And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.

REVELATION 12:8KJV
Know the Bible

Revelation 12:8 (KJV)

What does Revelation 12:8 mean?

Revelation 12:8 says that the opposing forces did not win and were no longer allowed to remain in heaven. The verse describes a decisive defeat, making it clear that the losing side lost both their power and their place in the heavenly realm.

This verse is part of John's vision in the book of Revelation, where a war breaks out in heaven between Michael and his angels and the dragon (often understood as Satan) and his angels. The focus here is on the outcome: the dragon and his followers are completely defeated and expelled from heaven, emphasizing their total loss of status and access to the heavenly presence.

The Greek behind Revelation 12:8

  • "Prevailed" (ἴσχυσαν, ischysan): This word means to have strength or power to win. Here, it stresses that the dragon and his angels were not strong enough to overcome Michael and his angels.
  • "Place" (τόπος, topos): This word means a physical or assigned space. The verse highlights that the defeated side lost not just the battle but also any right or position in heaven.
  • "Found" (εὑρέθη, heurethē): This word means to be discovered or to exist. The phrase "their place was not found" shows that there was no longer any spot or role for them in heaven.

Why Revelation 12:8 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the defeat was absolute—there was no possibility for the dragon and his angels to remain or return to heaven.
  • The emphasis on losing their "place" connects to the larger theme in Revelation of spiritual authority and belonging, showing a clear separation between those who are accepted in heaven and those who are not.
  • Understanding this verse helps make sense of the following verses, which describe the consequences of this expulsion for both the heavenly and earthly realms.

Where else these words appear

“prevailed” Greek G2480 · used in 29 verses

  • Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
  • Luke 8:43 And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any,
  • Acts 15:10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

“neither” Greek G3777 · used in 45 verses

  • Matthew 6:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
  • John 9:3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.
  • 1 Corinthians 11:11 Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.

“more” Greek G2089 · used in 86 verses

  • Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
  • Luke 24:41 And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?
  • Galatians 5:11 And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.

“place” Greek G5117 · used in 88 verses

  • Matthew 12:43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.
  • Luke 14:10 But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.
  • Acts 7:49 Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest?