An Exegetical Examination of Revelation 12:18: Textual Placement and Verbal Agreement
This exegetical study of Revelation 12:18 is based on a b-greek discussion from Fri Jul 30 14:57:17 1999. The initial inquiry concerns the variation in English Bible translations regarding the verse numbering of Revelation 12, specifically why some versions conclude the chapter with 18 verses, while others end at verse 17, relocating the content of verse 18 (“and he stood upon the sand of the sea”) to the beginning of Revelation 13:1. The question initially suggests that this discrepancy might not stem from a textual variant in the words themselves, but rather from a problem of verse division or contextual placement.
The main exegetical issue revolves around the precise textual placement of the clause “Καὶ ἐστάθη ἐπὶ τὴν ἄμμον τῆς θαλάσσης” (and he stood upon the sand of the sea) and its grammatical subject. This involves assessing the textual variant between the third-person singular aorist passive verb ἐστάθη (‘he stood’) and the first-person singular aorist passive ἐστάθην (‘I stood’). The chosen reading significantly impacts whether the clause concludes the narrative of the dragon in chapter 12 or functions as a new introductory statement by the visionary narrator for the subsequent scene in chapter 13, thereby determining its thematic continuity and referent (the dragon or John).
Καὶ ἐστάθη ἐπὶ τὴν ἄμμον τῆς θαλάσσης. (Nestle 1904, Rev 13:1a)
Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):
- The primary difference is the verse numbering: In Nestle 1904 (and virtually all modern critical Greek texts, including SBLGNT 2010 and NA28), this clause is located at the beginning of chapter 13 (Rev 13:1a) and there is no verse 12:18.
- The specific wording of the clause itself (“Καὶ ἐστάθη ἐπὶ τὴν ἄμμον τῆς θαλάσσης”) is identical in Nestle 1904 and SBLGNT 2010. The difference is solely in its structural placement within the chapter divisions of some English translations, rather than lexical variation in the Greek text.
Textual Criticism (NA28) and Lexical Notes (KITTEL, BDAG)
The critical apparatus of NA28 for Revelation 13:1 records a significant variant for the verb ἐστάθη. While the majority of manuscripts support the reading ἐστάθη (third-person singular aorist passive, e.g., P47, א, A, C, P), a minority tradition reads ἐστάθην (first-person singular aorist passive, e.g., S, 2377, vg, co). The external evidence strongly favors ἐστάθη, suggesting “he stood” as the more probable original reading. However, the interpretive implications of this variant are substantial.
Lexically, the verb ἵστημι (from which ἐστάθη is derived) broadly means “to stand.” In the aorist passive (ἐστάθη or ἐστάθην), it often functions intransitively, meaning “to stand” or “to take a stand” (BDAG, s.v. “ἵστημι”). The prepositional phrase ἐπὶ τὴν ἄμμον τῆς θαλάσσης specifies the location as “upon the sand of the sea.” Ἄμμος refers to “sand” or “sandy shore,” particularly a beach (BDAG, s.v. “ἄμμος”). Θάλασσα denotes the “sea” or “ocean” (BDAG, s.v. “θάλασσα”). The mention of ὁ δράκων (the dragon), though not explicitly in the debated clause, is critical for understanding the subject of ἐστάθη. KITTEL (TDNT, s.v. “δράκων”) discusses its symbolic significance as an evil, satanic adversary in apocalyptic literature. These lexical components together paint a picture of a figure positioned by the sea, a common locus for the emergence of evil forces in apocalyptic imagery.
Translation Variants with Grammatical & Rhetorical Analysis
The grammatical and rhetorical analysis of this clause hinges on two main factors: the person of the verb (third vs. first) and its placement (end of chapter 12 vs. beginning of chapter 13). The prevalence of ἐστάθη (he stood) in the manuscript tradition necessitates an interpretation where the subject is likely the dragon from the preceding verses (Rev 12:13, 17). This reading maintains narrative continuity, depicting the dragon taking a strategic position by the sea after its failed attempt to destroy the woman’s offspring and its subsequent wrath. Rhetorically, this placement would serve as a powerful conclusion to chapter 12, portraying the dragon as poised for the next phase of its assault, awaiting the beast’s emergence from the sea in 13:1.
Conversely, if ἐστάθην (I stood) were adopted, the subject would shift to the narrator (John). This reading would transform the clause into an introductory formula, akin to “And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and then I saw…” This aligns with other vision-initiating phrases in Revelation, such as “καὶ εἶδον” (‘and I saw’). The semantic awkwardness often noted when ἐστάθη (he stood) is placed at the beginning of 13:1 (as in modern critical texts) arises because it creates an immediate shift in subject without a clear anaphoric reference if chapter 12 ended cleanly with the dragon’s persecution. However, when ἐστάθη is at 13:1, scholars like Aune argue for its connection to the preceding scene, with the dragon as the implied subject, making it a continuation of the dragon’s actions. Beale, on the other hand, posits a syntactic connection with “καὶ εἶδον” in 13:1, suggesting the dragon’s standing is part of what John *sees*. This latter view is less persuasive due to the distinct syntactical patterns typically employed in the Apocalypse for introducing new visions.
Modern critical editions (like NA28 and SBLGNT) and the majority of English translations place this clause at the beginning of 13:1, generally translating it as “And he stood upon the sand of the sea.” This implies they either read ἐστάθη and understand the dragon as the implied subject, or they read ἐστάθην, though this is less textually supported. The decision to make it 13:1 reflects an editorial judgment that this clause serves as a transition into the next vision of the beast, regardless of whether the subject is the dragon or the narrator.
Conclusions and Translation Suggestions
The textual evidence predominantly supports the reading ἐστάθη (third-person singular), indicating the dragon as the subject. The placement of this clause at the beginning of Revelation 13:1 in modern critical editions reflects an editorial decision to connect it thematically and chronologically with the subsequent vision. Understanding the dragon as the subject creates a compelling narrative transition, bridging the dragon’s wrath in chapter 12 with the emergence of the beast in chapter 13.
- And the dragon stood upon the sand of the sea.
This translation reflects the majority textual reading of the third-person verb and explicitly identifies the dragon as the subject, completing the narrative arc of chapter 12. If placed at 12:18, it would conclude the chapter, leading into the beast’s appearance. If at 13:1, it implies the dragon is present for the vision. - And he stood upon the sand of the sea.
This translation maintains the ambiguous “he” as often found in modern translations that place the verse at 13:1. While grammatically correct, it requires the reader to infer the subject (likely the dragon from the preceding context). - And I stood upon the sand of the sea.
This translation is based on the less-supported textual variant ἐστάθην (first-person). It portrays the narrator (John) as the subject, functioning as a visionary introduction to the subsequent scene in chapter 13, much like other “I saw” statements in Revelation.