Dragon

Easton, 1897

(1.) Heb. tannim, plural of tan. The name of some unknown creature inhabiting desert places and ruins (Job 30:29; Psalms 44:19; Isaiah 13:22; Isaiah 34:13; Isaiah 43:20; Jeremiah 10:22; Micah 1:8; Malachi 1:3); probably, as translated in the Revised Version, the jackal (q.v.).

(2.) Heb. tannin. Some great sea monster (Jeremiah 51:34). In Isaiah 51:9 it may denote the crocodile. In Genesis 1:21 (Heb. plural tanninim) the Authorized Version renders "whales," and the Revised Version "sea monsters." It is rendered "serpent" in Exodus 7:9. It is used figuratively in Psalms 74:13; Ezekiel 29:3.

In the New Testament the word "dragon" is found only in Revelation 12:3, Revelation 12:4, Revelation 12:7, Revelation 12:9, Revelation 12:16, Revelation 12:17, etc., and is there used metaphorically of "Satan." (See WHALE.)