Rev 12:4 | RWP | e4.org | His tail ( η ουρα αυτου ). See , . Draweth ( συρε ). Present active indicative of συρω , old verb, to drag, here alone in the Apocalypse, but see . The third part of the stars ( το τριτον των αστερων ). Like a great comet is this monster. See . Perhaps only the third is meant to soften the picture as in . Did cast them ( εβαλεν αυτους ). Second aorist active indicative. Charles takes this to refer to a war in heaven between the good angels and Satan, with the fall of some angels ( ). But John may have in mind the martyrs before Christ ( .) and after Christ's ascension ( ). Stood ( εστηκεν ). Imperfect active of a late verb, στηκω , from the perfect εστηκα of ιστημ , graphic picture of the dragon's challenge of the woman who is about to give birth. When she was delivered ( οταν τεκη ). Indefinite temporal clause with οταν and the second aorist active subjunctive of τικτω , "whenever she gives birth." That he might devour ( ινα καταφαγη ). Purpose clause with ινα and the second aorist active subjunctive of κατεσθιω , to eat up (down). Cf. . This is what Pharaoh did to Israel ( ; ; ; ; ). Precisely so the devil tried to destroy the child Jesus on his birth.

‏ Revelation of John 12:4

His tail ( η ουρα αυτου ). See 9:10, 19.

Draweth ( συρε ). Present active indicative of συρω, old verb, to drag, here alone in the Apocalypse, but see Joh 21:8.

The third part of the stars ( το τριτον των αστερων ). Like a great comet is this monster. See Da 8:10. Perhaps only the third is meant to soften the picture as in Re 8:7f.

Did cast them ( εβαλεν αυτους ). Second aorist active indicative. Charles takes this to refer to a war in heaven between the good angels and Satan, with the fall of some angels (Jude 1:6). But John may have in mind the martyrs before Christ (Heb 11:32f.) and after Christ's ascension (Mt 23:35).

Stood ( εστηκεν ). Imperfect active of a late verb, στηκω, from the perfect εστηκα of ιστημ, graphic picture of the dragon's challenge of the woman who is about to give birth.

When she was delivered ( οταν τεκη ). Indefinite temporal clause with οταν and the second aorist active subjunctive of τικτω, "whenever she gives birth."

That he might devour ( ινα καταφαγη ). Purpose clause with ινα and the second aorist active subjunctive of κατεσθιω, to eat up (down). Cf. Jer 28:34. This is what Pharaoh did to Israel (Ex 1:15-22; Ps 85:13; Isa 27:1; 51:9; Eze 29:3). Precisely so the devil tried to destroy the child Jesus on his birth.