And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

REVELATION 12:9KJV
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Revelation 12:9 (KJV)

What does Revelation 12:9 mean?

Revelation 12:9 identifies the dragon in John’s vision as the Devil and Satan. The verse pictures his removal from heaven to earth, along with his angels, and describes his reach as worldwide: he deceives people throughout the world.

After the battle in verse 8, John’s description gathers several names around one figure. The phrase “that old serpent” also recalls the serpent in the garden of Eden, who deceived Eve in Genesis 3.

The Greek behind Revelation 12:9

  • “Devil” — διάβολος (diabolos): The Greek word carries the sense of a slanderer or false accuser. The name fits the accusation described in Revelation 12:10.
  • “deceiveth” — πλανάω (planaō): The Greek word can mean to lead astray. Here the image is of drawing the world away from the truth, not merely making an occasional false statement.
  • “world” — οἰκουμένη (oikoumenē): The word refers to the inhabited world. With “whole,” it emphasizes the breadth of the deception among the earth’s people.

Why Revelation 12:9 matters

  • The names point to the same figure, not several separate enemies. The dragon is also called “that old serpent,” “the Devil,” and “Satan.”
  • The dragon’s angels share his expulsion. The final phrase says they were “cast out with him,” connecting their fate to his.
  • The verse sets up both relief and danger in the words that follow. Verse 12 calls on heaven to rejoice, but warns the earth because the Devil has come down.

Where else these words appear

“dragon” Greek G1404 · used in 12 verses

  • Revelation 12:3 And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.
  • Revelation 12:13 And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.
  • Revelation 13:4 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?

“old” Greek G744 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 5:21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
  • Luke 9:8 And of some, that Elias had appeared; and of others, that one of the old prophets was risen again.
  • Acts 21:16 There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge.

“serpent” Greek G3789 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 7:10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?
  • Luke 10:19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
  • 2 Corinthians 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

“world” Greek G3625 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
  • Acts 11:28 And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.
  • Romans 10:18 But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.