Definition: And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man [child].
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Revelation 12:13. It's a really important and somewhat mysterious part of the book. Here’s what it means in plain language: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a conflict between God and evil. The “dragon” is a symbol of all kinds of wickedness and opposition to God. Let’s unpack each part: “Revelation 12:13” : This is the title of the passage, meaning it’s a prophecy (a prediction about the future). “And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth” : The “dragon” isn't a literal dragon like in fairy tales. It represents a powerful, malevolent force – often interpreted as Satan or evil influences – who is actively trying to oppose God and humanity. He’s seen as being "cast unto the earth" meaning banished from the world. “He persecuted the woman which brought forth the man” : This is where it gets interesting. The “woman” isn't just a literal pregnant woman. It refers to Jesus, the Son of God, who came to Earth and became human. The "man [child]" represents the future savior – Jesus Christ. So, what does this mean? It means that Satan (or evil) was actively trying to stop Jesus from being born and fulfilling his purpose: to save humanity. He wanted to hinder or destroy this new beginning of life. Important Context - It’s a Story with Layers: This verse is part of a larger story in Revelation, which describes a great battle between good and evil. It's not just about one person; it’s about the ongoing struggle for God’s kingdom. It speaks to the idea that even when things look bleak, there's still hope for a future victory. In simpler terms: "Satan is trying to stop Jesus from being born and fulfilling his purpose." Do you want me to explain any of these points further? For example, we could talk about: The symbolism of the dragon What “the man [child]” represents in the context of the Bible Why this verse is important within the larger narrative of Revelation