seals have unfurled, with all their judgments (Revelation 6Revelation 6 commentary, 8:18:1 commentary). Out of the seventh seal came the seven trumpets (Revelation 8:7 - 9:21Revelation 8:7 - 9:21 commentary, 11:11-1911:11-19 commentary). When the seventh trumpet sounded, the kingdom of God was proclaimed (Revelation 11:15Revelation 11:15 commentary). Out of the seventh trumpet will also come the seven bowl judgments which lead to the ushering in of Jesus’s kingdom on earth (Revelation 16Revelation 16 commentary, 20:420:4 commentary).
The great red dragon here is a key antagonist in that sequence, consistently opposing God’s redemptive plan, seeking to derail it at every turn. This passage continues, speaking of the dragon, representing Satan, And his tail swept away a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth (v.4).
The stars of heaven here are likely the angels who followed Satan in his heavenly rebellion against God. “Satan” means “adversary.” Satan chose to become God’s opponent, seeking to take God’s place.
Satan’s given name is “Lucifer” which ironically means “light-bearer.” We read of Satan’s rebellion and resulting fall in Isaiah 14:12-15Isaiah 14:12-15 commentary. His ambition was to usurp God’s authority and take His throne. He was defeated, but he apparently took a third of the angels with him, spiritual beings who still fight for him. This likely includes demons who afflict humans.
While Scripture does not assign an exact timeframe to Satan’s original fall, it seems to be placed well before humanity’s creation (Isaiah 14:12-15Isaiah 14:12-15 commentary). This dramatic picture of fallen angels underscores the cosmic nature of the conflict: spiritual forces at war long before we see these events unfold in Revelation.
Behind earthly tribulations is a heavenly spiritual battle, one that climaxes in the final confrontation between God’s throne and Satan’s throne. We get a glimpse into this battle in Daniel 10:13Daniel 10:13 commentary, commentary when the angel Gabriel is prevented for twenty-one days from reaching Daniel in answer to his prayer. However, Gabriel is helped by the angel Michael and finally reaches Daniel.
Next, the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she gave birth he might devour her child (v. 4).
In the immediate context, the woman (Israel) is at the point of delivering her child who is the promised Messiah (Revelation 12:1-2Revelation 12:1-2 commentary). From a historical standpoint, Satan repeatedly tried to prevent the birth or survival of the Messiah. He attempted to kill Jesus through his instrument Herod. Herod was thwarted by the wisemen, so Herod was not able to murder Him. Thus Herod ordered a massacre of all infants in Bethlehem in an attempt to kill the Messiah (Matthew 2:16Matthew 2:16 commentary). This was Herod’s basic approach to any perceived threat to his power, including members of his own family. This mirrors the tyranny of Satan. He is a tyrant and desires to reign as a tyrant.
The sign of the dragon standing before the woman who was about to give birth so that he might devour her child illustrates Satan’s dedication to thwart God’s plan to redeem humanity. The redemption of humanity will lead to Satan’s downfall, as Revelation describes. It also illustrates Satan’s violent nature, and that human history is substantially impacted by spiritual warfare.
The final three-and-a-half years of our current age, which Jesus called a time of great tribulation, will involve intense spiritual and earthly conflict between the dragon and the Messiah, the child of this great sign. After the abomination of desolation triggers the time of “great tribulation,” there will be a time of unprecedented distress where the dragon (Satan) will persecute the woman (Israel) and oppose the child (Jesus) by persecuting His people (Matthew 24:15-21Matthew 24:15-21 commentary). Just as God protected Jesus by warning His parents to flee to Egypt, in the next section we will see God’s protection for His people during the time of “great tribulation.”
We can also interpret the dragon’s intent to devour the child as Satan’s antagonism toward Israel. Satan has consistently attempted to eliminate the nation and people of Israel. One manifestation of this was during World War II through the National Socialist German Worker’s Party, whose leadership advocated a “final solution” for the Jews, which was total annihilation.
Satan’s efforts, whether to devour the woman’s child or to persecute God’s people in the future, will ultimately not succeed. The Great Tribulation, though fearsome, is still under God’s sovereign control. Even in the face of the red dragon’s fury, we can trust that the final victory belongs to the Lamb. New Testament believers are promised this, such as in James 4:7James 4:7 commentary which guarantees that Satan will flee from us if we resist him (also see 1 Peter 5:8-91 Peter 5:8-9 commentary).