Revelation 12:17
New International Version
Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring—those who keep God’s commands and hold fast their testimony about Jesus.

New Living Translation
And the dragon was angry at the woman and declared war against the rest of her children—all who keep God’s commandments and maintain their testimony for Jesus. [18] Then the dragon took his stand on the shore beside the sea.

English Standard Version
Then the dragon became furious with the woman and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring, on those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus. And he stood on the sand of the sea.

Berean Standard Bible
And the dragon was enraged at the woman, and went to make war with the rest of her children, who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus. And the dragon stood on the shore of the sea.

Berean Literal Bible
And the dragon was angry with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her children keeping the commandments of God and holding the testimony of Jesus. And he stood upon the sand of the sea.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

New American Standard Bible
So the dragon was enraged with the woman, and went off to make war with the rest of her children, who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus.

NASB 1995
So the dragon was enraged with the woman, and went off to make war with the rest of her children, who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus.

NASB 1977
And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and went off to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus.

Legacy Standard Bible
So the dragon was enraged with the woman and went off to make war with the rest of her seed, who keep the commandments of God and have the witness of Jesus.

Amplified Bible
So the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went off to wage war on the rest of her children (seed), those who keep and obey the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus [holding firmly to it and bearing witness to Him].

Christian Standard Bible
So the dragon was furious with the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring —those who keep the commands of God and hold firmly to the testimony about Jesus. [18] The dragon stood on the sand of the sea.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So the dragon was furious with the woman and left to wage war against the rest of her offspring—those who keep God’s commands and have the testimony about Jesus. [18] He stood on the sand of the sea.

American Standard Version
And the dragon waxed wroth with the woman, and went away to make war with the rest of her seed, that keep the commandments of God, and hold the testimony of Jesus:

Contemporary English Version
This made the dragon terribly angry with the woman. So it started a war against the rest of her children. They are the people who obey God and are faithful to what Jesus did and taught. 18 The dragon stood on the beach beside the sea.

English Revised Version
And the dragon waxed wroth with the woman, and went away to make war with the rest of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and hold the testimony of Jesus:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The serpent became angry with the woman. So it went away to fight with her other children, the ones who keep God's commands and hold on to the testimony of Jesus. (18) The serpent stood on the sandy shore of the sea.

Good News Translation
The dragon was furious with the woman and went off to fight against the rest of her descendants, all those who obey God's commandments and are faithful to the truth revealed by Jesus. 18 And the dragon stood on the seashore.

International Standard Version
The dragon became angry with the woman and went away to do battle against the rest of her children, the ones who keep God's commandments and hold on to the testimony about Jesus. [18] Then the dragon stood on the sand of the seashore.

Majority Standard Bible
And the dragon was enraged at the woman, and went to make war with the rest of her children, who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus. And the dragon stood on the shore of the sea.

NET Bible
So the dragon became enraged at the woman and went away to make war on the rest of her children, those who keep God's commandments and hold to the testimony about Jesus. And the dragon stood on the sand of the seashore.

New Heart English Bible
The serpent grew angry with the woman, and went away to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep God's commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus. [18] And he stood on the sand of the sea.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, who keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Weymouth New Testament
This made the Dragon furiously angry with the woman, and he went elsewhere to make war upon her other children--those who keep God's commandments and hold fast to the testimony of Jesus.

World English Bible
The dragon grew angry with the woman, and went away to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep God’s commandments and hold Jesus’ testimony.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and the dragon was angry against the woman, and went away to make war with the rest of her seed, those keeping the commands of God, and having the testimony of Jesus.

Berean Literal Bible
And the dragon was angry with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her children keeping the commandments of God and holding the testimony of Jesus. And he stood upon the sand of the sea.

Young's Literal Translation
and the dragon was angry against the woman, and went away to make war with the rest of her seed, those keeping the commands of God, and having the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the dragon was angry at the woman, and went out to make war with the rest of her seed, those keeping the commands of God, and having the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the dragon was angry against the woman: and went to make war with the rest of her seed, who keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the dragon was angry at the woman. And so he went away to do battle with the remainder of her offspring, those who keep the commandments of God and who hold to the testimony of Jesus Christ.

New American Bible
Then the dragon became angry with the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring, those who keep God’s commandments and bear witness to Jesus. [18] It took its position on the sand of the sea.

New Revised Standard Version
Then the dragon was angry with the woman, and went off to make war on the rest of her children, those who keep the commandments of God and hold the testimony of Jesus. [18] Then the dragon took his stand on the sand of the seashore.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the dragon was enraged at the woman, and he went to make war with the remnant of her seed, who keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And the Dragon raged against the woman and went to make war with the remnant of her Seed, these who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Yeshua.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And the dragon was angry with the woman, and went away to make war with the rest of her children, that keep the commandments of God, and that hold the testimony of Jesus.

Godbey New Testament
And the dragon was enraged at the woman, and went away to make war with the remnant of her seed, who keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus.

Haweis New Testament
And the dragon was incensed against the woman, and went forth to make war against the remnant of her seed, who keep the commandments of God, and hold the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Mace New Testament
which so enrag'd the dragon against the woman, that he went to make war with the rest of her race, who keep the commandments of God, and bear testimony to Jesus.

Weymouth New Testament
This made the Dragon furiously angry with the woman, and he went elsewhere to make war upon her other children--those who keep God's commandments and hold fast to the testimony of Jesus.

Worrell New Testament
And the dragon was angry with the woman, and went away to make war with the rest of her seed, who keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus;

Worsley New Testament
Then the dragon was enraged against the woman, and went away to make war with the rest of her seed, who keep the commandments of God, and who have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Woman Persecuted
16But the earth helped the woman and opened its mouth to swallow up the river that had poured from the dragon’s mouth. 17And the dragon was enraged at the woman, and went to make war with the rest of her children, who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus. And the dragon stood on the shore of the sea.

Cross References
Genesis 3:15
And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed. He will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”

Revelation 14:12
Here is a call for the perseverance of the saints, who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.

Revelation 19:10
So I fell at his feet to worship him. But he told me, “Do not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who rely on the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”

Revelation 1:9
I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance that are in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and my testimony about Jesus.

Revelation 6:9
And when the Lamb opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony they had upheld.

Revelation 20:4
Then I saw the thrones, and those seated on them had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or hands. And they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.

Daniel 7:21
As I watched, this horn was waging war against the saints and prevailing against them,

Daniel 12:7
And the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, raised his right hand and his left hand toward heaven, and I heard him swear by Him who lives forever, saying, “It will be for a time, and times, and half a time. When the power of the holy people has finally been shattered, all these things will be completed.”

Matthew 24:9
Then they will deliver you over to be persecuted and killed, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name.

John 15:18-20
If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first. / If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. / Remember the word that I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they kept My word, they will keep yours as well.

1 John 5:2-3
By this we know that we love the children of God: when we love God and keep His commandments. / For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome,

1 John 2:3-4
By this we can be sure that we have come to know Him: if we keep His commandments. / If anyone says, “I know Him,” but does not keep His commandments, he is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

Romans 8:17
And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him.

2 Timothy 3:12
Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

Exodus 20:6
but showing loving devotion to a thousand generations of those who love Me and keep My commandments.


Treasury of Scripture

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.

the dragon.

Revelation 12:12
Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.

John 8:44
Ye 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.

1 Peter 5:8
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

to make.

Revelation 11:7
And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.

Revelation 13:7
And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.

Revelation 17:6,14
And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration…

which.

Revelation 14:12
Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

Revelation 22:14
Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

Matthew 28:20
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

and have.

Revelation 12:11
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

Revelation 1:2,9
Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw…

Revelation 6:9
And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:

Jump to Previous
Angry Bear Children Christ Commandments Dragon Elsewhere Enraged Fast Furiously God's Grew Hold Jesus Keeping Make Offspring Orders Remnant Rest Sand Sea Seed Stood Testimony War Wroth
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Angry Bear Children Christ Commandments Dragon Elsewhere Enraged Fast Furiously God's Grew Hold Jesus Keeping Make Offspring Orders Remnant Rest Sand Sea Seed Stood Testimony War Wroth
Revelation 12
1. A woman clothed with the sun travails.
4. The great red dragon stands before her, ready to devour her child;
6. when she is delivered she flees into the desert.
7. Michael and his angels fight with the dragon, and prevail.
13. The dragon, being cast down into the earth, persecutes the woman.














And the dragon
The "dragon" in this context is a symbolic representation of Satan, the adversary of God and His people. The Greek word used here is "drakōn," which conveys a sense of a great, fearsome serpent. In the ancient world, dragons were often seen as chaotic forces opposed to divine order. This imagery is consistent with the biblical portrayal of Satan as a deceiver and accuser, as seen in Revelation 12:9, where the dragon is explicitly identified as the devil.

was enraged
The Greek word "orgizō" is used here, meaning to provoke or to be angry. This intense anger of the dragon signifies the deep-seated hatred Satan has towards God's people. Historically, this reflects the ongoing spiritual battle between good and evil, where Satan's fury is directed at those who align themselves with God. This rage is not just an emotional response but a calculated opposition to God's redemptive plan.

at the woman
The "woman" symbolizes God's faithful people, often interpreted as Israel or the Church. In the broader context of Revelation 12, the woman represents the community from which the Messiah, Jesus Christ, came. This imagery draws from Old Testament symbolism, where Israel is often depicted as a woman or bride (e.g., Isaiah 54:5-6). The woman's protection and preservation by God highlight His covenant faithfulness.

and went to make war
The phrase "make war" indicates a deliberate and ongoing campaign against God's people. The Greek word "polemeō" suggests not just a single battle but a sustained conflict. This reflects the spiritual warfare that believers face, as described in Ephesians 6:12, where the struggle is against spiritual forces of evil. Historically, this has been seen in the persecution of Christians and the trials faced by the Church throughout the ages.

with the rest of her children
"Her children" refers to the followers of Christ, those who are spiritually born of the woman. This phrase emphasizes the collective identity of believers as part of God's family. The "rest" implies that while some have been protected or taken to safety, others remain to face the dragon's wrath. This highlights the reality of suffering and persecution in the Christian life, as Jesus Himself warned in John 15:18-20.

who keep the commandments of God
This phrase underscores the defining characteristic of true believers: obedience to God's commandments. The Greek word "tēreō" means to guard or keep watch over, indicating a diligent and faithful adherence to God's laws. This obedience is not merely legalistic but stems from a heart transformed by the Holy Spirit, as seen in John 14:15, where Jesus says, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments."

and hold to the testimony of Jesus
The "testimony of Jesus" refers to the witness or proclamation of the gospel of Christ. The Greek word "martyria" implies a testimony that may lead to martyrdom, reflecting the cost of discipleship. Holding to this testimony means steadfastly proclaiming and living out the truth of Jesus Christ, even in the face of opposition. This is a call to perseverance and faithfulness, as echoed in Revelation 14:12, which speaks of the endurance of the saints.

(17) And the dragon . . .--Translate, And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and departed (not merely "went," but departed, as one baffled in his attempt to carry the woman away by the river) to make war with the rest of her seed, who Keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus. Omit the word Christ. The attempt to sweep away the Christian Church is vain. The wrath of man has always been found to turn to God's praise; the earth has always helped the woman; out of a thousand seeming defeats the Church of Christ has arisen; the banner of the Lord has been lifted up over every flood. But the foe will not give up his attacks. He can make war upon individual Christians; he may cease to assail the collective Church of Christ, but he can assail Christians by a thousand discomforts, by petty opposition, by undermining their morals, by making them unpopular, not as Christians, but as "very particular" Christians: for those thus assailed are they who "keep the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus." It is the old combination of a holy life and a fidelity to their Master which is the test of true loyalty. They take heed to themselves; they abide in Christ; they take heed to the teaching, that Christ's word may abide in them. They keep His word, and they witness to Him in lip and life.

Verse 17. - And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed; waxed wroth... went away to make, etc. (Revised Version). Having failed to prevent the mission of' the man child - Christ Jesus - and having been foiled in his attempts to overwhelm the Church of God, Satan proceeds to attack the individual members of the Church - the seed of the woman. The method by which he endeavours to do this is related in the following chapters. Wordsworth points out an analogy between the means which Satan employs to destroy the Church as described here, and those described in the seals. The "rest of her seed" (Revised Version) signifies all the children of the woman, excluding the man child of ver. 5. All members of the Church of God are thus referred to, those who are brethren of Christ (cf. Hebrews 2:11, "For which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren"). Which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ (nearly all manuscripts omit "Christ"); hold the testimony (Revised Version). This plainly points out who are the "rest of the seed" - they are those who are God's faithful servants. We may see in the description a reference to the Church of God, both Jewish and Christian. The members of the Jewish Church were they to whom "the commandments of God" were specially revealed, and Christians are they who specially "hold the testimony of Jesus." (For an explanation of the latter phrase, see on Revelation 1:2.) We have now reached another stage in the history of the warfare carried on by the devil against God. Vers. 7-12 of this chapter describe the origin of the hostility of Satan towards God; vers. 4 and 5 relate the attempts of the devil to destroy Christ and to thwart his mission; vers. 13-16 refer to the attacks of Satan upon the Church of God, by which he hoped to destroy it as a whole, before there was time for the "seed" to spring up. Having failed in every attempt, the dragon now sends other agents by whom he hopes to destroy the individual members of the Church - the other seed of the woman - the brethren of Christ.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
And
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

the
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

dragon
δράκων (drakōn)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1404: A dragon or huge serpent; met: Satan. Probably from an alternate form of derkomai; a fabulous kind of serpent.

was enraged
ὠργίσθη (ōrgisthē)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3710: To irritate, provoke, be angry. From orge; to provoke or enrage, i.e. become exasperated.

at
ἐπὶ (epi)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

the
τῇ (tē)
Article - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

woman,
γυναικί (gynaiki)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1135: A woman, wife, my lady. Probably from the base of ginomai; a woman; specially, a wife.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

went
ἀπῆλθεν (apēlthen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 565: From apo and erchomai; to go off, aside or behind, literally or figuratively.

to make
ποιῆσαι (poiēsai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 4160: (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.

war
πόλεμον (polemon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4171: A war, battle, strife. From pelomai; warfare.

with
μετὰ (meta)
Preposition
Strong's 3326: (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives.

the
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

rest
λοιπῶν (loipōn)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3062: Left, left behind, the remainder, the rest, the others. Masculine plural of a derivative of leipo; remaining ones.

of
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

her
αὐτῆς (autēs)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Feminine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

children,
σπέρματος (spermatos)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 4690: From speiro; something sown, i.e. Seed; by implication, offspring; specially, a remnant.

who
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

keep
τηρούντων (tērountōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 5083: From teros; to guard, i.e. To note; by implication, to detain; by extension, to withhold; by extension, to withhold.

the
τὰς (tas)
Article - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

commandments
ἐντολὰς (entolas)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 1785: An ordinance, injunction, command, law. From entellomai; injunction, i.e. An authoritative prescription.

of God
Θεοῦ (Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

hold to
ἐχόντων (echontōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.

the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

testimony
μαρτυρίαν (martyrian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3141: Witness, evidence, testimony, reputation. From martus; evidence given.

of Jesus.
Ἰησοῦ (Iēsou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.

And
Καὶ (Kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

[the dragon] stood
ἐστάθη (estathē)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2476: A prolonged form of a primary stao stah'-o; to stand, used in various applications.

on
ἐπὶ (epi)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

sand
ἄμμον (ammon)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 285: Sand, sandy ground. Perhaps from hama; sand.

of the
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

seashore.
θαλάσσης (thalassēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 2281: Probably prolonged from hals; the sea.


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NT Prophecy: Revelation 12:17 The dragon grew angry with the woman (Rev. Re Apocalypse)
Revelation 12:16
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