δράκων (drakōn)
drakōn
dragon
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 12 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun drakōn refers to a dragon or great serpent, appearing most frequently in the Book of Revelation with twelve occurrences. In the Greek Old Testament, it typically translates the Hebrew word for sea monsters or serpents, carrying connotations of chaotic power and danger.
In John’s visions, this term is used figuratively to describe Satan. The text identifies the great red dragon in Revelation 12:3 as that ancient serpent, linking the imagery directly to the adversary. This same figure appears as the beast from the sea and the false prophet in later chapters, emphasizing their demonic origin.
The word likely derives from a root meaning "to look," perhaps referring to the creature’s striking appearance or gaze. Translators consistently render it as "dragon" to preserve the mythological weight of the original image, distinguishing it from ordinary snakes and highlighting its role as a cosmic enemy.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word drakōn appears in Scripture to describe a creature of immense power and chaos. In the New Testament, it specifically identifies Satan as the great red dragon in Revelation 12. This imagery shows that the forces opposing God are real and formidable, yet they are not beyond His control.
John’s vision reveals that this ancient serpent was thrown down to earth, losing his place in heaven. Despite his anger and attempts to persecute believers, the dragon is ultimately bound and defeated. This truth offers deep comfort, reminding us that evil has a limited timeline and final end.
Your faith stands firm because the victory belongs to Christ. When you face spiritual opposition, remember that the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. The dragon’s power is broken, and your hope rests securely in the Lamb who was slain.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 12 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- dragon9×
- dragon.1×
- dragon,1×
- a dragon.1×
- a dragon1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- δράκων8×
- δράκων.1×
- δράκοντος.1×
- δράκοντος1×
- δράκοντι1×
- δράκοντα,1×
Key Verses
-
Revelation of John 12:9
The great dragon was thrown down, the old serpent, he who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world. He was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.
This verse explicitly identifies the dragon as Satan, the deceiver of the whole world, clarifying the identity behind the symbolic imagery.
-
Revelation of John 12:3
Another sign was seen in heaven. Behold, a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads seven crowns.
The description of seven heads and ten horns establishes the dragon’s immense but limited political and spiritual power before its defeat.
-
Revelation of John 20:2
He seized the dragon, the old serpent, who is the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole inhabited earth, and bound him for a thousand years,
This final occurrence shows the dragon bound for a thousand years, confirming that his deceptive influence is ultimately restrained by God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the word drakōn mean in the Bible?
Is the dragon in Revelation a literal animal?
Where does drakōn appear most frequently?
Every Occurrence (12 verses across 1 books)
Revelation of John 12 verses
Another sign was seen in heaven. Behold, a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads seven…
Revelation of John 12:4His tail drew one third of the stars of the sky, and threw them to the earth. The dragon stood before the woman who was…
Revelation of John 12:7There was war in the sky. Michael and his angels made war on the dragon. The dragon and his angels made war.
Revelation of John 12:9The great dragon was thrown down, the old serpent, he who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole…
Revelation of John 12:13When the dragon saw that he was thrown down to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male child.
Revelation of John 12:16The earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the river which the dragon spewed out of…
Revelation of John 12:17The dragon grew angry with the woman, and went away to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep God’s…
Revelation of John 13:2The beast which I saw was like a leopard, and his feet were like those of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a…
Revelation of John 13:4They worshiped the dragon because he gave his authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is…
Revelation of John 13:11I saw another beast coming up out of the earth. He had two horns like a lamb and it spoke like a dragon.
Revelation of John 16:13I saw coming out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false…
Revelation of John 20:2He seized the dragon, the old serpent, who is the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole inhabited earth, and bound…