Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this Bible verse together. It’s a pretty complex passage, but we can understand its core meaning in simpler terms. Here's what it says: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a dramatic event about the beginning of time and speaks to the coming of Christ. Let’s unpack it part by part: “And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven…” – Imagine the universe is like a giant, swirling galaxy. The "stars" are like tiny points of light. This part says that God (represented by “his tail”) was taking some of those twinkling lights and holding them back. It's like he’s safeguarding something important. “…and did cast them to the earth…” – Now, these stars are being flung away from the heavens. “And the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered…” – This is where it gets a little more symbolic. The "dragon" represents Satan or evil. “The woman who was ready to be delivered” refers to Jesus Christ, who was born and destined to redeem humanity from sin. “…for to devour her child as soon as it was born.” – This is the key part! The dragon (Satan) wants to take over the new life of Jesus – his birth, his potential to bring salvation. He's aiming to destroy this new beginning and prevent God’s plan from unfolding. So, in a nutshell: God is safeguarding the coming of Christ through these stars, and Satan is trying to stop him from being born and fulfilling his purpose. What does it mean for us today? This story is often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of evil and the importance of trusting in God’s plan. It speaks to the ongoing battle between good and evil, and the need to be vigilant against those who would try to thwart God's will. It reminds us that even when things seem chaotic or difficult, there is a divine order at work. Important Note: This is a complex passage with various interpretations. Different theologians and Bible scholars have offered their own explanations over the centuries. --- Would you like me to: Explain any of these concepts in more detail? Discuss the symbolism behind the imagery (like the dragon)? Compare this verse to other stories or themes in the Bible?