Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

Revelation 12:4

καὶ ἡ οὐρὰ αὐτοῦ σύρει. Is σύρει part of the description of the dragon, while ἔβαλεν marks an event? If so, we should understand that the great serpent coils himself over a third of the sky, and seems to sweep the stars in his train: when he is cast down they are cast down with him after the war in heaven. This of course would be an allegory of the fall of the angels. If not, we must suppose that the wrigglings of his tail are always casting down the stars, and explain the change of tense, if at all, as a Hebraism.

ἵνα … καταφάγῃ symbolises the enmity of the serpent against the seed of the woman, beginning with the intended treachery of Herod, and massacre of the Innocents; but including also the malice that pursued Him through life, the temptation, and at last the Cross.

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Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

Revelation 12:4

Old Testament

New Testament