ποταμοφόρητος

carried away by a stream

Definition

ποταμοφόρητος is an adjective meaning 'carried away by a river' or 'swept away by a stream.' It describes something being overwhelmed and removed by the force of flowing water. In its sole biblical occurrence in Revelation 12:15, it is used metaphorically to describe a flood of water that the serpent (the dragon) spews from its mouth to sweep away the woman (a symbol for God's people). The word emphasizes destructive, irresistible force, not a gentle carrying.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in the apocalyptic book of Revelation. In Revelation 12:15, it appears in a vivid, symbolic vision: 'And the serpent poured water like a river out of his mouth after the woman, so that he might cause her to be swept away with the flood (ποταμοφόρητος).' Here, it describes the intended effect of a symbolic, persecuting flood meant to destroy the woman who represents the faithful community.

Etymology

Derived from two Greek roots: ποταμός (potamos, G4215), meaning 'river' or 'stream,' and φορέω (phoreō), a verb meaning 'to carry' or 'to bear.' It is a compound adjective literally meaning 'river-carried.' The related noun ποταμοφόρητος would describe a 'river-borne' or 'flood-swept' condition.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it captures the nature of spiritual attack and divine protection in apocalyptic literature. The flood from the serpent's mouth symbolizes overwhelming persecution, deception, or evil forces aimed at destroying God's people (the woman). Yet, the earth swallowing the flood (Revelation 12:16) shows God's sovereign intervention and protection. Understanding this Greek term enriches the imagery, highlighting the ferocity of the attack and the miraculous nature of the deliverance.

In the ancient Near Eastern and Greco-Roman world, rivers and floods were common symbols of chaos, destruction, and uncontrollable forces. The imagery of being 'swept away' by a river would immediately convey a sense of catastrophic loss and helplessness against a powerful natural (or supernatural) agent. This cultural understanding amplifies the threat in Revelation's vision.

κατακλύζω (kataklyzō, G2626) — to inundate or flood; emphasizes the covering or overwhelming with water. συναρπάζω (synarpazō, G4884) — to seize and carry away; focuses on the snatching action, not necessarily by water.

Word Details

Scripture References