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 12:14KJVWhat 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.