The Dragon

"Then another ominous sign (wonder) was seen in heaven: Behold, a huge, fiery-red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and seven kingly crowns (diadems) upon his heads." (Revelation 12:3 - Amplified Bible)

In verse nine of this chapter, the dragon is clearly identified as Satan. A dragon is a mythical creature found in many different cultures in different forms. It is a fitting symbol for Satan because it is usually described as wicked, cunning, savage and cruel. In form, it is sometimes pictured as a winged serpent or crocodile.

This great dragon of Revelation is red in color. This may be symbolic of the immeasurable amount of blood that this dragon has caused to be spilled. The seven heads and ten horns will be discussed more fully when we study chapter thirteen. The beast of that chapter is described using similar terms.

The seven heads with seven crowns represent the seven great world governments that the dragon has setup: Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome and the final government of the Anti-Christ. The ten horns represent ten kings or rulers who will support the Anti-Christ when he comes to power.