δράκων

a dragon or huge serpent

Definition

In the New Testament, δράκων refers to a dragon or a large, serpentine creature. It is used exclusively in the Book of Revelation to symbolize a monstrous, supernatural enemy of God and His people. In Revelation 12:3-4, 7, 9, 13, 16-17, and 13:2, this figure is explicitly identified as 'the ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan' (Revelation 12:9). Thus, the primary meaning is a vivid, apocalyptic symbol for Satan himself, depicted as a terrifying beast engaged in cosmic warfare against heaven.

Biblical Usage

This word appears 12 times, all within the Book of Revelation. Its usage is highly symbolic and consistent, portraying the dragon as the archenemy in the book's cosmic narrative. It is the antagonist who persecutes the woman (symbolic of God's people) and makes war against Michael and his angels (Revelation 12:7). The dragon also gives its authority to the beast from the sea (Revelation 13:2), establishing it as the ultimate source of evil power in the vision.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek verb δέρκομαι (derkomai), meaning 'to see' or 'to flash,' likely referring to the creature's piercing gaze. The term δράκων was used in ancient Greek literature for large serpents or mythical dragons, a sense carried directly into the biblical text. The Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament) uses it to translate Hebrew words for serpent or sea monster, such as in Isaiah 27:1.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as the primary symbol for Satan in Revelation's apocalyptic framework. It connects the New Testament devil to the serpent in Genesis (Revelation 12:9), emphasizing his role as the deceiver and cosmic adversary from the beginning. Understanding δράκων enriches reading by highlighting the symbolic, mythic language Revelation uses to portray the ultimate spiritual conflict between God and evil, assuring believers of Satan's ultimate defeat.

In the ancient Greco-Roman and Near Eastern world, dragons or great serpents were common symbols of chaos, evil, and opposition to divine order. John's audience would have immediately recognized the dragon as a figure of monstrous, destructive power. This cultural image differs from modern, often fantastical, understandings of dragons, as it carried serious religious and cosmic connotations of a real, spiritual enemy.

ὄφις (ophis, G3789) — a general word for 'serpent' or 'snake'; used for the serpent in Eden (Genesis 3:1, Revelation 12:9) and is sometimes used interchangeably with δράκων in a symbolic sense, though δράκων emphasizes monstrous size and apocalyptic terror.

Word Details

Scripture References