### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb πέτομαι (petomai), Strong's `{{G4072}}`, fundamentally means "to fly" or "to be in flight." As a middle voice verb, it emphasizes the subject's inherent capacity or self-directed action of flying. Its core meaning is literal, describing the movement of winged creatures through the air. However, in biblical usage, particularly in the New Testament, its semantic range expands to encompass symbolic dimensions related to divine action, swiftness, universality, and supernatural phenomena. It describes not only the natural flight of birds but also the miraculous or apocalyptic movement of spiritual beings and divinely empowered entities.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
πέτομαι (petomai) appears exclusively in the book of Revelation in the New Testament, where its usage is deeply embedded in apocalyptic imagery and serves significant symbolic purposes.
* **[[Revelation 4:7]]**: "The fourth living creature was like a **flying** eagle." Here, πέτομαι describes the characteristic movement of one of the four living creatures around God's throne. The eagle's flight contributes to the majestic and powerful imagery of divine presence, often symbolizing swiftness, keen vision, and sovereign power.
* **[[Revelation 8:13]]**: "And I looked, and I heard an eagle **flying** in midheaven, crying with a loud voice, 'Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth, at the blasts of the other trumpets that are about to sound!'" In this context, the eagle's flight is not merely descriptive but functions as a vehicle for a prophetic announcement of impending judgment. Its "flying in midheaven" signifies a public, inescapable, and universally visible proclamation, emphasizing the swift and certain arrival of divine woes.
* **[[Revelation 12:14]]**: "But the two wings of the great eagle were given to the woman, so that she could **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." Here, πέτομαι denotes the miraculous escape and divine protection of the woman (often interpreted as the faithful remnant of God's people). The "wings of the great eagle" echo Old Testament imagery of God's deliverance and care for Israel ([[Exodus 19:4]], [[Deuteronomy 32:11]]), signifying a supernatural and swift deliverance from persecution.
* **[[Revelation 14:6]]**: "Then I saw another angel **flying** in midheaven, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people." Similar to [[Revelation 8:13]], the angel's flight emphasizes the urgency, universality, and divine origin of the gospel message. "Flying in midheaven" conveys that the message is publicly declared, undeniable, and intended to reach all humanity before the final judgments.
In each instance within Revelation, πέτομαι conveys more than literal movement; it powerfully symbolizes divine agency, the swiftness of divine action (whether judgment or salvation), and the universal scope of heavenly proclamations.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{G4071}}` πετεινόν (peteinon):** This noun, meaning "bird" or "winged creature," is directly derived from πέτομαι, referring to that which flies. It is used broadly in the Gospels and Acts to denote birds.
* **`{{G4420}}` πτῆσις (ptēsis):** A noun meaning "flight," representing the act or state of flying.
* **`{{H5775}}` עוף ('uph):** The primary Hebrew equivalent for "flying creature" or "bird," frequently used in the Old Testament ([[Genesis 1:20]], [[Leviticus 11:13]]). The Old Testament also employs the imagery of God carrying His people on "eagle's wings" ([[Exodus 19:4]], [[Deuteronomy 32:11]]), a concept clearly echoed in Revelation's use of πέτομαι for divine deliverance.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Agency:** The beings depicted as flying (living creatures, eagles, angels) are instruments of God's will, highlighting His absolute control and the execution of His purposes.
* **Universal Proclamation:** The concept of messages proclaimed by flying entities "in midheaven" signifies a message intended for all humanity, publicly and inescapably.
* **Swiftness and Immediacy:** The inherent speed of flight underscores the urgent and decisive nature of divine judgments and gospel proclamations.
* **Miraculous Deliverance:** The imagery of flying for escape connects to the broader biblical theme of God's supernatural protection and provision for His people amidst tribulation.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of πέτομαι (petomai) in the New Testament is profoundly tied to its symbolic use in the Book of Revelation, revealing key aspects of God's character and His eschatological plan.
1. **Divine Authority and Execution:** The creatures and angels empowered to "fly" are depicted as agents of God's sovereign will. Their aerial movement symbolizes the unimpeded and swift execution of divine decrees, whether in judgment, warning, or salvation. It underscores that God's plans are not hindered and unfold according to His perfect timing.
2. **Global Reach of Divine Truth:** The imagery of angels "flying in midheaven" to proclaim messages ([[Revelation 8:13]], [[Revelation 14:6]]) signifies the universal and inescapable nature of God's communication. It implies that both divine warnings and the eternal gospel are intended for all peoples, transcending geographical and linguistic barriers, declared publicly for all to hear and heed.
3. **Supernatural Protection and Providence:** The woman's escape by "flying into the wilderness" on eagle's wings ([[Revelation 12:14]]) is a powerful theological statement about God's miraculous provision and protection for His people during times of intense persecution. It reassures believers that even in the direst circumstances, God possesses the power to supernaturally deliver and sustain His elect.
4. **Apocalyptic Reality:** The use of πέτομαι contributes to the otherworldly and awe-inspiring nature of Revelation's visions. It helps to portray a spiritual reality where divine beings operate with power and purpose, emphasizing that the events described are not merely earthly but are part of a larger, cosmic drama orchestrated by God.
### Summary
The Greek verb πέτομαι (petomai), Strong's `{{G4072}}`, meaning "to fly," serves as a potent symbolic term within the New Testament, exclusively appearing in the apocalyptic visions of Revelation. While its literal meaning describes aerial locomotion, its profound theological significance lies in its metaphorical application to divine agency, swiftness, and universal scope. Whether depicting the majestic movement of a living creature around the throne ([[Revelation 4:7]]), the urgent proclamation of judgment by an eagle ([[Revelation 8:13]]), the miraculous divine deliverance of the persecuted woman ([[Revelation 12:14]]), or the global spread of the eternal gospel by an angel ([[Revelation 14:6]]), πέτομαι consistently points to the sovereign, active, and pervasive work of God. It underscores the immediacy of divine action, the inescapable nature of heavenly proclamations, and God's supernatural provision for His people, all conveyed through the dynamic and awe-inspiring imagery of flight.
TRV