King James Version

What Does Revelation 12:14 Mean?

Revelation 12:14 in the King James Version says “And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where sh... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 12:14 · KJV


Context

12

Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.

13

And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.

14

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.

15

And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.

16

And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The woman (representing God's people) receives eagle's wings to flee into the wilderness for 'a time, times, and half a time' (3.5 years, matching 1,260 days). This echoes Exodus 19:4 ('I bare you on eagles' wings') and Daniel 7:25, showing God's preservation of His church during persecution. Reformed theology sees this as God's providence protecting the elect through tribulation. The wilderness represents both testing and divine provision (Israel's wilderness wandering). Eagle's wings emphasize divine strength enabling escape—believers' preservation stems from God's power, not their own.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Early Christian flight from Jerusalem before Rome's AD 70 destruction fulfilled similar preservation themes. The wilderness refuge recalled Israel's Exodus experience and Elijah's provision at Cherith. First-century believers facing persecution needed assurance that God would preserve the church despite Satan's attacks, even if requiring exile or suffering.

Reflection Questions

  1. How has God provided 'eagle's wings' of escape or endurance during your times of spiritual attack?
  2. What does the wilderness period teach about God's purposes in allowing seasons of difficulty while still providing protection?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 32 words
καὶ1 of 32

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐδόθησαν2 of 32

were given

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

τῇ3 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γυναικὶ4 of 32

to the woman

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

δύο5 of 32

two

G1417

"two"

πτέρυγες6 of 32

wings

G4420

a wing

τοῦ7 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀετοῦ8 of 32

eagle

G105

an eagle (from its wind-like flight)

τοῦ9 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μεγάλου10 of 32

of a great

G3173

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

ἵνα11 of 32

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

πέτηται12 of 32

she might fly

G4072

to fly

εἰς13 of 32

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν14 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἔρημον15 of 32

the wilderness

G2048

lonesome, i.e., (by implication) waste (usually as a noun, g5561 being implied)

εἰς16 of 32

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸν17 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τόπον18 of 32

place

G5117

a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas g5561 is a large but participle locality), i.e., location (as a position, home, tract, etc

αὐτῆς19 of 32
G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ὅπου20 of 32

where

G3699

what(-ever) where, i.e., at whichever spot

τρέφεται21 of 32

she is nourished

G5142

but perhaps strengthened from the base of g5157 through the idea of convolution); properly, to stiffen, i.e., fatten (by implication, to cherish (with

ἐκεῖ22 of 32

for a time

G1563

there; by extension, thither

καιροῦ23 of 32

a time

G2540

an occasion, i.e., set or proper time

καὶ24 of 32

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

καιροῦ25 of 32

a time

G2540

an occasion, i.e., set or proper time

καὶ26 of 32

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἥμισυ27 of 32

half

G2255

(as noun) half

καιροῦ28 of 32

a time

G2540

an occasion, i.e., set or proper time

ἀπὸ29 of 32

from

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

προσώπου30 of 32

the face

G4383

the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person

τοῦ31 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὄφεως32 of 32

of the serpent

G3789

a snake, figuratively, (as a type of sly cunning) an artful malicious person, especially satan


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Revelation. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Revelation 12:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Revelation 12:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study