Revelation 12:2

KJV

And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} she being {G2192} with {G1722} child {G1064} cried {G2896}, travailing in birth {G5605}, and {G2532} pained {G928} to be delivered {G5088}.

Complete Jewish Bible

She was pregnant and about to give birth, and she screamed in the agony of labor.

Berean Standard Bible

She was pregnant and crying out in the pain and agony of giving birth.

American Standard Version

and she was with child; and she crieth out, travailing in birth, and in pain to be delivered.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 12:2 vividly portrays a mysterious woman, introduced in the preceding verse, in the throes of intense labor. Her cries and severe pain underscore the profound struggle and suffering associated with the imminent birth of a male child, a pivotal event in the cosmic drama unfolding in this apocalyptic vision. This verse sets the stage for the unveiling of God's redemptive plan amidst fierce spiritual opposition, highlighting the anguish preceding a monumental divine deliverance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation chapter 12 marks a significant shift in John's apocalyptic vision, moving from the judgments and trumpet blasts of previous chapters to a grand symbolic narrative of cosmic conflict. Verse 2 immediately follows the introduction of a celestial woman, "clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars" ([Revelation 12:1](/revelation/12-1 "Revelation 12:1 - The Woman Clothed with the Sun")). Her state of pregnancy and intense labor in verse 2 directly precedes the appearance of "a great red dragon" ([Revelation 12:3](/revelation/12-3 "Revelation 12:3 - The Great Red Dragon")) poised to devour her child. This sequence establishes a dramatic tension, setting the stage for the birth of the "male child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron" ([Revelation 12:5](/revelation/12-5 "Revelation 12:5 - The Male Child's Destiny")), clearly identifying him as the Messiah, Jesus Christ. The verse is thus central to understanding the conflict between God's redemptive purposes and the forces of evil.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Revelation was written during a period of intense persecution for early Christians under the Roman Empire, likely during the reign of Emperor Domitian. John's audience would have been familiar with the concept of "birth pains" (ὠδῖνες, _ōdines_) as a metaphor for the suffering and tribulation preceding a significant, often eschatological, event—a common motif in Old Testament prophetic literature (e.g., [Isaiah 13:8](/isaiah/13-8 "Isaiah 13:8 - Travail and Terror") or [Jeremiah 30:6-7](/jeremiah/30-6-7 "Jeremiah 30:6-7 - Jacob's Trouble")). For Jewish readers, the long-awaited coming of the Messiah was often associated with a period of intense suffering, known as the "birth pangs of the Messiah." This cultural understanding would have amplified the symbolic weight of the woman's travail, representing the anguish and anticipation of God's people throughout history as they awaited the promised Deliverer.
* **Key Themes:** Revelation 12:2 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Messianic Anticipation and Fulfillment**, underscoring the long period of waiting and suffering that preceded the first coming of Jesus Christ, a hope deeply rooted in Old Testament prophecy (e.g., [Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - Immanuel Prophecy") and [Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Micah 5:2 - Bethlehem's Ruler")). Secondly, it emphasizes **Suffering and Spiritual Conflict**, symbolizing the intense spiritual and physical suffering endured by Israel and God's faithful people throughout history as they awaited and prepared for the Messiah's arrival, and as they faced relentless opposition from the forces of evil. This pain reflects the cosmic struggle against the "dragon" introduced in [Revelation 12:3](/revelation/12-3 "Revelation 12:3 - The Great Red Dragon"), who sought to thwart God's plan. Finally, the verse reinforces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Purpose Amidst Tribulation**, implying the inevitability of the birth despite the agony and travail, thus reinforcing the idea that God's sovereign plan will unfold regardless of opposition, leading to the ultimate triumph of Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **cried (Greek, _krázō'_):** From G2896, meaning "to 'croak' (as a raven) or scream, i.e. (genitive case) to call aloud (shriek, exclaim, intreat)." This word conveys an intense, involuntary outcry, indicating extreme distress or agony. It's not merely a whimper but a desperate, loud cry, emphasizing the severity of the woman's pain.
* **travailing in birth (Greek, _ōdínō'_):** From G5605, meaning "to experience the pains of parturition (literally or figuratively)." This term specifically refers to the contractions and agony of childbirth. Its use here vividly portrays the physical and emotional intensity of the birthing process, making the pain palpable and relatable to the audience's understanding of labor.
* **pained (Greek, _basanízō'_):** From G928, meaning "to torture." This is a strong word, often used to describe physical torment or vexation. Its application to the woman's labor highlights that her pain is not merely discomfort but an agonizing, torturous experience, underscoring the severity of the struggle she is undergoing to bring forth the child.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And she being with child":** This phrase immediately establishes the woman's pregnant state, building upon the description in [Revelation 12:1](/revelation/12-1 "Revelation 12:1 - The Woman Clothed with the Sun"). The "child" is the central figure of the impending event, and her pregnancy signifies the culmination of a long period of expectation and development. Symbolically, this points to the long history of God's people (whether Israel or the Church) nurturing the promise of the Messiah.
* **"cried, travailing in birth":** This clause vividly depicts the woman's active labor. The word "cried" (krázō) suggests a loud, desperate shout, indicative of intense suffering. "Travailing in birth" (ōdínō) explicitly identifies the nature of her agony as the pains of childbirth. This imagery powerfully conveys the severity of the process, hinting at the immense spiritual and historical struggle involved in bringing forth the Messiah.
* **"and pained to be delivered":** This final phrase reinforces the intensity of her suffering while also highlighting the ultimate goal: deliverance. The term "pained" (basanízō, "to torture") emphasizes the extreme nature of her distress, suggesting a tormenting struggle. Yet, this pain is purposeful, directed toward the act of "being delivered" (tíktō, "to bring forth"). It signifies that despite the agony, the birth is imminent and inevitable, a necessary step towards the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 12:2 is rich in **Symbolism**, where the "woman" and her "child" represent larger spiritual realities rather than literal individuals. The woman is widely understood to symbolize either Israel, the source from which the Messiah came, or the faithful people of God (the Church) throughout history, while the "male child" unequivocally symbolizes Jesus Christ. The act of "travailing in birth" serves as powerful **Imagery**, evoking the universal experience of intense pain and struggle associated with childbirth. This vivid imagery is also a form of **Metaphor**, where the physical agony of labor stands for the spiritual and historical suffering endured by God's people as they awaited and prepared for the Messiah's arrival, and as they faced opposition from the forces of evil. The verse also employs **Anticipation**, building suspense and setting the stage for the dramatic conflict with the dragon that immediately follows, emphasizing the high stakes involved in the birth of the Messiah.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound imagery of a woman in agonizing labor in Revelation 12:2 resonates deeply with the biblical narrative of suffering preceding salvation and new creation. The "birth pains" symbolize not only the long-awaited coming of the Messiah but also the intense spiritual conflict and tribulation that accompany God's redemptive acts throughout history. This cosmic struggle is essential to understanding the cost of salvation and the divine necessity of Christ's advent. It reminds us that God's greatest works often emerge from periods of intense trial and that the path to ultimate deliverance is frequently paved with suffering, mirroring the very suffering of Christ Himself. This theme is echoed throughout Scripture, from the groaning of creation to the trials faced by believers.

* [Isaiah 26:17](/isaiah/26-17 "Isaiah 26:17 - Birth Pangs of Deliverance")
* [Romans 8:22](/romans/8-22 "Romans 8:22 - Creation Groaning")
* [John 16:21](/john/16-21 "John 16:21 - Sorrow to Joy in Childbirth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 12:2 offers a profound lens through which believers can understand their own experiences of struggle and anticipation within God's overarching plan. Just as the woman endured excruciating pain for the glorious outcome of birth, we are called to endure suffering and hardship with unwavering hope, knowing that God is working out His redemptive purposes in and through us. Our current struggles, whether personal or collective, may be part of a larger divine process, leading to greater joy, spiritual maturity, and the manifestation of God's kingdom. This verse reminds us that the coming of Christ, and indeed the advancement of His kingdom, was not and is not without fierce opposition. Therefore, believers must maintain an awareness of the ongoing spiritual battle against evil forces, recognizing that our challenges are often part of this cosmic conflict. Yet, despite the pain and the struggle, the birth was assured, providing immense comfort and assurance that God's ultimate victory and the fulfillment of His promises are certain, even in the most turbulent times. We are invited to participate in this divine labor, trusting that our present "birth pains" will yield eternal joy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do the "birth pains" described in this verse resonate with experiences of suffering or struggle in your own life or in the world today?**
* **In what ways does this verse strengthen your trust in God's sovereign plan, even when circumstances seem chaotic or painful?**
* **How does understanding the cosmic struggle in Revelation 12:2 inform your approach to spiritual warfare and perseverance in faith?**

### FAQ
**Who is the woman in Revelation 12?**

Answer: The identity of the woman in Revelation 12 is one of the most debated symbols in the book. While some interpretations suggest she is a literal figure like Mary, the mother of Jesus, the highly symbolic nature of apocalyptic literature points to a broader meaning. The most prevalent interpretations are:
1. **Israel:** This view sees the woman as representing the nation of Israel, from whom the Messiah (Jesus) was born, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies (e.g., [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - Scepter from Judah")). The twelve stars on her crown could symbolize the twelve tribes of Israel.
2. **The Church/People of God:** Another common interpretation is that the woman represents the faithful people of God throughout history, encompassing both Old Testament Israel and the New Testament Church, who collectively bring forth Christ and continue to bear witness to Him. This view emphasizes the continuity of God's redemptive community.
3. **Mary:** A less common, but still held, view is that the woman is Mary, the mother of Jesus, given her direct role in giving birth to the male child. However, the cosmic and historical scope of the imagery (sun, moon, stars, persecution throughout history) typically leads scholars to a broader symbolic interpretation.
Ultimately, the woman symbolizes the divinely chosen lineage or community through whom God's redemptive plan, culminating in Christ, unfolds.

**What do the birth pains symbolize in this context?**

Answer: The "birth pains" (Greek: _ōdínō_ and _basanízō_) in Revelation 12:2 are rich in symbolic meaning. They primarily represent:
1. **The Suffering of God's People:** They symbolize the long history of suffering, persecution, and tribulation endured by God's faithful people (Israel and the Church) as they awaited the Messiah and as they continue to live in a fallen world opposed to God. This pain is not random but part of a purposeful process.
2. **The Intensity of Spiritual Conflict:** The agony of childbirth vividly portrays the fierce spiritual battle between God's kingdom and the forces of evil (represented by the dragon). The birth of the Messiah was not a peaceful event but a contested one, met with intense opposition.
3. **The Inevitability of God's Plan:** Despite the intense pain and opposition, the birth is assured. The pains are a sign that the time for deliverance is near, underscoring God's sovereign control over history and His unwavering commitment to His redemptive purposes, no matter how difficult the process. This aligns with Jesus' teaching that "birth pains" would precede the new age ([Matthew 24:8](/matthew/24-8 "Matthew 24:8 - Beginning of Birth Pains")).

**Is this a literal event or symbolic language?**

Answer: Revelation 12:2, like much of the book of Revelation, employs highly **symbolic language** rather than describing a literal, historical event. The imagery of a woman clothed with celestial bodies, giving birth in the heavens, and a dragon attempting to devour the child, clearly indicates an apocalyptic vision meant to convey spiritual truths through powerful metaphors. These symbols represent cosmic realities, historical processes, and theological principles related to the conflict between God and Satan, the coming of Christ, and the destiny of God's people. Interpreting it literally would miss the profound theological insights and the nature of apocalyptic literature itself.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 12:2, with its depiction of a woman in agonizing labor to deliver a male child, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the incarnation, life, and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The "male child" is explicitly identified in [Revelation 12:5](/revelation/12-5 "Revelation 12:5 - The Male Child's Destiny") as the one "who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron," unequivocally pointing to Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah. The "travailing in birth" symbolizes the long, arduous history of God's people, particularly Israel, awaiting the Messiah, a period marked by suffering, longing, and prophetic anticipation. This pain culminates in the divine act when "in the fullness of time God sent forth His Son, born of a woman" ([Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - God Sent His Son")). Jesus' birth was not merely a biological event but the pivotal moment in cosmic history, initiating the direct confrontation with the powers of darkness that sought to thwart God's redemptive plan. The "pained to be delivered" foreshadows not only the suffering of God's people but also the immense suffering Christ Himself would endure—His life of humility, His rejection, and ultimately His sacrificial death on the cross, which was the ultimate "labor" through which humanity's deliverance was secured. Through His death and resurrection, Christ "delivered us from the domain of darkness" ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")), bringing forth a new creation and a new covenant. Thus, the anguish of the woman in Revelation 12:2 points directly to the painful yet triumphant work of Christ, the faithful witness and firstborn from the dead ([Revelation 1:5](/revelation/1-5 "Revelation 1:5 - Jesus, the Faithful Witness")), through whom all things are made new.

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

Galatians 4:19

¶ My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,

Revelation 12:4

And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.

John 16:21

A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.

Galatians 4:27

For it is written, Rejoice, [thou] barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband.

Isaiah 53:11

He shall see of the travail of his soul, [and] shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.

Micah 5:3

Therefore will he give them up, until the time [that] she which travaileth hath brought forth: then the remnant of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel.

Isaiah 66:7

Before she travailed, she brought forth; before her pain came, she was delivered of a man child.