Revelation 12 14

Revelation 12:14 kjv

And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.

Revelation 12:14 nkjv

But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent.

Revelation 12:14 niv

The woman was given the two wings of a great eagle, so that she might fly to the place prepared for her in the wilderness, where she would be taken care of for a time, times and half a time, out of the serpent's reach.

Revelation 12:14 esv

But the woman was given the two wings of the great eagle so that she might fly from the serpent into the wilderness, to the place where she is to be nourished for a time, and times, and half a time.

Revelation 12:14 nlt

But she was given two wings like those of a great eagle so she could fly to the place prepared for her in the wilderness. There she would be cared for and protected from the dragon for a time, times, and half a time.

Revelation 12 verses

Revelation 12 14 Meaning

Revelation 12:14 describes the divine protection and provision for God's persecuted people, symbolized by the "woman," who is miraculously delivered from the serpent's persecution to a place of safety in the wilderness. This protection lasts for a specific prophetic period of "a time, and times, and half a time," during which God sustains them.

Revelation 12 14 Context

Revelation 12 portrays a grand cosmic struggle. The "woman" symbolizes God's people, often understood as faithful Israel through whom the Messiah (her "male child," Jesus) was born. The "dragon," identified as Satan (Rev 12:9), attempts to destroy the child, but the child is caught up to God's throne. Foiled, the dragon then persecutes the woman. Verse 14 elaborates on this persecution, describing God's intervention to protect His people. The "wilderness" echoes the Exodus narrative, where Israel was preserved and sustained by God despite threats and hardships. The period of "a time, and times, and half a time" (three and a half years) signifies a divinely appointed, limited period of intense tribulation, known from Daniel's prophecies. This entire chapter is set within an apocalyptic vision, conveying truths about spiritual warfare, divine sovereignty, and God's steadfast protection over His church against Satan's schemes in the end times. It assures believers of God's active involvement even amidst intense persecution.

Revelation 12 14 Word analysis

• And to the woman: "Woman" (γυνή, gynē) here symbolizes the corporate body of God's faithful people throughout history, culminating in the remnant church, who gave birth to Christ. It connects to Rev 12:1 where she is "clothed with the sun."
• were given: (ἐδόθησαν, edothēsan). A passive voice, emphasizing divine agency. God grants the means of escape, not the woman finding it on her own strength. This highlights divine providence and miraculous intervention.
• two wings: (πτέρυγες, pteruges). A common biblical metaphor for swiftness, protection, and divine care, especially used in the context of God's rescue and covering.
• of a great eagle: (ἀετοῦ μεγάλου, aetou megalou). The eagle is a prominent symbol in the Bible for divine strength, speed, and watchful care, powerfully echoing God carrying Israel out of Egypt "on eagles' wings" (Exod 19:4, Deut 32:11). "Great" emphasizes its divine and overwhelming power.
• that she might fly: (ἵνα πέτηται, hina petetai). Purpose clause. The wings enable a rapid and effective escape, a divinely enabled deliverance from immediate danger.
• into the wilderness: (εἰς τὴν ἔρημον, eis tēn erēmon). A place of refuge, isolation, and protection from enemies. It recalls Israel's forty years in the wilderness where God supernaturally provided for them. It is a place where God tends to His people, away from the world's direct influence and threats.
• into her place: A specific, divinely designated refuge, emphasizing its providential nature. It's not a random flight, but to a destination prepared by God.
• where she is nourished: (τρέφεται, trephetai). Indicating sustained provision and sustenance by God, both spiritual and physical, even in a desolate environment. God ensures His people's survival.
• for a time, and times, and half a time: (καιρόν, καὶ καιρούς, καὶ ἥμισυ καιροῦ, kairon, kai kairous, kai hēmisy kairou). This is a precise prophetic measurement of time found in Dan 7:25 and 12:7, usually interpreted as one year, two years, and half a year, totaling three and a half years, or 1260 days (Rev 12:6), or 42 months (Rev 13:5). It signifies a limited, divinely appointed period of intense tribulation and divine protection.
• from the face of the serpent: (ἀπὸ προσώπου τοῦ ὄφεως, apo prosōpou tou opheōs). Signifies being protected from the direct presence and furious pursuit of the dragon/Satan, emphasizing God's complete protection and concealment from the enemy's grasp. The serpent refers back to the "dragon, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan" (Rev 12:9).

Revelation 12 14 Bonus section

The interpretation of the "woman" in Revelation 12 can vary. While commonly understood as symbolic of God's people (whether Old Testament Israel as the origin of the Messiah, or the Church), some views consider her specifically as the faithful remnant within Israel, or even prophetically as a segment of the end-time Church that will undergo significant persecution but also receive miraculous protection. The "wilderness" often carries dual significance: it's a place of hardship and isolation, yet also a crucible where faith is tested, God's provision is made evident, and His relationship with His people is deepened. This passage emphasizes that divine protection is not necessarily the absence of hardship, but God's sustaining presence and provision through hardship, keeping His people safe for His ultimate purposes. The focus remains on God's active, sovereign involvement in protecting His own.

Revelation 12 14 Commentary

Revelation 12:14 presents a profound picture of divine care during an age of intense spiritual conflict and persecution. Following the dragon's expulsion from heaven, Satan unleashes his fury on God's people. Yet, this verse assures us that God is not passive. He actively intervenes, providing His people with the means of swift, miraculous escape, symbolized by the "two wings of a great eagle." This imagery harks back to Israel's exodus, reminding believers that just as God miraculously delivered His chosen people from Pharaoh's grip and sustained them in the desert, so too will He deliver and provide for His New Covenant people during tribulation.

The "wilderness" is not merely a barren landscape but a divinely appointed sanctuary where God ensures His people are "nourished" – a comprehensive provision for survival and well-being. This period of intense refuge and reliance on God is clearly demarcated by the prophetic duration of "a time, and times, and half a time," which denotes a fixed, predetermined length. This precise timing, paralleled with other segments of the tribulation period, highlights God's absolute sovereignty over even the darkest periods of history. It serves as a comfort: the trial is not endless; God has set its limits. Ultimately, the verse testifies to God's unfailing commitment to preserve His faithful remnant from the direct, malevolent power of the "serpent," Satan himself.