DRAGON (drag'on), in our version is used for the two Hebrew words than, r, and than-neen', It occurs principally in the plural form (Job xxx :29; Ps. xliv:t9; Is. xiii :22; xxXiV :I3 ; xxxv: 7: Jer. ; xiv :6; xlix :33; and Micah i :8). These texts, in general, present pictures of ruined cities and of desolation in the wilderness. Where Thanim are associated with birds of the desert, they clearly indicate serpents of various species, both small and large, as already noticed in the article ADDER. In Jer. xiv:6, where wild asses snuffing up the wind are compared to dragons, the image will appear in its full strength, if we understand by dragons, great boas and python serpents, such as are figured in the Prienestine mosaics. They were common in ancient times, and are still far from rare in the tropics of both continents. Several of the species grow to an enormous size, and, during their periods of activity, are in the habit of raising a considerable portion of their length into a vertical position, like pillars, to to 12 feet high, in order to survey the vicinity above the surrounding bushes, while with open jaws they drink in a quantity of the current air. The same character exists in smaller ser pents; but it is not obvious, unless when, threat ening to strike, they stand on end nearly three fourths of their length. Most, if not all, of these species are mute,or can utter only a hissing sound; and although the malli-panibu, the great rock snake of Southern Asia, is said to wail in the night, we have never witnessed such a phenome non, nor heard it asserted, that any other boa, python, or erpcton had a real voice; but they hiss, and, like crocodiles, may utter sounds somewhat akin to howling.
Figurative. (1) Satan is called a dragon be cause of his power, malice, and hurtfulness (Rev. xx :2). (2) Cruel tyrants and conquerors, such as the kings of Assyria and Egypt, are likened to dragons, chiefly those of the water kind, as croc odiles, etc., for their terrible appearance and de structive influence (Ps. lxxiv :13; Is. xxvii ; 9; Ezek. xxix :3). (3) The heathen empire of Rome is likened to a great red dragon; that is, a fierce and powerfully persecuting monster. Rome, in a most bloody manner, wasted the na tions, and persecuted the church of God (Rev. xii :3). (4) The "dragon and his angels" were cast out into the earth, when the power of the bloody persecutors was brought low ; heathen idolatry and superstition banished out of the cities to villages; and the power of Satan and his agents trampled under foot (Rev. xii :9). (5) Anti christ speaks as a dragon; by diabolic and heathen authority he teaches, and, under the most terrible penalties, imposes Pagan errors, superstition, and idolatry (Rev. xiii :2). (6) Wicked men are like dragons; they are the seed of the old serpent. and are full of sinful poison; and destruction and misery are in all their ways (Is. xxxv :7; xliii: 20).