Revelation 12:13 (KJV)

What does Revelation 12:13 mean?

Revelation 12:13 describes how, after being thrown down to earth, the dragon begins to pursue and harass the woman who gave birth to the male child. The verse shows a shift in the dragon’s focus, now targeting the woman because he can no longer reach the child.

In the setting of Revelation, John is seeing a vision where the dragon represents a force of evil, often understood as Satan, and the woman is a symbolic figure who has given birth to a special male child. The verse marks a turning point in the vision: after failing to defeat the child, the dragon’s attention turns to the woman, setting up the conflict that follows in the rest of the chapter.

The Greek behind Revelation 12:13

• δράκων (drakōn, “dragon”): This word is used for a great, fearsome creature, often symbolizing chaos or evil. Here, it points to a personal force acting with intention.
• ἐδίωξεν (ediōxen, from διώκω, “persecuted”): The Greek word means to pursue or harass, often with hostile intent. It highlights that the dragon is not just angry but actively chasing and trying to harm the woman.
• γυνὴ (gynē, “woman”): The term is general for a woman but is used here for a symbolic figure, often interpreted as representing a people or community, not just an individual.
• ἔτεκεν (eteken, “brought forth”): This verb means to give birth. The focus is on the woman’s role as the one who produced the male child, which is why she becomes the dragon’s new target.

Why Revelation 12:13 matters

• This verse clarifies that the dragon’s defeat in heaven does not end his activity but redirects his hostility to earth, especially toward the woman.
• The focus on the woman as the dragon’s target sets up the next stage of conflict in the vision, helping readers follow the unfolding story.
• Understanding the shift in the dragon’s attention helps make sense of the ongoing struggle described in the rest of Revelation 12, connecting the vision’s symbols to the broader narrative.