Lexical Summary potamophorétos: Carried away by a river Original Word: ποταμοφορητός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance carried away by flood. From potamos and a derivative of phoreo; river-borne, i.e. Overwhelmed by a stream -- carried away of the flood. see GREEK potamos see GREEK phoreo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom potamos and phorétos (carried) Definition carried away by a stream NASB Translation swept away (1), swept away with the flood (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4216: ποταμοφόρητοςποταμοφόρητος, ποταμοφορητου, ὁ (ποταμός and φορέω; like ἀνεμοφορητος (cf. Winers Grammar, 100 (94))), carried away by a stream (i. e. whelmed, drowned in the waters): Revelation 12:15. Besides only in Hesychius under the word ἀπόερσε. Topical Lexicon Conceptual OverviewStrong’s Greek 4216 captures the image of something “swept away in a rushing stream.” The single New Testament occurrence appears in Revelation 12:15, where the dragon projects a river in order to carry off the woman. The term underscores overwhelming force, sudden peril, and the need for divine protection. Immediate Context in Revelation Revelation 12:13-17 depicts Satan—symbolized by the dragon—pursuing the covenant community portrayed as a woman. Verse 15 states, “Then from the mouth of the serpent spewed water like a river, to overtake the woman and sweep her away in the torrent” (Berean Standard Bible). The dragon’s strategy is to unleash a deadly flood, yet the earth aids the woman, swallowing the water (12:16). The word 4216 highlights the fury and breadth of the assault while emphasizing God’s sovereign intervention. Interpretive approaches identify the woman as: In either case, the adverb vividly pictures Satan’s intent to drown God’s people in opposition, persecution, or deception, yet Revelation asserts that his plans are ultimately thwarted. Flood Imagery Throughout Scripture 1. Judgment and Chaos 2. Threat to God’s People 3. Divine Deliverance 4. Eschatological Conflict The Revelation 12 scene gathers these strands: a satanic flood, imminent danger, and God’s dramatic rescue—pointing to final triumph in Jesus Christ. Historical Background and Interpretive Themes First-century believers experienced governmental persecution, false teaching, and social ostracism. John’s vision used apocalyptic symbolism to assure them that hostile forces, though fierce, cannot extinguish the church. The attempted “carrying away” may allude to: • State oppression intending to wipe out the Christian witness. Early church fathers (e.g., Hippolytus) saw the flood as future deception; Reformers often interpreted it as papal persecution; contemporary conservative commentators balance present realities with an ultimate, climactic rebellion before Christ’s return (2 Thessalonians 2:3-8). Ministry Implications and Personal Application 1. Spiritual Vigilance The sudden torrent warns believers to “be sober-minded; be watchful” (1 Peter 5:8). Pastors must guard flocks against cultural currents that would carry them off. 2. Assurance of Preservation The earth’s intervention illustrates providence operating through natural or unexpected means. Saints can trust that “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). 3. Missional Resolve Attempts to drown the church often spread the gospel farther. History records revivals amid persecution, fulfilling Revelation’s pattern: Satan’s flood becomes God’s channel for growth. 4. Worship and Lament Liturgically, Psalm 124 and Isaiah 43 provide responsive readings celebrating deliverance from overwhelming waters, reinforcing Revelation 12’s promise. Homiletic and Teaching Outlines A. The Enemy’s Strategy—A River of Destruction B. The Believer’s Security—A Refuge in the Rock C. The Church’s Mission—Advancing Against the Flood D. The Final Victory—The River of Life (Revelation 22:1) Supersedes the Dragon’s Torrent Related Greek and Hebrew Terms • Greek: potamos (4215) “river,” ekballō (1544) “to cast out.” Both Testaments weave the motif of waters that destroy and waters that heal, culminating in Revelation where the destructive flood is countered by the life-giving river flowing from God’s throne. Summary Strong’s Greek 4216 encapsulates the enemy’s attempt to overwhelm God’s covenant community. Scripture consistently reveals such floods as real and terrifying, yet always subordinate to the sovereign purpose of the Lamb. The church therefore lives and ministers with confidence, knowing that every torrent is met by a greater deliverance, until the day when the only river remaining is the one that “flows from the throne of God and of the Lamb” (Revelation 22:1). Forms and Transliterations ποταμοφορητον ποταμοφόρητον potamophoreton potamophorēton potamophóreton potamophórētonLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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