King James Version

What Does Revelation 12:6 Mean?

Revelation 12:6 in the King James Version says “And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousa...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.”

Revelation 12:6 · KJV

Context

4

And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.

5

And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.

6

And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.

7

And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,

8

And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.

Read Revelation 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.... This verse from Revelation's vision of woman, child, and dragon - cosmic conflict, satan's defeat, messiah's victory employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic literature, drawing heavily from Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Zechariah.

The symbolism must be interpreted within its first-century context while recognizing timeless spiritual realities. The imagery would resonate powerfully with persecuted believers facing Roman imperial cult worship, providing hope that despite present suffering, Christ reigns sovereign and will consummate His kingdom. The apocalyptic genre uses symbolic numbers (seven, twelve, 144,000), colors, beasts, and cosmic imagery to convey theological truth rather than photographic descriptions.

Christologically, Revelation consistently exalts Jesus as the victorious Lamb, the faithful witness, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Every vision ultimately points to Christ's supremacy, His finished redemptive work, and His certain return to judge the living and dead and establish the new creation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

John received this revelation circa AD 95 during Domitian's persecution, exiled on Patmos for his testimony. The seven churches of Asia Minor faced increasing pressure to participate in emperor worship and pagan religious practices. Refusal meant economic hardship, social ostracism, and potential martyrdom. Understanding this context illuminates Revelation's encouragement to faithful endurance.

The apocalyptic genre was familiar to first-century Jewish and Christian readers. Rather than newspaper-style predictions, apocalyptic literature uses symbolic imagery to reveal spiritual realities behind earthly events, encourage the faithful, warn the unfaithful, and assert God's ultimate sovereignty over history. Parallels with Daniel, Ezekiel, and intertestamental apocalyptic writings would help original readers decode the symbols.

Rome's imperial cult demanded worship of Caesar as divine, placing Christians in impossible situations—compromise their faith or face persecution. Revelation identifies Rome as "Babylon" and assures believers that despite appearances, the Lamb conquered through His death and resurrection, and all earthly kingdoms will submit to His reign.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Revelation 12:6 reveal God's character, particularly His sovereignty, holiness, and justice?
  2. What specific encouragement or warning does this verse offer for maintaining faithful Christian witness amid cultural pressure?
  3. How does this passage point to Christ's victory and the hope of new creation, and how should that shape your present priorities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
καὶ1 of 22

“And”

G2532

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

ἡ2 of 22
G3588

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

γυνὴ3 of 22

“the woman”

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

ἔφυγεν4 of 22

“fled”

G5343

to run away (literally or figuratively); by implication, to shun; by analogy, to vanish

εἰς5 of 22

“into”

G1519

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

τὴν6 of 22
G3588

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

ἔρημον7 of 22

“the wilderness”

G2048

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

ὅπου8 of 22

“where”

G3699

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

ἔχει9 of 22

“she hath”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

τόπον10 of 22

“a 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

ἡτοιμασμένον11 of 22

“prepared”

G2090

to prepare

ἀπὸ12 of 22

“of”

G575

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

τοῦ13 of 22
G3588

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

θεοῦ14 of 22

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἵνα15 of 22

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ἐκεῖ16 of 22

“there”

G1563

there; by extension, thither

τρέφωσιν17 of 22

“they should feed”

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

αὐτὴν18 of 22

“her”

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

ἡμέρας19 of 22

“days”

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

χιλίας20 of 22

“a thousand”

G5507

a thousand

διακοσίας21 of 22

“two hundred”

G1250

two hundred

ἑξήκοντα22 of 22

“and threescore”

G1835

sixty

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 12:6 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 12:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 11:2-3Revelation 13:5Revelation 12:14Revelation 12:4Matthew 4:111 Kings 17:3-6

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