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Revelation 12:17
ESV Then the dragon became furious with the woman and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring, on those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus. And he stood on the sand of the sea.
NIV Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring—those who keep God’s commands and hold fast their testimony about Jesus.
NASB So the dragon was enraged with the woman, and went off to make war with the rest of her children, who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus.
CSB So the dragon was furious with the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring —those who keep the commands of God and hold firmly to the testimony about Jesus. [18] The dragon stood on the sand of the sea.
NLT And the dragon was angry at the woman and declared war against the rest of her children — all who keep God’s commandments and maintain their testimony for Jesus. [18]Then the dragon took his stand on the shore beside the sea.
KJV And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
NKJV And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

What does Revelation 12:17 mean?

Furious that his attack on Israel failed, the Devil turns his attention to the believing remnant. These devout believers obey God's Word and hold to the testimony of Jesus. These, collectively, are the fifth of seven important figures described in this part of Revelation.

This description of the rest of the woman's offspring clearly identifies believers in Jesus. They may be a group of Jews, and possibly also Gentiles, who welcomed the message of the 144,000 identified in chapter 7. The tribulation period certainly leaves no room for wishy-washing professors of Christ. The severe trials of the tribulation will demonstrate genuine faith. As the apostle Peter explained, faith that is tried proves its genuineness and results in "praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 1:7).

It is apparent that the shorter the Devil's time becomes the more furious his rage against God's people grows. Revelation 12:17 concludes with a glimpse of the dragon standing on the sand of the Mediterranean Sea. This is the region from which the first beast of the next chapter emerges.
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