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.

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.

Commentary

### 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](/revelation/12 "Revelation 12 - The Woman, The Dragon, and The Child"), 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](/revelation/12-5 "Revelation 12:5 - The Male Child Ascends"), the dragon, enraged by his defeat in heaven ([Revelation 12:7-9](/revelation/12-7-9 "Revelation 12:7-9 - War in Heaven")), 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](/revelation/12-6 "Revelation 12:6 - Woman Flees to Wilderness"), 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](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Manna in the Wilderness")). The "eagle's wings" specifically allude to God's carrying Israel "on eagles' wings" out of Egypt ([Exodus 19:4](/exodus/19-4 "Exodus 19:4 - Carried on Eagles' Wings")). 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](/daniel/7-25 "Daniel 7:25 - Time, Times, Half a Time")), 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](/revelation/11-2-3 "Revelation 11:2-3 - 42 Months and 1260 Days") and [Revelation 13:5](/revelation/13-5 "Revelation 13:5 - Beast's Authority for 42 Months"), assures believers that God's plan will prevail and evil's reign is temporary.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Eagle (Greek, _aetós'_):** (G105) This term refers to an eagle, specifically chosen for its association with powerful, swift flight. In biblical imagery, particularly from the Old Testament ([Exodus 19:4](/exodus/19-4 "Exodus 19:4 - God Carries Israel on Eagles' Wings")), the eagle's wings symbolize divine strength, speed, and the protective care with which God delivers His people from danger. Here, the "great eagle" signifies the immense power and effectiveness of God's intervention to rescue the woman.
* **Wilderness (Greek, _érēmos'_):** (G2048) Meaning "lonesome" or "waste," this word often refers to a desert or desolate place. In the biblical narrative, the wilderness is frequently a place of testing, but also of divine provision, intimacy with God, and refuge from enemies. For the woman, it is not a place of abandonment but a divinely designated "place" (_tópos_) of safety and sustenance, away from the direct assault of the serpent.
* **Nourished (Greek, _tréphō'_):** (G5142) This verb means "to stiffen," "fatten," "cherish (with food, etc.)," or "rear." It implies sustained care and provision. The woman is not merely hidden but actively "nourished" by God, indicating a continuous, supernatural supply of all that is needed for her sustenance during her time of refuge, emphasizing God's complete and tender care.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle":** This clause describes the miraculous means of the woman's escape. The passive voice "were given" highlights divine agency; it is God who provides the means of deliverance. The "two wings of a great eagle" symbolize powerful, swift, and secure transportation, echoing Old Testament imagery of God's protective care for Israel during the Exodus.
* **"that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place":** The purpose of the eagle's wings is to enable the woman to escape to a specific destination. The "wilderness" is not a random desolate area but "her place" – a divinely prepared and designated sanctuary. This emphasizes that her refuge is not accidental but part of God's sovereign plan for her safety.
* **"where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time":** This specifies the duration and nature of her stay in the wilderness. "Nourished" indicates continuous, supernatural provision and care. The phrase "a time, and times, and half a time" is a prophetic period (equivalent to 3.5 years, 42 months, or 1260 days), signifying a specific, limited duration of tribulation and divine protection, demonstrating God's control over the timeline of events.
* **"from the face of the serpent":** This final phrase identifies the source of the danger from which the woman is protected. "The serpent" is explicitly Satan ([Revelation 12:9](/revelation/12-9 "Revelation 12:9 - The Great Dragon, That Old Serpent")), whose direct, hostile pursuit is thwarted by God's intervention. This highlights the reality of spiritual warfare and God's power to shield His people from the enemy's direct assault.

#### 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](/exodus/19-4 "Exodus 19:4 - Carried on Eagles' Wings"). 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.

* [Deuteronomy 32:10-11](/deuteronomy/32-10-11 "God's Care for Israel")
* [Psalm 91:1-4](/psalm/91-1-4 "God's Shelter and Protection")
* [Isaiah 40:31](/isaiah/40-31 "Renewed Strength Like Eagles")

### 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
* **In what "wilderness" might God be calling you to trust in His provision today, even when circumstances feel desolate or challenging?**
* **How does the imagery of God providing "wings of a great eagle" encourage you to rely on His supernatural strength and deliverance in your current struggles?**
* **Knowing that the "serpent's" time is limited, how does this truth impact your perspective on current trials or the broader spiritual battles you observe?**
* **What specific ways has God "nourished" you in past difficult seasons, and how can remembering those instances strengthen your faith for future challenges?**

### 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](/exodus/19-4 "God Carries Israel on Eagles' Wings"), 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](/exodus/16 "Manna in the Wilderness")). 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](/daniel/7-25 "Time, Times, Half a Time") and [Daniel 12:7](/daniel/12-7 "Time, Times, Half a Time"), and also appears in Revelation in different forms ([Revelation 11:2](/revelation/11-2 "42 Months"), [Revelation 11:3](/revelation/11-3 "1260 Days"), [Revelation 13:5](/revelation/13-5 "42 Months")). 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](/revelation/12-9 "Satan Cast Down"), 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](/matthew/4-1-11 "Temptation in the Wilderness")), 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](/colossians/2-15 "Triumph Over Principalities")). 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](/revelation/1-18 "Christ Holds the Keys")). 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](/matthew/16-18 "The Gates of Hell Shall Not Prevail")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 19:4

Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and [how] I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself.

Isaiah 40:31

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint.

Revelation 12:6

And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred [and] threescore days.

Daniel 12:7

And I heard the man clothed in linen, which [was] upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that [it shall be] for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these [things] shall be finished.

Daniel 7:25

And he shall speak [great] words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.

Deuteronomy 32:11

As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings:

Deuteronomy 32:12

[So] the LORD alone did lead him, and [there was] no strange god with him.