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 12:14KJV
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Revelation 12:14 (KJV)

What does Revelation 12:14 mean?

Revelation 12:14 describes a woman being given two large eagle’s wings so she can escape into the wilderness, where she is taken care of and kept safe from a serpent for a set period of time. The verse uses vivid imagery to show protection and provision during a dangerous time.

In the book of Revelation, John is describing a vision where the woman often represents God’s people or a faithful community facing threat. The “wings of a great eagle” suggest a dramatic rescue, drawing on Old Testament images of God delivering people from harm. The “time, and times, and half a time” is a symbolic way of describing a limited period of hardship, during which the woman is hidden from the serpent, who stands for evil or opposition.

The Greek behind Revelation 12:14

  • “γυνὴ” (gynē, woman): This word is often used for a woman or wife, but here it is a symbolic figure, likely representing a group rather than an individual.
  • “πτέρυγες ἀετοῦ μεγάλου” (pteryges aetou megalou, wings of a great eagle): The Greek emphasizes the size and strength of the eagle, highlighting the power and swiftness of the rescue.
  • “τρέφεται” (trephetai, nourished): This word means to be fed or cared for, showing that the woman is not just hidden but actively provided for during her time in the wilderness.
  • “καιρὸν καὶ καιροὺς καὶ ἥμισυ καιροῦ” (kairon kai kairous kai hēmisy kairou, a time, and times, and half a time): The phrase uses the Greek word for a season or set period, underlining that the hardship is limited and under control.

Why Revelation 12:14 matters

  • The verse clarifies that the woman is not abandoned but is given supernatural help and care during her trial, countering any idea that God’s people are left defenseless.
  • The specific time period (“a time, and times, and half a time”) connects this vision to other biblical prophecies about limited periods of suffering, helping readers see patterns in biblical imagery.
  • The use of Old Testament symbols (like eagle’s wings) ties the vision to earlier stories of deliverance, showing continuity in how God rescues and sustains people in times of trouble.

Where else these words appear

“eagle” Greek G105 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 24:28 For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together.
  • Luke 17:37 And they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord? And he said unto them, Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together.
  • Revelation 4:7 And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.

“wings” Greek G4420 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!
  • Luke 13:34 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!
  • Revelation 4:8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

“fly” Greek G4072 · used in 5 verses

  • Revelation 4:7 And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.
  • Revelation 8:13 And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!
  • Revelation 14:6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,

“half” Greek G2255 · used in 5 verses

  • Mark 6:23 And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom.
  • Luke 19:8 And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.
  • Revelation 11:9 And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves.