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Book of Revelation - Chapter 12 - Verse 4

12:4
And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.

Meaning

The verse you are referring to comes from the Book of Revelation in the Bible. In this passage, the dragon is a symbol of Satan, and the stars of heaven represent angels who followed him in rebellion against God. The dragon's tail drawing a third of the stars and casting them to the earth signifies the fall of these rebellious angels from heaven to earth. The dragon standing before the woman who is about to give birth represents Satan's desire to destroy Jesus, who was to be born to the woman. This verse is a powerful illustration of the constant battle between good and evil, and the relentless efforts of Satan to thwart God's plans. Ultimately, this verse points to the victory of Jesus over Satan, as he defeats the dragon and fulfills his purpose on earth.

Theological Overview

One theological interpretation of the verse from Revelation 12:4 points to the symbolism of the dragon's tail drawing a third of the stars of heaven and casting them to the earth. This can be understood as a representation of the angels who sided with Satan in his rebellion against God, leading to their fall from grace. The dragon standing before the woman ready to devour her child can be seen as a portrayal of the continuous spiritual battle between good and evil, with Satan attempting to thwart the birth of Jesus, who is the ultimate fruition of God's plan for humanity.

Additionally, some word studies on this verse indicate that the term "stars of heaven" can symbolize heavenly beings or angels, emphasizing the spiritual nature of the conflict described. The action of the dragon represents the ongoing attempts of evil forces to oppose God's purposes and disrupt His plans for redemption. This verse serves as a reminder of the eternal struggle between light and darkness, ultimately pointing towards the victory of Christ over evil and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan for humanity.

American Standard Version

And his tail draweth the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon standeth before the woman that is about to be delivered, that when she is delivered he may devour her child.
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