The word used here means literally “to throw,” without reference to down or up (the word “down” is added in the translation because heaven is understood to be above the earth). The person who throws is obviously stronger than the person or object thrown. With the use of the verb “throw” the dragon is belittled, described as a thing to be tossed away. This point is significant because the verb “throw” is used five times in the present section (Revelation 12:9 (3x); Revelation 12:10; Revelation 12:13) as great encouragement for the beleaguered woman (church who reads this paragraph). Jesus had also foretold that this would happen (John 12:31; Luke 10:1–42).
9 And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.