Revelation 12:4a
Re-evaluation Translation:
12:4 His corrupt propaganda compels Israel’s light-bearers to cry out against the abuses among those who had not yet committed themselves to Yehuveh: the dragon-system opposed these covenant-emboldened people as they arise.
Bible, KJV Translation:
12:4 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.
Significant Words and Comments:
Commentary on Revelation 12:4 (24 February 2008): “His tail” are those who propagate the lies and vanities of this great dragon, the media and politicians who create and promote the lies and propaganda which keeps this dragon in power, as discussed in the notes on Revelation 9:10.
“Drew,” from suro [G4951], “to draw, drag (one before the judge, to prison, to punishment),” is used only here in Revelation. The same word is used in John 21:8 to describe dragging fishing nets, and in Acts 8:3, 14:19, and 17:6 of dragging people into legal situations. However, James Strong says suro is “probably akin to haireomai [G0138].” If he is correct, this greatly changes the meaning of suro in this verse. Haireomai [not used in Revelation] means “to take for oneself, to prefer, choose; to choose by vote, elect to office,” which James Strong states is “probably akin to airo [G0142].” Airo [used twice in Revelation 10:5 and 18:21] means “to raise up, elevate, lift up; to take upon one’s self and carry what has been raised up, to bear; to bear away what has been raised, carry off, remove, cause to cease.” The very propagation of lies in the public media compels Israel’s light-givers to take it upon themselves to raise their voices in protest and seek to put an end to the madness!
“The third part,” Israel, as discussed in notes on Revelation 8:7.
“Of the stars of heaven,” the light-givers from Yehuveh’s protection. Stars are those who, though small, shed light on others around them. As discussed in the notes on Revelation 6:13, these stars are descendents of Israel who confirmed their covenant with Yehuveh and now come from His care to instruct others who have not been privileged to know Him as they do. Heaven is the place of Yehuveh’s protection, as noted in Revelation 4:1.
“Did cast them to the earth,” that is, these light-giving descendents of Israel poured their understanding of Yehuveh’s ways out before those who had not yet made a commitment to Him. Cast, as noted by Revelation 4:10, is to pour out their righteous understanding of Yehuveh’s instructions in powerful communications. “Did cast them to the earth” is a parallel phrase to that used in Revelation 6:13. Earth is explained in the notes on Revelation 5:13.
“The dragon,” the global socio-economic system currently in power, as discussed in detail in The Great Red Dragon.
“Stood before,” in Greek can be to stand up against, as to oppose, or to stand all around, as in gathering to listen to an appealing teacher. Stood is discussed in notes on Revelation 11:4; before is assessed on Revelation 4:6.
Gael Bataman
Originally Written: 24 February 2008
Latest Update: 31 May 2008
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