Brief Overview of ποταμοφόρητος (Strong’s G4216: potamophorētos)

Strong’s G4216: A compound adjective literally meaning “carried away by a river,” used only once in the New Testament (Revelation 12:15). In apocalyptic context, describes Satan’s attempt to destroy the woman with a flood, symbolizing overwhelming opposition to God’s people.

U- Unveiling the Word

Ποταμοφόρητος paints a vivid picture of being swept away by a river’s force. In Revelation, it describes Satan’s attempt to destroy the woman (representing God’s people) with a flood. Early church writers saw this as representing both literal persecution and overwhelming spiritual opposition. The word powerfully illustrates how God’s people face seemingly overwhelming forces yet remain protected by divine intervention. Today, it continues to symbolize both the intensity of spiritual warfare and God’s sovereign protection.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ποταμοφόρητος, potamophorētos, po-ta-mo-fo-RAY-tos
• Detailed pronunciation: poh-tah-moh-foh-RAY-tohs (stress on fourth syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verbal Adjective

Etymology:

• ποταμός (potamos) – river
• φορέω (phoreō) – to carry
• -τος (-tos) – verbal adjective suffix

D – Defining Meanings

• Carried away by a river
• Swept away by flood waters
• River-borne

For compound words:
Combines the idea of a river’s force (potamos) with being carried or swept away (phorētos), creating a powerful image of overwhelming force.

Translation Options:

• “Swept away by a river” – emphasizes action
• “River-carried” – literal compound translation
• “Flood-swept” – captures destructive force

E – Exploring Similar Words

• κατακλύζω (katakluzō, kat-ak-LOO-zo) – to flood – See G2626
• ἀποφέρω (apopherō, ap-of-ER-o) – to carry away – See G667
• ποταμός (potamos, pot-ah-MOS) – river – See G4215

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter forms possible
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Case: All cases possible
• Verbal Adjective formation

Example morphological changes:

• Masculine: ποταμοφόρητος
• Feminine: ποταμοφόρητη
• Neuter: ποταμοφόρητον

Cross-references:

• Related noun: ποταμός (river)
• Related verb: φορέω (to carry)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its unique apocalyptic usage. Thayer’s notes its vivid compound meaning. LSJ documents similar compounds in classical Greek. Vine’s highlights its metaphorical significance. Strong’s connects it to persecution imagery. Moulton and Milligan cite rare usage in papyri describing flood damage.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Revelation 12:15: “And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be [ποταμοφόρητος] carried away of the flood.”

Additional References:
This word appears only once in the New Testament, in Revelation 12:15.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Ποταμοφόρητος powerfully illustrates both the intensity of spiritual warfare and God’s sovereign protection. Though Satan attempts to overwhelm God’s people with flood-like opposition, the Lord provides supernatural deliverance. This word encourages believers that no force, however overwhelming, can prevail against God’s protecting care.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word appears in ancient descriptions of natural disasters.
2. Early church writers used it to describe martyrdom experiences.
3. It influenced Christian symbolism of overcoming persecution.

Strong’s G4216: A compound adjective literally meaning “carried away by a river,” used only once in the New Testament (Revelation 12:15). In apocalyptic context, describes Satan’s attempt to destroy the woman with a flood, symbolizing overwhelming opposition to God’s people.

Part of speech: Verbal Adjective

Tags: flood, persecution, apocalyptic, Revelation, spiritual warfare, divine protection, compound words, Satan’s attacks, church preservation, supernatural deliverance​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​