Paragraph 12:3–6
12:3a
Then another sign appeared in heaven: This verse continues the vision that began in 12:1. Translate the words sign and heaven as you did in 12:1.
12:3b
12:3b begins with the Greek words that mean “and look.” The word emphasizes or calls attention to the words that follow. The words also probably indicate surprise or suddenness. The word “look” here is not a command to look at something. Other ways to translate this word are:
indeed/hey,
-or-
and what should appear but
-or-
Suddenly/Unexpectedly,
huge: This word means “very big.”
dragon: This word refers to a creature that is mythical. It refers to a large land animal or possibly a large sea animal. They are usually considered to be much larger than people. Dragons were usually thought to be fierce and dangerous. Here the dragon symbolizes something evil, namely Satan.
Some languages do not have a word for dragon. If that is true in your language, you may want to:
• Use a generic word for a fierce, mythical creature. For example:
monster
• Describe dragon by using a fierce animal known today as a basis. For example:
fierce snake/lizard
-or-
crocodile
• Use the word for a similar dangerous mythical creature that your readers already know about. You may then want to explain the Greek word in a footnote. An example footnote is:
Literally: “dragon.” This is a mythical creature that was large and fierce.
• Use the major language word for dragon. If people are not familiar with this word, explain it in a footnote. An example footnote is:
A dragon is a mythical creature. They were thought to be large and fierce. They were often described as something like a lizard or reptile.
The dragon is a symbol for Satan. In some languages a literal translation would not indicate that the dragon is a symbol for Satan. If that is true in your language, you may want to explain the symbol in a footnote. Some example footnotes are:
The dragon/lizard is a symbol for Satan.
-or-
The dragon/lizard represents Satan.
12:3c
ten horns: These verses do not say how seven heads had ten horns on them. You should not try to explain the meaning in your translation.
horns: This word refers to animal horns. The horn was a symbol of strength.
seven royal crowns on his heads: Each head had a crown on it.
royal crowns: This word refers to the decorated metal circles that kings usually wear on their heads. The royal crowns here are a symbol of authority to rule people.
The Greek word here is different than the Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as “crown” in 12:1c. In some languages people are not familiar with royal crowns. If that is true in your language, you may want to explain the meaning in your translation. For example:
headpieces/hats of rulers
-or-
headdresses of authority
See how you translated this word in 4:4.
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