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

REVELATION 12:2KJV
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Revelation 12:2 (KJV)

What does Revelation 12:2 mean?

Revelation 12:2 describes a woman who is pregnant and experiencing the intense pain and struggle of childbirth, crying out because of her labor. The verse uses the image of a woman in the throes of giving birth to convey a sense of distress, anticipation, and something significant about to happen.

In the book of Revelation, John is describing a vision to his readers, using vivid symbols. Here, the woman is a key figure in his vision, and her labor pains highlight a moment of great tension and expectation. The focus is on her suffering and the urgency of what she is about to bring forth, setting the stage for the dramatic events that follow in the chapter.

The Greek behind Revelation 12:2

  • The word for "with child" is γαστρί (gastri), which means pregnant. This word emphasizes her condition and the reality of her impending delivery.
  • The word for "cried" is κράζω (krazo), which often means to cry out loudly or scream. This underscores the intensity of her pain and distress.
  • The word for "travailing in birth" is ὠδίνω (odino), which specifically refers to the pain and effort of childbirth. This term paints a vivid picture of the physical and emotional struggle.
  • The word for "pained" is βασανίζω (basanizo), which means to be tormented or greatly troubled. This word adds to the sense of deep suffering and agony the woman is experiencing.

Why Revelation 12:2 matters

  • The verse clarifies that the woman's suffering is not ordinary discomfort but a deep, urgent pain tied to something momentous about to happen, which shapes how readers understand the rest of the vision.
  • The language connects to Old Testament imagery of Israel or God's people experiencing pain before deliverance, helping readers see the continuity of biblical themes.
  • The focus on the woman's distress and anticipation sets up the dramatic conflict in the following verses, making clear that what is about to be "delivered" is central to the unfolding story.

Where else these words appear

“birth” Greek G5605 · used in 3 verses

  • Galatians 4:19 My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,
  • 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.

“child” Greek G1064 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
  • Matthew 24:19 And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!
  • Luke 21:23 But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people.

“pained” Greek G928 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 8:6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.
  • Mark 5:7 And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not.
  • Revelation 9:5 And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man.

“delivered” Greek G5088 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
  • Luke 1:57 Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son.
  • Hebrews 6:7 For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: