TRV
Translation
King James Version
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.
KJV (with Strong's)
And G2532 to the woman G1135 were given G1325 two G1417 wings G4420 of a great G3173 eagle G105, that G2443 she might fly G4072 into G1519 the wilderness G2048, into G1519 her G846 place G5117, where G3699 she is nourished G5142 for a time G1563 G2540, and G2532 times G2540, and G2532 half G2255 a time G2540, from G575 the face G4383 of the serpent G3789.
Complete Jewish Bible
But the woman was given the two wings of the great eagle, so that she could fly to her place in the desert, where she is taken care of for a season and two seasons and half a season, away from the serpent’s presence.
Berean Standard Bible
But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle to fly from the presence of the serpent to her place in the wilderness, where she was nourished for a time, and times, and half a time.
American Standard Version
And there were given to the woman the two wings of the great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness unto her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.
World English Bible Messianic
Two wings of the great eagle were given to the woman, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, so that she might be nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.
Geneva Bible (1599)
But to the woman were giuen two wings of a great eagle, that she might flie into the wildernes, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and halfe a time, from the presence of the serpent.
Young's Literal Translation
and there were given to the woman two wings of the great eagle, that she may fly to the wilderness, to her place, where she is nourished a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent;
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In the KJVVerse 30,906 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on Revelation 12 verses 12–17
12 ¶ Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.
13 And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.
14 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.
15 And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.
16 And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth.
17 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.
We have here an account of this war, so happily finished in heaven, or in the church, as it was again renewed and carried on in the wilderness, the place to which the church had fled, and where she had been for some time secured by the special care of her God and Saviour. Observe,
I. The warning given of the distress and calamity that should fall upon the inhabitants of the world in general, through the wrath and rage of the devil. For, though his malice is chiefly bent against the servants of God, yet he is an enemy and hater of mankind as such; and, being defeated in his designs against the church, he is resolved to give all the disturbance he can to the world in general: Woe to the inhabitants of the earth, and the sea, Rev 12:12. The rage of Satan grows so much the greater as he is limited both in place and time; when he was confined to the wilderness, and had but a short time to reign there, he comes with the greater wrath.
II. His second attempt upon the church now in the wilderness: He persecuted the woman who brought forth the man-child, Rev 12:13. Observe, 1. The care that God had taken of his church. He had conveyed her as on eagles' wings, into a place of safety provided for her, where she was to continue for a certain space of time, couched in prophetic characters, taken from Dan 7:25. 2. The continual malice of the dragon against the church. Her obscurity could not altogether protect her; the old subtle serpent, which at first lurked in paradise, now follows the church into the wilderness, and casts out a flood of water after her, to carry her away. This is thought to be meant of a flood of error and heresy, which was breathed by Arius, Nestorius, Pelagius, and many more, by which the church of God was in danger of being overwhelmed and carried away. The church of God is in more danger from heretics than from persecutors; and heresies are as certainly from the devil as open force and violence. 3. The seasonable help provided for the church in this dangerous juncture: The earth helped the woman, and opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood, Rev 12:16. Some think we are to understand the swarms of Goths and Vandals that invaded the Roman empire, and found work for the Arian rulers, who otherwise would have been as furious persecutors as the pagan had been, and had exercised great cruelties already; but God opened a breach of war, and the flood was in a manner swallowed up thereby, and the church enjoyed some respite. God often sends the sword to avenge the quarrel of his covenant; and, when men choose new gods, then there is danger of war in the gates; intestine broils and contentions often end in the invasions of a common enemy. 4. The devil, being thus defeated in his designs upon the universal church, now turns his rage against particular persons and places; his malice against the woman pushes him on to make war with the remnant of her seed. Some think hereby are meant the Albigenses, who were first by Dioclesian driven up into barren and mountainous places, and afterwards cruelly murdered by popish rage and power, for several generations; and for no other reason than because they kept the commandments of God and held the testimony of Jesus Christ. Their fidelity to God and Christ, in doctrine, worship, and practice, was that which exposed them to the rage of Satan and his instruments; and such fidelity will expose men still, less or more, to the end of the world, when the last enemy shall be destroyed.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 12–17. Public domain.
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IrenaeusAD 202
Against Heresies Book II
But they are altogether full of deceit of every kind, apostate inspiration, demoniacal working, and the phantasms of idolatry, and are in reality the predecessors of that dragon
Victorinus of PettauAD 304
Commentary on the Apocalypse of the Blessed John
"Two great wings" are the two prophets-Elias, and the prophet who shall be with him.
Methodius of OlympusAD 311
SYMPOSIUM 8.12-13
The church, then, coming into this wilderness, a place barren of evils, is nourished, flying on the heavenward wings of virginity, which the Word called the “wings of the great eagle,” having conquered the serpent and driven away from her full moon the wintry clouds. It is for the sake of these things, meanwhile, that all these discourses are held, teaching us, O fair virgins, to imitate according to our strength our mother and not to be troubled by the pains and changes and afflictions of life.… Do not, therefore, lose courage on account of the schemes and slanders of the beast, but bravely prepare for the battle, armed with the helmet of salvation, your breastplate and your leg armor. For you will bring on him an immense consternation when you attack him with great advantage and courage; nor will he at all resist, seeing his adversaries set in array by One more powerful. But the many-headed and many-faced beast will immediately allow you to carry off the spoils of the seven contests.… Therefore, with a virile and sober mind, take up your arms against the swollen beast and do not at all give way, nor be troubled because of his fury. For you will have endless glory if you overcome him, and take away his seven diadems, on account of which we have to struggle and wrestle, according to our teacher Paul. For she who having first overcome the devil and destroyed his seven heads gains the seven diadems of virtue, having gone through the seven great struggles of chastity. For one head of the dragon is incontinence and luxury, and whoever crushes this is wreathed with the diadem of temperance. Another head is cowardice and weakness; and whoever tramples this carries off the diadem of martyrdom. Another head is unbelief and folly and other similar fruits of wickedness; and whoever has overcome these and destroyed them carries off the honors connected with them, the power of the dragon being in many ways uprooted.
Epiphanius of SalamisAD 403
PANARION 7.78.10.9-11.5
When the Savior was on the cross, the Lord turned, as the Gospel according to John tells us, “and saw the disciple whom he loved, and said to him of Mary, ‘Behold thy mother.’ And to her he said, ‘Behold thy son.’ ” If Mary had children and her husband was alive, why did he entrust Mary to John and John to Mary? Why not rather entrust her to Peter? Why not to Andrew, Matthew and Bartholomew? But it is plain that he entrusted her to John because of virginity. For he says, “Behold thy mother,” even though physically she was not John’s mother; he says this to show that as the originator of virginity she was his mother, since the life began with her.… For if she had not truly been the mother who bore him, he would not have taken care to entrust the Ever-virgin to John—his mother because of the incarnation, but in his honor undefiled and the wondrous vessel. But the Gospel says, “And from that day he took her unto his own home.” But if she had a husband, a home, children, she would return to her own home and not to someone else’s.… Indeed, when this had been done and John had taken her to himself, she did not yet live with him. If any think I am mistaken, moreover, let them search through the Scriptures and neither find Mary’s death, nor whether or not she died, nor whether or not she was buried—even though John surely traveled throughout Asia. And yet, nowhere does he say that he took the holy Virgin with him. Scripture simply kept silence because of the overwhelming wonder, not to throw people’s minds into consternation. For I dare not say—though I have my suspicions, I keep silent. Perhaps, just as her death is not to be found, so I may have found some traces of the holy and blessed Virgin. In one passage Simeon says of her, “And a sword shall pierce through your own soul also, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” And elsewhere the Revelation of John says, “And the dragon hastened after the woman who had born the man child, and she was given the wings of an eagle and was taken to the wilderness, that the dragon might not seize her.” Perhaps this can be applied to her; I cannot decide for certain, and [I] am not saying that she remained immortal. But neither am I affirming that she died. For Scripture went beyond human understanding and left it in suspense with regard to the precious and choice vessel, so that no one would suspect carnal behavior of her. Whether she died, I don’t know; and even if she was buried, she never had carnal relations, perish the thought!
Primasius of HadrumetumAD 560
COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 12:14
As though they were wings, the church uses the two Testaments, for taught by them and instructed in their precepts, she strives to avoid the snares of the enemy, and being fashioned to followed their examples, she overcomes. Moreover, [the church] is guided by the twofold love of God and the neighbor. The place of solitude is this place of our earthly sojourn, for “while we are in the body, we are away from the Lord.” And this is especially true of the heart that does not go away from the world by way of place but by way of affection, as the prophet says, “Behold, I fled afar off and remained in solitude; I awaited him who might save me.” It is proper that here he used the image of the eagle, for it can fly to greater distances than can other birds, yet when it sees its prey from afar, moved by its natural needs, it immediately swoops to low levels. Such is the church also, for although in her spiritual members she seeks and ponders in her mind that which is above, yet burdened by the weakness of the body, she submits to the requirements of bodily needs. Because of this, “she groans in travail until now, for the creation is subjected to futility, not of its own will but on account of him who subjected her in hope.” And again, “For either we are beside ourselves for God, or in our right mind for you.” The period of three years and six months signifies that time up to the end of world during which the church increases and flees the worship of idols and every error of the serpent.
Andreas of CaesareaAD 614
COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 12:13-14
From the beginning love for God and for the neighbor and a mind receptive of him who was crucified for us was given to [the church], as were the two Testaments. All of these things are symbolized by the wings of the eagle, and they were given to [the church] so that taking flight by them into the desert, that is, into a citizenship devoid of every desire, she might be nourished. To be sure, this occurs always, but it will especially be so at the coming of the antichrist, who will rule everywhere, it is written, for the designated time of three and a half years. It may be that during that time even those who have hid themselves in the mountains and caves of the literal, physical desert will flee him.
BedeAD 735
Commentary on Revelation
And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, etc. The Church, supported by the two Testaments, avoiding the turbulent poisons of the world, daily seeks the solitude of a quiet and modest spirit with the affection of the mind, joyfully singing: Lo, I have fled far away and have dwelt in the wilderness (Psalm LIV). It is not inconsistent that there she seeks the dove, while here she receives the wings of an eagle. Just as the former represents the gift of the Holy Spirit, so the latter represents the high flight and keen sight with which the Church, with a pure heart, sees God. Her youth will be renewed like the eagle's.
BedeAD 735
Commentary on Revelation
Where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time. This represents the entire time of the Church, as previously encompassed in the number of days. For a time signifies a year, times signify two years, and half a time signifies six months.
OecumeniusAD 990
Commentary on Revelation
And it was said that the woman was given the two wings of the great eagle, so that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time, times, and half a time, away from the presence of the serpent. But the woman did not come under the power of Satan; rather, she fled into the wilderness. This, according to the earlier statements (see comments on 12:6), is Egypt. The prophet sought wings like those of a dove, so that, having flown, he might rest in the wilderness (Ps. 54:7-8); but to the all-pure Virgin are given stronger wings, those of the great eagle, he says. He says that the wings of an eagle symbolize the divine visitation of an angel, who urged Joseph to take the child and his mother and flee into Egypt, through whose visitation, as if by the wings of an eagle, they reached Egypt. (see Matt. 2:13-23) Having failed in this plot, which he had devised through Herod, the Dragon attempts another against the Virgin, aiming to destroy her son. Subsequently, he narrates the crucifixion and death of the Lord.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Revelation 12:14 depicts God's miraculous provision and protection for "the woman," symbolizing His faithful people, who are given "two wings of a great eagle" to escape into a divinely appointed "wilderness" refuge. There, she is supernaturally sustained for a precise prophetic period of "a time, and times, and half a time," safe from the relentless pursuit of "the serpent," Satan. This verse powerfully illustrates God's sovereign care and His ultimate control over the forces of evil, assuring His people of His unfailing presence and provision even amidst intense spiritual conflict and tribulation.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Revelation 12:14 is a crucial part of the apocalyptic vision presented in Revelation 12, which introduces a cosmic struggle between the "woman" (representing God's people, often interpreted as Israel or the Church) and the "great red dragon" (Satan). Following the birth and ascension of the "male child" (Jesus Christ) in Revelation 12:5, the dragon, enraged by his defeat in heaven (Revelation 12:7-9), turns his wrath toward the woman. Verse 14 reiterates and expands upon the woman's flight into the wilderness first mentioned in Revelation 12:6, providing more detail about the means of her escape ("eagle's wings") and the duration of her protection ("a time, and times, and half a time"). This passage underscores the immediate aftermath of Satan's fall and his subsequent persecution of God's earthly remnant, emphasizing divine intervention and provision.
Historical & Cultural Context: The book of Revelation was written to early Christians facing severe persecution under the Roman Empire, likely during the reign of Emperor Domitian. In this context, the imagery of a powerful, hostile "dragon" would resonate with the oppressive imperial power, while the "woman" would symbolize the vulnerable yet divinely protected Church. The "wilderness" motif carries significant Old Testament resonance, recalling Israel's forty years of divine sustenance and protection in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt (Exodus 16). The "eagle's wings" specifically allude to God's carrying Israel "on eagles' wings" out of Egypt (Exodus 19:4). This imagery would have provided immense comfort and hope to a persecuted community, reminding them that God had historically delivered His people from powerful enemies and would do so again. The prophetic time period "a time, and times, and half a time" is rooted in Daniel's prophecies (Daniel 7:25), signaling a divinely appointed, finite period of tribulation, offering assurance that suffering would not last indefinitely.
Key Themes: Revelation 12:14 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of Divine Protection and Provision, illustrating God's active and supernatural safeguarding of His people against overwhelming evil. The "eagle's wings" symbolize swift and powerful rescue, while the "wilderness" represents a place of refuge and sustenance, highlighting God's faithfulness to nourish His own even in desolate circumstances. Another key theme is Spiritual Warfare, as the verse explicitly names the "serpent" (Satan) as the persecutor, emphasizing the ongoing cosmic conflict between God and His adversary. Despite Satan's fury, the passage asserts God's Sovereignty over Evil and Time, demonstrating that the period of tribulation is precisely limited and under God's control, not Satan's. This finite duration, also echoed in Revelation 11:2-3 and Revelation 13:5, assures believers that God's plan will prevail and evil's reign is temporary.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Revelation 12:14 is rich in Symbolism, a hallmark of apocalyptic literature. The "woman" is a symbol, typically representing God's faithful people (Israel or the Church), rather than a literal individual. The "two wings of a great eagle" are not literal wings but symbolize divine power, speed, and protection, drawing on Old Testament Allusion to Exodus 19:4. The "wilderness" is symbolic of a place of refuge and divine sustenance, reminiscent of Israel's journey from Egypt. The "serpent" is a clear symbol for Satan, harkening back to the Genesis account. The phrase "a time, and times, and half a time" is a symbolic prophetic period, an Allusion to Daniel's prophecies, signifying a divinely appointed and limited duration of tribulation. The entire verse employs vivid Apocalyptic Imagery to convey spiritual realities and theological truths about divine protection and spiritual warfare rather than literal historical events.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 12:14 profoundly articulates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, demonstrating His active and supernatural intervention to preserve them amidst intense spiritual opposition. It underscores the biblical truth that while evil forces, personified by the "serpent," rage against God's kingdom, their power is ultimately limited and subject to divine decree. This passage reassures believers that God's providence extends not only to general oversight but to specific, miraculous protection and provision for those who belong to Him, even when they are in a vulnerable state, akin to being in a "wilderness." It points to a God who is both mighty to save and intimately concerned with the well-being of His children, ensuring their sustenance and safety until His ultimate purposes are fulfilled.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 12:14 offers profound comfort and a powerful call to trust in God's sovereignty, especially in times of personal or collective tribulation. It reminds us that even when the forces of evil seem overwhelming, God has a designated "place" of refuge and provision for His people. This "wilderness" may not always be a physical location, but a spiritual state of dependence on Him, where He promises to "nourish" us. This nourishment can manifest as spiritual strength, emotional peace, intellectual clarity, or even practical provision, all sustained by His grace. The knowledge that the period of suffering is "a time, and times, and half a time"—finite and determined by God—provides immense hope, encouraging perseverance and steadfast faith. It calls us to recognize the reality of spiritual warfare while resting in the assurance that our enemy's power is limited and God's protective hand is ever-present.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who is "the woman" in Revelation 12:14?
Answer: "The woman" is a symbolic figure in Revelation 12, widely interpreted as representing God's faithful people throughout history. This includes Old Testament Israel, from whom the Messiah came, and the New Testament Church, which continues the lineage of God's covenant people. She is described with cosmic imagery (clothed with the sun, moon under her feet, crown of stars) to signify her divine origin and glorious destiny. Her persecution by the dragon (Satan) and subsequent divine protection symbolize the ongoing struggle and ultimate preservation of God's chosen ones.
What do "two wings of a great eagle" symbolize?
Answer: The "two wings of a great eagle" symbolize God's powerful, swift, and miraculous deliverance and protection. This imagery directly alludes to Exodus 19:4, where God tells Israel, "You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to Myself." It conveys the idea that God supernaturally lifts His people out of danger and carries them to a place of safety, demonstrating His immense power and tender care.
What is the significance of "the wilderness" as "her place"?
Answer: The "wilderness" in Revelation 12:14 is a divinely appointed place of refuge and sustenance, not a place of abandonment. In biblical tradition, the wilderness is often a place of testing, but also where God provides for His people (e.g., Israel in the desert, Exodus 16). For the woman, it signifies a sanctuary prepared by God, away from the direct assault of the serpent. It emphasizes that God has a specific plan and provision for His people's safety during times of intense persecution.
What does "a time, and times, and half a time" mean?
Answer: This phrase is a prophetic measurement of time, equivalent to 3.5 years, 42 months, or 1260 days. It is found in other prophetic books, notably Daniel 7:25 and Daniel 12:7, and also appears in Revelation in different forms (Revelation 11:2, Revelation 11:3, Revelation 13:5). Its significance is that the period of tribulation and the serpent's power is not indefinite but precisely limited and determined by God's sovereign plan. This provides assurance that suffering has a divinely appointed end.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 12:14, while depicting God's protection of His people, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. It is through His decisive victory over Satan, foreshadowed in the casting down of the dragon in Revelation 12:9, that the "woman" (the Church) receives the secure refuge and sustenance described. Christ Himself endured a "wilderness" experience, facing temptation from Satan for forty days (Matthew 4:1-11), thereby conquering the very adversary who seeks to devour God's people. His atoning sacrifice on the cross and resurrection secured the spiritual "place" of nourishment for believers, where they are sustained by His life-giving Spirit and the Word of God, protected from the "face of the serpent" (Colossians 2:15). The "time, and times, and half a time" of tribulation is ultimately under the sovereign control of the resurrected Christ, who holds the keys of death and Hades (Revelation 1:18). Thus, the divine protection and provision for the Church are not merely a general act of God but flow directly from the finished work and ongoing reign of Jesus, the Lamb who was slain and now reigns supreme, ensuring that the gates of hell will not prevail against His Church (Matthew 16:18).